St Clare’s, Oxford is introducing a new programme: Leadership & SustainabilitySt Clare’s Introduces a New Leadership & Sustainability Course for Summer 2026
St Clare’s, Oxford has introduced a new Leadership & Sustainability course as
part of its Summer 2026 programme portfolio, delivered at the Merrist Wood
campus in Surrey. Developed in partnership with the University of Surrey and
CIFAL Surrey, the programme combines university-level teaching with practical
sustainability education in a premium residential summer school environment. The
programme has also been approved and certified by UNITAR, the United Nations
Institute for Training and Research, providing participating students with an
internationally recognised academic experience and certification.
About the Programme
Designed for students aged 15–17, the programme focuses on sustainability,
leadership, and global responsibility. Based on the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals (UN SDGs), the course combines academic knowledge with
practical real-world application, helping students develop skills relevant to
both higher education and future career opportunities.
Throughout the programme, students will:
Explore global challenges such as climate change, food systems, and social
inequality
Learn how organisations respond through corporate social responsibility and
social impact initiatives. Develop leadership skills including teamwork,
communication, and strategic thinking
Work on real-world case studies and collaborative projects. Students will also
visit the University of Surrey campus to gain insight into university life and
the UK university application process.
Programme Benefits
Exploring Global Challenges Through the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Students will examine important global issues including climate change, food
systems, social inequality, corporate social responsibility, and social impact
through the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Developing Leadership Skills for the Future
The programme is designed to strengthen students’ confidence, teamwork,
communication, and strategic thinking skills while preparing them for future
academic and professional environments.
Learning with Experts from the University of Surrey
Students will participate in interactive workshops and sessions delivered by
academics from the University of Surrey Institute for Sustainability. Sessions
cover topics including biodiversity, behaviour change, environmental systems,
and sustainable development.
Gaining an Internationally Recognised Learning Experience
Co-developed with CIFAL Surrey and approved by UNITAR, the programme offers
students internationally recognised sustainability and leadership education.
Applying Knowledge Through Practical Projects
Students will work on practical case studies, collaborative projects, and
sustainability-focused challenges, connecting academic theory with real-world
solutions.
Experiencing Sustainability Education at Merrist Wood
Located within a 400-acre countryside campus, Merrist Wood offers ancient
woodland, a working farm, and natural habitats that create an immersive learning
environment for sustainability education.
Discovering University Life and Global Perspectives
Students visiting the University of Surrey campus will gain insight into higher
education in the UK while collaborating with students from different cultural
and academic backgrounds.
A Supportive and International Learning Environment
Small class sizes, expert teaching staff, and an international student
environment support students’ confidence, creativity, and personal development.
Learn from Leading Experts
One of the key highlights of the programme is direct engagement with leading
academics from the University of Surrey. Through interactive workshops and
sessions, students will explore sustainability from multiple perspectives.
Sessions include:
Leadership for Sustainable Development – Dr Roberta Discetti
Wildlife Wellbeing & Behaviour Change Research – Dr Melissa Marselle and Dr
Valentine Seymour
Towards a Nature-Positive School: Student Citizen Science – Dr Matteo Giusti
Environmental Chemistry & Food Systems – Dr Madeleine Bussemaker
A Strong Academic Partnership
The programme is delivered in collaboration with CIFAL Surrey, a UN-accredited
training centre operating within the University of Surrey Institute for
Sustainability. Together, St Clare’s and the Institute for Sustainability have
developed a multidisciplinary course based on the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals. This partnership allows students to benefit from world-class
teaching and research while understanding how sustainability challenges are
addressed at local, national, and global levels.
An Inspiring Learning Experience at Merrist Wood
The programme takes place at the Merrist Wood campus near Guildford, located
just one hour from London. Set within 400 acres of countryside, the campus
provides an ideal setting for immersive sustainability education with ancient
woodland, a working farm, and diverse natural surroundings.
Each week, students can participate in:
Sports activities
Outdoor workshops
Arts and creative activities
Survival skills programmes
Yoga and mini Olympics
Movie nights and social events
Students also take part in up to three excursions per week, including visits to:
London
Windsor Castle
Canterbury and Leeds Castle
Oxford
Portsmouth
and other destinations.
Campus Life
The Merrist Wood campus provides students with a peaceful and spacious
environment for both academic study and outdoor leisure activities. Unlike the
larger Oxford Teens campus, Merrist Wood offers a smaller and more close-knit
residential environment. While Oxford can host up to 320 students, Merrist Wood
welcomes approximately 80 students, creating a more supportive and
community-focused atmosphere.
Accommodation and Student Support
Students stay in residential accommodation located on campus. All rooms are
single rooms and include access to shared bathrooms, communal kitchenettes, and
common areas.
Accommodation includes:
Full-board meals
On-site café facilities
Free Wi-Fi
Laundry facilities
24-hour student support
Student welfare remains a key priority throughout the programme, with dedicated
residential staff and a Welfare Manager providing continuous supervision and
support.
Dates and Fees
Start dates:
12 July
26 July
Duration:
2 weeks (with the option to extend through additional courses)
Course fees include:
Tuition
Full-board accommodation
Sports and activities programme
Three excursions per week
Insurance
Airport transfers from Heathrow and Gatwick airports
Exclusive Agent Discount
Students applying through agent partners before 8 May can benefit from an
exclusive 10% discount.
Who Is This Programme Suitable For?
This programme is especially suitable for:
1. Students interested in sustainability, environment, business, politics, and
global issues
2. IB and A-Level students seeking academic enrichment
3. High-achieving students preparing for university applications and CV
development
4. Families looking for premium and purpose-driven summer programmes
With small class sizes of up to 12 students, university-led teaching,
interactive workshops, and a fully residential all-inclusive structure, the
programme offers a strong academic advantage within the summer school market.
Study Abroad Support with StudyNet Group
At StudyNet Group, we support students throughout every stage of their
international education journey. Through our partnerships with institutions such
as St Clare’s, Oxford, we help students explore summer programmes, academic
opportunities, university pathways, and application processes abroad. Programmes
such as Leadership & Sustainability provide students with valuable academic,
personal, and international development opportunities that can support their
future educational and career goals.To learn more about studying abroad, summer
programmes, and international academic opportunities, you can contact the
StudyNet Group [https://studynet-group.com/en/contact] for further guidance and
support.