Last Year's Speakers
The first British astronaut
We are delighted to welcome back Helen Sharman CMG OBE to Oxford this summer, for Session 1 on 8 July 2026.
A pioneer, role model, science communicator and world-class inspirational speaker, Helen became the first British astronaut in May 1991, aged 27, when she spent eight days orbiting the Earth.
A superb speaker, Helen enthuses audiences about space, the importance of women in STEM and the wonders of science.
Watch our Great Debate with Helen Sharman CMG OBE, the first Briton in space, and be inspired.
Technology leader, STEM advocate, and influential voice on innovation and the future of work
We will welcome Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE to Oxford for Session 2 on 21 July 2026.
An award-winning technologist, author and champion for diversity in STEM, Anne-Marie is one of the UK’s leading voices on innovation, technology and the future of work.
Recognised by Computer Weekly as the UK’s most influential woman in tech and named among Forbes’ top 50 women in tech globally, Anne-Marie served as President of the British Science Association from 2022–2023 and was awarded an MBE for services to young women and STEM.
Endurance swimmer, maritime lawyer, and the UN Patron of the Oceans
We will welcome Lewis Pugh to Oxford for Session 3 on 6 August 2026.
An endurance swimmer, maritime lawyer and UN Patron of the Oceans, Lewis was the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world. He was also the first to swim across the North Pole and the full length of the English Channel.
Through his work, Lewis has helped protect over 3.5 million km² of vulnerable marine ecosystems and continues to inspire global audiences to think differently about challenge, impact and responsibility.
Here are just a few of the guest speakers who have previously delivered talks, debates, and discussions to our students:
Physicist, Media Personality
Brian is a Fellow of the Royal Society and Professor of Particle Physics at The University of Manchester and is an incredibly popular TV and radio presenter on shows such as BBC2’s Solar System. Famed for making the exploration of the universe engaging and accessible, Professor Brian Cox inspired our students with his experience, and also ignited the curiosity young people need to drive change.
Vice-Chairman Ogilvy UK
As vice chairman of marketing powerhouse Ogilvy UK, Rory pioneers behavioural science and creativity over data. Rory will introduce you to his idea of psycho-logic – his insight into how our brains work emotionally not rationally. And why creative, even weird ideas, often lead to the best results. As he famously said “A flower is just a weed with an advertising budget.”
Co-Founder of LOVEFiLM & CCO at Amazon
Simon co-founded and built the brand LOVEFiLM, eventually to become Amazon Prime, prior to joining Amazon as the worldwide creative lead. The first person to be made Chief Creative Officer of the company, he has received many accolades in recognition for his achievements, including an Emmy nomination in recognition of his innovative Alexa Super Bowl campaign, and acknowledgement from the Vatican for his Christmas 2016 Amazon Commercial.
Historian & Broadcaster
David Olusoga is a British-Nigerian historian, broadcaster, and filmmaker who has made TV series including Empire and the BAFTA winning show Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners. His award -winning book Black & British: A Forgotten History was also made into a major BBC TV series.
Book a call with our friendly admissions team.
Over the course of two weeks, our students discover the best version of themselves. Read their stories to see how an Academy Royale International summer school creates memories which last a lifetime.
Hear From Our Students
Academy Royale International
I have never been to Oxford before, and now I love it. The buildings and the history are incredible. My favourite part has been the people. I have met so many people from all over the world, and I have made some lifelong friends.
Laura
Business, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Hear from Our Parents
Academy Royale International
The classes were very different from school. We had the hands-on experiences that are really important for learning the subject and it’s helped me decide what I want to do in the future.
Maria
Engineering
I chose to come to Academy Royale International because I wanted an adventure! I also wanted to explore university life, and learn more about the subject. I love the lessons here because the teachers make the lessons fun while teaching, lots of practical work.
Femi
Explore Engineering
In school, we mostly learn simpler topics, but these classes were different. The lessons went much more in depth, and I found them fascinating. If this is what university-level learning is like, I definitely want to go to university. I’ve really enjoyed the experience, and I hope university will be just like this.
Nicolas
Experimental Psychology