The theme of the week is ‘Proof in mathematics’. We will look at different types of mathematical proof in various contexts including geometry, algebra, number theory and combinatorics.
Students will spend a significant amount of time solving carefully selected problems in small groups. The atmosphere is collaborative rather than competitive. The course is run by Winchester College maths teachers, supported by undergraduate and graduate maths students from leading universities.
A day on the course generally includes three taught sessions of 60-90 minutes and 90 minutes of group problem solving.
Students and staff are accommodated in one of the Winchester College boarding houses in a mixture of single and double rooms. Three meals a day are provided in the medieval dining hall as well as morning, afternoon and evening snacks.
Students are given some free time in the afternoons and they are welcome to explore the campus or the city centre. Evening activities include talks from visiting speakers and time outdoors. Students are expected to be in their rooms and quiet by 22.45.
In 2026 the course will run from 1700 on Monday 29 June to 1230 on Saturday 4 July. We are conscious that these dates are before the end of term, and that your school may not grant you permission to attend.
The cost of the course is £500. Financial aid is available in cases of need including a small number of 100% bursaries.
If you would like to apply for this year’s summer school, you should complete this initial application form. You will then be sent a sheet of application problems to attempt. We need to receive your work on those problems by the end of April, so the sooner you apply the more time you will have.
Volunteer sign-up
If you are currently studying mathematics at university and are interested in volunteering on the summer school, please complete this application form by the end of the first week of April.
