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    In-person Programme

    Creative Writing Taster Course

    by Reach Cambridge

    A five-hour Cambridge add-on where students practise fiction, poetry and non-fiction through guided creative exercises alongside a main summer course.

    Last verified: 3 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
    Creative Writing Taster Course

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    Creative Writing Taster at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Recently closed

    Eligibility

    Main summer course required

    Age range / Year group

    14-18

    Location / Region

    Cambridge, UK

    Cost

    £595

    Duration

    5 hours

    Format

    In-person add-on

    Latest deadline

    3 August 2026

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Creative WritingWriting

    Accommodation: University college residence

    Certificate / Outcome: Certificate of attendance

    Sessions / cadence: Two weekday afternoons

    Main output: Guided writing exercises

    Accreditation: BAC-accredited provider

    Creative Writing Taster summary

    This compact add-on introduces practical strategies for developing an individual writing style through guided creative exercises.

    Students can explore fiction, poetry and non-fiction while receiving guidance designed to strengthen composition and confidence.

    It suits curious writers who want to sample another academic subject without replacing their main summer course.

    What is Creative Writing Taster Course?

    The Creative Writing Taster Course is an optional Reach Cambridge add-on that supplements a student's main summer academic course. It gives young writers structured guidance and space to experiment with creative techniques.

    Students practise composition through activities spanning fiction, poetry and non-fiction. The course is delivered over weekday afternoons within the wider Cambridge residential summer experience.

    Why Succeed highlights Creative Writing Taster

    • The focused five-hour structure lets students test creative writing without changing their main academic course.

    • Guided exercises cover fiction, poetry and non-fiction rather than limiting students to one form.

    • The course explicitly develops writing style, composition skills and confidence in self-expression.

    • Students receive a certificate of attendance with a course overview and further reading.

    Who is Creative Writing Taster for?

    Best for

    Students who want a short, structured introduction to several creative-writing forms alongside another summer subject.

    Not ideal if

    You want a standalone course, a formal qualification or an intensive multiweek writing programme.

    Is Creative Writing Taster worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test creative writing in a supportive, compact format. The range of forms and guided exercises offers more structure than simply writing independently.

    The main limitation is that five hours cannot provide the depth of a full writing course, and participation requires a separate Reach Cambridge summer-programme booking. The value is strongest when the student genuinely wants an academic afternoon add-on.

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    £595; includes Five hours of teaching, Required course materials, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Certificate of attendance.

    Accommodation

    University college residence

    Provider details

    Review the Reach Cambridge provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    5 hours; Cambridge, UK.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this programme with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

    Compare with similar programmes

    How much preparation does Creative Writing Taster need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Begin the application and personal statement several weeks before the application round closes.

    Main challenge

    Switching between creative forms and producing work within a short course.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose the main summer course before selecting the taster.

    • Collect one or two short writing samples to identify strengths and questions.

    • Read examples of fiction, poetry and non-fiction before arrival.

    • Plan for the taster to replace two afternoons of activities.

    Useful if

    You already keep ideas, drafts or reading notes.

    What do students do on Creative Writing Taster?

    Students use guided activities and composition exercises to explore creative techniques and develop a more individual writing voice.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Join the taster during two weekday afternoons.

    2. 2

      Explore strategies designed to spark creative ideas.

    3. 3

      Practise composition through fiction, poetry and non-fiction exercises.

    4. 4

      Use guidance and feedback to refine expression and build confidence.

    5. 5

      Complete the course and receive a certificate of attendance.

    Creative Writing Taster dates and deadlines

    Second summer run

    19 July-1 August 2026

    This programme period is nearing completion.

    Reference date
    Get next-cycle reminder

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Aged 14-18 in the programme year

    • Enrolled on a Reach Cambridge summer programme

    • Main academic course selected

    • Open to students of all nationalities

    • Academic English recommended at upper-intermediate level

    • Personal statement required after application

    How much does Creative Writing Taster cost?

    Taster fee

    £595 — One Creative Writing taster.

    Funding or discounts

    • Two-taster bundle: £995 — Choose two tasters within the programme.
    • Refer a friend: £100 discount — Conditions apply to the main programme booking.
    • Sibling discount: £300 discount — Available for eligible sibling bookings.

    What's included

    Five hours of teaching, Required course materials, Relevant excursions outside the classroom, Certificate of attendance

    How to apply to Creative Writing Taster

    1. 1

      Open the Reach Cambridge online application.

    2. 2

      Choose a summer programme date and main academic course.

    3. 3

      Select Creative Writing from the optional taster list.

    4. 4

      Submit the application form and pay the deposit.

    5. 5

      Upload the student's 500-1,000-word personal statement within 30 days.

    6. 6

      Complete the remaining online-account requirements by the stated dates.

    7. 7

      Email Reach Cambridge if adding the taster after applying.

    What does Creative Writing Taster cover?

    The programme covers the following focus areas.

    Creative strategies

    Use practical prompts and techniques to spark ideas and originality.

    Fiction

    Practise composition through long-form and short-form imaginative writing.

    Poetry

    Experiment with poetic expression and a distinctive personal voice.

    Non-fiction

    Develop composition skills for articles, memoir and other factual forms.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Creative Writing Taster?

    A typical day during the programme.

    Main course

    Students attend their selected academic subject classes.

    Taster classes

    Creative Writing contributes five teaching hours across weekday afternoons.

    Programme lecture

    Students join the wider programme's lecture or workshop schedule.

    Who teaches on Creative Writing Taster?

    Reach Cambridge courses are taught by specialists who may include fellows, professors, researchers, postgraduates, lecturers and practising professionals. The majority of teachers are connected with Cambridge or other leading academic institutions.

    Teachers have autonomy to shape courses around their subject expertise.

    Where do students stay on Creative Writing Taster?

    Residential plan

    • College accommodation: Students stay in a Cambridge University college in the city centre.
    • Room setup: Same-sex single or twin rooms with shared bathrooms are standard.
    • Meals: Half board provides two meals on regular days and breakfast on excursion days.
    • Pastoral support: Resident supervisors and welfare staff provide 24-hour onsite support.

    The £595 taster fee does not itself purchase accommodation or meals; these belong to the required main programme booking.

    What happens after Creative Writing Taster?

    After completing this programme, participants often pursue:

    Use the certificate as evidence of subject exploration.

    Continue developing fiction, poetry or non-fiction independently.

    Build selected exercises into a broader writing portfolio.

    Use the curated further reading to extend learning.

    Consider a longer creative-writing or literature course next.

    The taster does not award formal academic credit or a qualification.

    Where does Creative Writing Taster take place?

    The taster takes place within Reach Cambridge's summer programme in Cambridge, an historic university city with central college accommodation. Students combine academic study with access to the city's cultural and university setting.

    Reach Cambridge is independent of the University of Cambridge and hires university college accommodation and facilities.

    Creative Writing Taster FAQs

    No. Tasters supplement a Reach Cambridge summer programme, so every student must choose a main academic course.

    The course includes five hours of teaching spread across two weekday afternoons.

    The course covers strategies and exercises for fiction, poetry and non-fiction. Broader descriptions also mention plays, screenplays and memoir.

    Yes. Students can select up to two tasters for each two-week summer programme.

    Yes. Each taster involves missing two afternoons of activities and free time.

    Yes. Students receive a certificate of attendance for taster courses, including a course overview and curated further reading.

    Reach Cambridge does not award formal credit or qualifications for standard courses. Students receive a certificate instead.

    Teaching is in English, and Reach Cambridge recommends an upper-intermediate or B2 level for academic study and communication.

    Alternatives to Creative Writing Taster

    Compare longer creative-writing programmes if you want more teaching time, a broader portfolio or a standalone course.

    Alternatives to Creative Writing Taster

    Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Terms & Conditions (Updated 2026) - Reach Cambridge
    • FAQ - Reach Cambridge
    • Useful Info - Reach Cambridge
    • Summer Programs - Reach Cambridge
    • Apply - Reach Cambridge
    • Reach Cambridge Program Overview — Summer 2026
    • Tasters - Reach Cambridge

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 3 Aug 2026)

    • Course format checked

    • Fee verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Application process checked

    • Summer dates reviewed

    • Accommodation details checked

    • Safeguarding information reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.