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2026 Athena Scholars in Oxford: July 6 to July 18
Athena Scholars
We seek future female leaders! Contact us at: athenascholars@oxford-iq.academy
Apply to become an Athena Scholar
Transform Your Future
Apply now and take the first step towards transforming your future! Scroll down on this webpage to find the online application. You must submit the following as attachments 1) a Statement of Interest (500 words); 2) an Essay from the list on the page (1,500 words); 3) a recent Report Card from your school.
Alternatively, you may email us at athenascholars@oxford-iq.academy and request an application form and 2026 Prospectus. We will continue to accept applications on a rolling admissions basis until our available spaces are full.
The Oxford IQ Academy
Our programs are designed to be flexible and affordable, with options to fit any schedule. We offer a strong programme of Political Leadership and Strategic Communications advanced courses. Our team of advisors and instructors are here to support you throughout your journey.
Athena Scholars - Future Female Leaders
The Programme
Athena Scholars are challenged academically, and are enroled in two mandatory streams:
Track 1: Political Leadership: T1 includes International Relations, Policy, Issue Areas, Peace & Conflict, Business & Entrepreneurship, and Law.
Track 2: Strategic Communications: T2 includes Media Relations, Writing Op-Eds, Debate, Creative Writing, and Research & Writing.
Tutorials: Athenians participate in 1:1 sessions with a faculty member and will receive guidance on applying to university, putting together a successful application to Oxford or Cambridge, and feedback on aspirations.
Athenians are expected to complete an individual work of academic writing and will receive feedback from their tutors and the directors during 1:1 or 2:1 tutorials.
Professor Louise Formby, FRGS, BA/MA/MSc (Oxon)
As The Oxford IQ Academy co-founder and co-director, I have welcomed Athena Scholars to Oxford since 2024. I earned all of my degrees from Oxford University, and have served in many educational leadership roles including as Oxford's MBA Admissions Manager.
We screen applicants to build small and elite cohorts of young ladies from around the world to come to Oxford and receive a great deal of attention. We want to see our Athenians succeed in life, and we counsel them long after they depart from our two-week programmes.
I encourage parents to send their daughters to us for the course by telling them that safety is our #1 concern, and my husband (the Co-Director and also an alumnus of Oxford University and Cambridge University) and I live in College with the girls making it a very familial atmosphere. We share our wisdom with them, as do our amazing tutors and instructors - all of whom have ties to Oxford or Cambridge.
We look forward to welcoming you to Oxford in July 2026!
Athena Scholars Succeed
Our Athena Scholars go on to achieve greatness and they stay in touch with us as we build a powerful Athena Alumnae Organisation.
In January 2026, we learned that two of our girls were accepted to study at Cambridge University next Autumn! British student "Hanna" will be reading Theology at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and Indian student "Saisha" will be reading Law at Queens' College, Cambridge.
Athena Scholars Alumnae are Resilient
Athena Scholars adhere to our motto: Quod Obstat Viae Fit Via. Latin for: "what stands in the way, becomes the way." We teach that we are all faced with challenges in life, and that we need to view challenges not as barriers but as opportunities to become more resilient and adaptable.
We welcome all Athena Scholars to keep in close touch as we write reference letters and coach our scholars on university interview methods, and making vocational choices. We want our scholars to develop a plan for resilience, adaptability and success.
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Malcolm X
Athena Scholars Programme
Future Female Leaders
Athena Scholars are young ladies over the age of 16 who are on their way to becoming future global influencers. Each of our Athena Scholars receives a scholarship to lower the costs of attending a two-week intensive programme in Oxford or Cambridge. Applicants must provide a Statement of Interest, an Essay of 1500 words+, and a current school report card.
The Athena Scholars Programme Setting
We host one Athena Scholars cohort per summer to an Oxford (or Cambridge) college with whom we contract for room & board, lecture and seminar rooms, and other facilities. Oxbridge colleges are like gated communities for academics with one way in and out of college, monitored by security staff ("porters").
We treat our girls as young ladies and expect poise and politeness from our Athena Scholars as we are guests of the college, and many times, the Head of the College is in residence when our cohort is there. Meals are taken in historic dining halls, and we end the two weeks with a Formal High Table Dinner (a served dinner) followed by live music and dancing.
Our School Partnerships
We have established partnerships with leading educational institutions and organizations around the world. These partnerships allow us to offer our students unique opportunities such as study abroad programs and research collaborations. We are proud to be part of a global network of educators and learners who share our commitment to quality education.
We welcome schools to apply to become a "Oxford IQ Academy Global Partner" through which we sponsor teachers to travel with their students to Oxford and be a part of our faculty team (all expenses in the UK will be paid for the teacher). Please email Professor Formby directly at louise@oxford-iq.academy.
Kahuku High School in Hawaii is a partner, and we welcomed six students (2 were accepted in the Athena Scholars Programme), and two faculty members in 2024, and will welcome another cohort in 2026.
Athena Scholars Programme Faculty
Our faculty consists of experienced educators and professionals who are passionate about their fields and committed to providing the best possible education to our students. We carefully select our faculty members based on their expertise, teaching experience, and dedication to their craft. Our faculty members are not only experts in their fields but also caring mentors who provide personalised guidance to our students.
In 2024 and 2025, 100% of our faculty earned degrees from Oxford University and/or Cambridge University and many currently tach at those institutions.
Athena Scholars Brand
The Athena Scholars Programme courses are taught at an undergraduate level and are meant for high-achieving future female leaders. Our branding for apparel, writing materials and our identity package are uniquel to the programme. The brand is owned by The Oxchange Ltd, our UK limited liability company.
"I am the embodiment of wisdom, a guiding light in a world of chaos"
Athena