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One of Europe’s fastest-growing educational institutions (ranked 156th on the FT 1000 list) has announced a curriculum partnership with MIT’s RAISE initiative, offering AI literacy certification courses for teenagers in Oxford this summer.
Oxford, EnglandApril 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Oxford Royale Academy, one of Europe’s fastest-growing educational institutions by revenue, has announced a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to provide AI literacy education to international summer school students this year.
Students attending Oxford Royale Academy’s Oxford summer courses will have the opportunity to complete the MIT RAISE FutureBuilders AI learning pathway.
Through this partnership, students enrolled in Oxford Royale’s Oxford summer courses will complete the MIT RAISE FutureBuilders learning pathway—a structured AI education curriculum developed by MIT’s “Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education” (RAISE) initiative in collaboration with Pharos Education. Students who complete the course will receive an official MIT RAISE certificate.
Oxford Royale hosts over 3,000 students from more than 175 countries and regions each summer, offering university-style academic programs across various Oxford colleges. This partnership marks the first time a formal AI curriculum component has been integrated into existing academic programs.
This announcement follows Oxford Royale’s inclusion in the “Financial Times FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026” list, ranking 156th across Europe.
Voices from All Sides
“Future leaders will be those who understand both technology and how to navigate it responsibly. Our partnership with MIT’s RAISE initiative and Pharos Education gives students the opportunity to engage with and explore AI at an early stage—not just as a tool, but as a force that will shape their careers, future industries, and society as a whole.”
— Andy Palmer, CEO of Oxford Royale Academy
“The MIT RAISE FutureBuilders curriculum has a clear goal: to transform the next generation from consumers of technology into builders of AI. Oxford Royale’s student body, representing over 175 countries and regions, is one of the most internationally diverse groups we have ever worked with.”
— Felipe Arango, CEO of Pharos Education
Broader Context
In recent years, with the rapid commercial deployment of large language models and other AI systems, AI has risen to prominence on the agendas of schools, universities, and policymakers. Multiple governments have introduced national strategies for AI education, while employer surveys consistently show that AI literacy is among the most valued skills for new entrants to the workforce.
Despite this, structured AI education at the secondary school level remains limited in most countries. By introducing the MIT RAISE learning pathway, Oxford Royale aims to bridge this gap, enabling students aged 13 to 18 to engage with the technical principles and ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence before entering university.
MIT RAISE defines its mission as promoting AI literacy and ethical understanding among young learners worldwide. The curriculum developed by the initiative is designed to help students understand and engage with AI in a more thoughtful manner, with a focus on issues such as fairness, accountability mechanisms, and the societal impact of automated systems.
Oxford Royale was founded in 2004 by University of Oxford graduate William Humphreys. Since its inception, over 50,000 students from more than 175 countries and regions have studied here.
Editorial Notes
Course Dates and Registration Information
The summer program will be held in two sessions: July 5–18, 2026, and July 19–August 1, 2026. A total of 60 places are available across both sessions.
About Oxford Royale Academy
Oxford Royale Academy is a leading international education institution, offering academic summer school programs at various Oxford colleges in the UK and at multiple campuses worldwide. Since its founding in 2004, it has hosted over 50,000 students from more than 175 countries and regions. The institution ranks 156th on the “Financial Times FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2026” list. For more information, visit oxfordroyale.com.
About MIT RAISE
MIT RAISE (Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education) is a global initiative launched by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, dedicated to making AI literacy education accessible to a wider audience. Its FutureBuilders program provides young learners with structured learning pathways to develop AI skills, with a focus on ethical and responsible use of the technology.
About Pharos Education
Pharos Education is an edtech company that collaborates with leading academic institutions to develop and deliver AI learning programs. Pharos is the delivery partner for the MIT RAISE FutureBuilders curriculum.