There are a large number of language schools throughout the UK offering English language courses and many of these offer special summer programmes for children and teenagers, normally in June, July and August. They invariably follow the same format with English lessons in the mornings and a variety of activities and excursions in the afternoons, evenings and at weekends.

@school-in-UK recommends a number of well-established summer schools that we know well and we are confident will supply high quality care and teaching as well as a wide ranging activity programme. Schools we recommend place a limit of the number of any one nationality in order to encourage students to use English for all communication.

Accommodation

For accommodation, summer schools either use local host families or they use the residential facilities of an established UK boarding school.

  1. Host Family Accommodation
  • Schools use host families that are well known and will:
  • Be carefully vetted by the schools.
  • Inspected by a local government agency.
  • Have no two students of the same native language
  • Do not overcrowd with too many students
  • Do not mix age groups
  • Provide Breakfast and evening meals with a packed lunch (in some schools teenagers purchase lunch from the school’s own cafe or locally)
  • Assist with transport to school for younger children.
  • Must abide by school recommendations and regulations.
  1. Residential Accommodation

Schools offering residential accommodation will be using the accommodation within an established UK boarding school or university campus which would otherwise be empty due to the regular students enjoying their summer vacation.

Typically students will:

  • Share bedrooms with another student of a different nationality.
  • Share bathroom accommodation
  • Have access to and enjoy comfortable common rooms, playrooms, and student kitchens.
  • Have all meals provided and eat in spacious dining rooms
  • Enjoy many open spaces and playing fields for sport and recreation.

The accommodation will be supervised by resident members of staff (often known as house parents) and there will be a code of conduct that all students are expected to follow to ensure the comfort and care of all students and age groups.

English lessons

The norm is for students to have an English assessment on the first day, after which they will be assigned to a class according to their level of English (not by nationality).

  • Schools typically have five or six different language level classes.
  • Some schools do not accept beginners.
  • Class sizes are normally between ten and fifteen students.
  • All schools have a minimum of 15 hours tuition per week – 3 hours each morning.
  • Some offer additional and more intensive study during some afternoons.
  • Schools will issue end of course certificates.
  • Many schools will issue progress reports on the four elements of learning

In some schools there is the opportunity to take English language examinations at the end of the course although these may be on a specified date and schools may demand a minimum length of course for examination courses.

Activities

Activities are normally timetabled for the afternoons and and for teenagers in some if not all evenings.

Schools that have residential accommodation will have a more substantial programme of activities.

Typically schools will arrange:

  • Sports Activities (volleyball, table tennis, tennis, swimming, football, baseball, basketball etc).
  • Creative and performing arts
  • Team games involving communication skills
  • Debating, quizzes and presentations
  • Social events (beach bar-b-ques, discos, films and singing)

Additional specialist activities are often available for additional costs which may include:

  • specialist coaching in sailing, canoeing, riding or mountain biking
  • Horse Riding
  • Dancing
  • Adventure activities
  • Art and Film

Excursions

Summer schools give students the opportunity to visit some of the famous places in the UK. The majority of schools will offer two excursions a week to places of local or national interes as well as visits to adventure parks, museums or zoos. A visit to London may also be available.

Summer school fees will include entry to all places of interest with the exception of any specially requested visit which is not part of the normal schedule.

Fees

Summer school fees will normally include:

  • Accommodation and Tuition
  • Activities (except clearly identifiable optional extras)
  • Excursions
  • Meals (unless otherwise stated)

Fees may not include transfers from airports, insurance or visa support administration. Schools will charge a registration fee on application and request a (non-refundable) deposit with the application form.

Visas

Summer schools will issue a visa support letter once the place has been confirmed and fees have been received. Visa applications are the responsibility of the parents and should be made in good time to avoid disappointment. For students under the age of 18 years, a Short Term Study child visa will be required.

Students who require a visa should see the UK border website for information:

www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas