The summer holidays offer a valuable opportunity to combine language learning with an unforgettable international experience. Even at short notice, there are still excellent summer school options available in the UK. For families looking to improve their child’s English in a structured, inspiring environment, British boarding school summer programmes remain one of the most effective and enjoyable choices.
What Are Summer Schools?
Summer schools are language courses for students aged 9 to 17, typically held at boarding schools in England and Scotland during the summer holidays. This timing allows them to fit seamlessly into the academic year.
Lessons take place in the mornings and are designed to be interactive, engaging, and tailored to small groups. In the afternoons, students take part in a varied activity programme, including sports, creative subjects, excursions, and social events.
Participants come from all over the world, creating a naturally immersive English-speaking environment. With full supervision and a safe, supportive setting, students can enjoy their time abroad with confidence.
What Are the Benefits of a Summer School?
- Practical Language Development Students actively use English both in the classroom and in their free time. This immersive approach leads to noticeable progress, often within just one week.
- International Friendships Meeting peers from different countries encourages cultural exchange and creates lasting memories and friendships.
- Discovering New Interests Alongside academic lessons, students explore a wide range of activities such as sports, arts, and excursions—often discovering new passions or developing existing ones.
- Personal Growth A summer school experience helps students build independence, confidence, teamwork, and intercultural awareness—skills that benefit them far beyond the classroom.
What Does a Summer School Cost?
British summer schools typically cost between £1,400 and £2,000 per week. Additional expenses include flights, transfers, and pocket money. At the current exchange rate, a two-week stay usually totals around €3,500 to €4,500, including all associated costs.
How to Choose the Right Summer School
The UK offers a wide range of summer schools, differing in academic focus, location, activities, and price. Choosing the right programme can be challenging without expert guidance.
For over 20 years, Stanford & Ackel has been advising families on selecting suitable boarding schools and summer programmes. With a carefully curated network of partner schools, we provide tailored recommendations based on each student’s individual profile.
Following a personal consultation, we guide families through the entire process—from selecting the right school and handling the application to organising travel and providing ongoing support throughout the stay. Feedback from former students also plays an important role in helping families make informed decisions. Our advisory services are entirely free of charge.
Is a Summer School Worth It?
Philipp Ackel shares his perspective:
“I would say absolutely. I attended a summer school for three weeks after Year 6, and I still remember it vividly today. It was an incredibly positive and formative experience. It sparked my interest in travelling abroad and meeting people from different cultures. Later, I went on to study and complete internships in England, France, Ireland, and Canada—and I am certain that my summer school experience laid the foundation for that journey.
Last year, my daughter Charlotte attended her first summer school at the age of 11. She enjoyed it so much that she is returning to the same school this year and is already considering longer stays in the UK. Her confidence, as well as her interest in the English language and culture, has developed significantly.”
Conclusion: Start Planning Now
A summer school in the UK is far more than just a language course. It is an investment in your child’s personal and academic development. And even now, there are still excellent opportunities available for this summer.
If you would like to explore suitable options or receive personalised advice, the Stanford & Ackel team will be delighted to assist you. Get in touch with us to find the ideal summer school for your child.
Tel: 089 / 6001 3850
E-Mail: info@stanford-ackel.com
