Sending children to spend a few weeks in one of the many British summer schools has become increasingly popular with parents worldwide. These programmes offer enjoyable activities, plenty of socialising, academic development, and personal growth for the children. As demand has grown, so has the number of summer camps in the UK, making it difficult for parents and children to decide which camp is the best fit. We hope this guide will help ease the process of selecting a summer school.

Define the Main Aim of the Trip

The first step is to consider what you want your child to achieve during their time at a summer school. While many programmes offer similar activities and excursions, each has a different primary focus. Let's explore the main types of programmes available:

The most common summer schools for international students prioritise learning English. The number of hours spent on English lessons each week can vary—from more relaxed courses with 15 hours of English per week to more intensive courses offering 25 hours of tuition. Some courses also focus on preparing students for English exams, such as IELTS, Cambridge English, or Trinity College London exams. If improving English is the main goal for your child, these courses may be a perfect fit, as they often combine learning with plenty of entertainment, activities, and excursions.

Another popular option is sports camps, which focus on coaching, workshops, and competitions in a specific sport. Many of these camps also include some English lessons. This type of programme is ideal for children who want to advance in their sport while experiencing new coaching styles, exploring a new country, and developing their language skills.

For children with a creative streak, an artistic development camp may be a better fit. These camps offer programmes in subjects like theatre, filmmaking, photography, or art. Students can engage in creative workshops, use professional equipment, and learn from industry experts, all while improving their English.

There are also summer schools that focus on specific academic subjects, such as science, psychology, AI, computing, entrepreneurship, economics, law, maths, and medicine. These programmes are excellent for students interested in further studies in these fields or those who want to explore potential career paths. If your child is unsure about what to study, these courses provide an opportunity to "test the waters" and gauge their interest in different subjects.

For children considering studying in the UK, there are summer schools specifically designed to prepare them for that experience. Pre-GCSE, pre-A-Level, pre-IB, and pre-university courses offer academic programmes that focus on the skills needed to succeed in the British education system. These courses teach study techniques, academic vocabulary, and writing skills. Pre-university students may also have the chance to attend lectures from different UK universities.

Consider the Location

Summer schools are available across the UK, and location can be an important factor in your decision. If your child is interested in studying at a specific school, university, or region, choosing a camp located in that area might be a good idea. This allows them to experience the place firsthand and decide if it suits them for a longer stay.

Additionally, if your child dreams of visiting London, sending them to a camp as far as, for instance, Edinburgh might not meet their expectations. Review the excursions advertised in the summer school's programme to ensure your child will enjoy the planned trips.

If you’d like your child to spend more time outdoors or experience the charm of historical British life, consider a camp located in the countryside, perhaps in an old boarding school with beautiful, extensive grounds. On the other hand, if modern accommodations with refurbished facilities are more important to you, you might prefer a different type of location.

Language Proficiency

When choosing a summer camp, be mindful of the language requirements. Some schools welcome students of all English proficiency levels, while others may be better suited to beginners or more advanced speakers. Attending a summer camp in a foreign country is already a big change for children, so it’s important not to add extra stress by placing them in a programme with an unsuitable language level.