When parents search for the best summer schools in the UK, they are not simply looking for a course, they are looking for a summer of a lifetime for their children. On 18 February 2026, leading education consultancy Education Advisers hosted a special Summer School Webinar. The session was led by Mary Banks-Murayama and brought together respected industry experts including Caroline Marshall of Academic Summer and Pearly Sze of Immerse Education.
Drawing on insights shared during the webinar, this article explores the different types of programmes available and highlights expert advice for parents considering the best summer schools in the UK for their children. Plus, at the end of this article, we have embedded the full webinar recording so you can hear directly from the panel.
What makes the best summer schools UK so special?
As Mary Banks-Murayama of Education Advisers explained during the webinar, today’s leading summer schools combine academic excellence with enjoyment. Students do not simply attend lessons, they make international friendships, visit iconic British landmarks, try new sports and return home more confident and independent .
Most programmes run throughout July and August and are held on the campuses of prestigious British boarding schools and universities. This gives students access to:
- Impressive sports facilities;
- Historic classrooms and boarding houses;
- Safe, supervised residential accommodation; and
- A true taste of British school or university life.
For older teenagers, some programmes take place at university campuses, offering a preview of undergraduate study in cities such as Oxford, Cambridge and London.
Costs vary depending on intensity and specialisation, with weekly fees typically ranging from approximately £1,200 to £4,000. But what types of programmes fall under the umbrella of the best summer schools in the UK?
The four main types of UK summer school programmes
During the webinar, Mary outlined four broad categories of programmes available through the Best Summer Schools platform.
1. English plus sports and activities
This is a traditional format many parents recognise. Students receive between 9 and 15 hours of English tuition per week. Classes are levelled following an initial assessment to ensure each child is placed appropriately. Afternoons are packed with activities such as: drama, horseriding, climbing and outdoor adventure, sailing or team sports. Excursions might include trips to London, Oxford, Cambridge or a theme park. These programmes are ideal for younger students or those whose primary goal is to improve their English while enjoying a vibrant social environment.
2. Academic summer schools
Academic summer schools are designed for students who want intellectual challenge alongside cultural experience. Subjects may include: Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business and entrepreneurship, Creative writing and Psychology. These programmes are especially popular with students aged 13–18 who are considering UK boarding schools, A Levels or the IB Diploma.
Caroline Marshall explained that specialist providers such as Academic Summer Camps use the campuses of prestigious schools and colleges while delivering their own carefully designed curriculum. At Academic Summer, this includes the CLIL methodology, Content and Language Integrated Learning, where students learn English through academic subjects rather than through isolated grammar lessons. This approach builds both subject knowledge and language fluency simultaneously.
3. Specialist sports camps
For passionate athletes, specialist sports camps offer intensive training in a particular discipline. These camps combine professional coaching with structured activities and excursions. They are particularly attractive to students who want to refine performance while experiencing life in a British boarding school setting.
4. University preparation and work experience programmes
Older teenagers often seek more focused preparation. These programmes may include: university-style seminars, personal statement workshops, career pathway tasters and work experience placements. They are particularly valuable for students considering competitive courses such as Medicine or Law.
Caroline Marshall’s expert input – how to choose wisely
A key highlight of the webinar was Caroline Marshall’s contribution on how to identify the best summer schools in the UK for your individual child. With nearly two decades of industry experience, Caroline emphasised some important points.
1. Look beyond the venue
Many parents are impressed by famous school names. Caroline explained that while prestigious locations can be important, it is equally vital to understand who is running the programme. Some courses are run directly by the host school. Others are delivered by specialist summer providers who rent the campus facilities. Both can be excellent, but parents should check accreditation, staff qualifications, safeguarding standards and the experience of the provider.
2. Match the programme to the child’s goals
Caroline highlighted that today’s summer schools are no longer only for international students learning English. Increasingly, British and native English-speaking students attend academic and specialist programmes to explore career interests, prepare for A Levels or IB, build confidence before boarding school and / or gain international friendships. Her advice was simple. Choose a programme aligned with your child’s passions. Motivation drives success.
3. Consider flexibility of stay
While two weeks is the average duration, some students stay for four to eight weeks or combine different programmes. For example, a student might complete: two weeks of academic study followed by two weeks of work experience. Or attend a Summer Camp followed by 1:1 tuition in a teacher’s home via Living Learning English. This flexibility can transform a summer into a structured pathway experience.
4. Understand what is included
Caroline reassured parents that reputable summer schools typically include tuition accommodation, meals, excursions, activities, progress reports and certificates. Clarity on inclusions helps families compare programmes accurately.
Why the best summer schools in the UK are transformative
Across the webinar, one theme was consistent – transformation. Students arrive nervous and leave confident. They practise independence within a safe, structured environment. They improve their English naturally by living and learning alongside peers from around the world.
For Academic Summer, this transformation is driven by the CLIL approach and a commitment to combining knowledge with adventure. As the organisation often says, it is about creating “a place where education and adventure meet”.
Where to find the best summer schools in the UK
The dedicated Education Advisers platform lists over 100 carefully selected programmes from leading providers. Parents can explore options and receive personalised advice at: www.bestsummerschools.co.uk This comprehensive website can guide families through the decision-making process, ensuring a chosen programme truly suits the student’s needs.
Academic Summer is pleased to be listed among the best summer schools in the UK on this platform. And, their programmes are hosted in exceptional locations designed to inspire students academically and personally.
At beautiful Sidcot School in the English countryside, the Academic Summer Adventurers, Explorers, Pathfinders and Engagers programmes offers a safe and enriching residential experience surrounded by the rolling Somerset hills. See Best Summer Shools – Sidcot. They also run a dynamic Football Camp in partnership with Vitalii Bresler of British Camp at Sidcot, combining professional coaching with English language development. See Best Summer Shools – football.
In London, students can participate in a camp at David Game College in the heart of the City for highly regarded Career Pathways programmes in Medicine, Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Future Gen Study. See Best Summer Shools – Dave Game College.
Alternatively, the Academic Summer Explorers and Engagers residential and non-residential programme in Westminster places students at the centre of British culture, history and academic excellence. See Best Summer Schools – DLD College.
Being recognised among the best summer schools in the UK reinforces Academic Summer’s commitment to deliver innovative, academically challenging and transformational experiences where education and adventure truly meet.
Watch the full webinar
To gain deeper insight into the best summer schools UK, watch the complete webinar below, where you will hear directly from Mary Banks-Murayama, Caroline Marshall and Pearly Sze as they provide valuable clarity and reassurance.
Choosing among the best summer schools UK is an investment in your child’s future. Whether your child wants to improve English, prepare for university, explore a career pathway or simply enjoy a structured and enriching summer, there is a programme designed for them. The key, as Caroline Marshall wisely advised, is to match the programme to the student, not just the prestige of the venue.
If you would like guidance on selecting the right academic summer experience, the team at Academic Summer Camps would be delighted to help you take the next step towards a summer of a lifetime. Email info@academiccamp.оrg or call +44 20 3959 9370.
Al Gibson is a business journalist based in Exeter. He started Countdown Creative in 2020 offering copywriting services to local companies, charities and organisations.
