Discover why a UK summer school experience with Academic Summer offers much more than just English lessons. From CLIL learning and personal growth to lifelong friendships, Caroline Marshall shares insights into what makes this opportunity truly transformative.
When I speak to parents at international fairs or meet them through our partners, I often get asked, “Why should I send my child to a UK summer school?” After nearly a decade with Academic Summer, and having worked in both admissions and as a camp director, my honest answer is: because it’s so much more than just a summer school.
Building confidence through experience
I’ve seen students arrive shy and uncertain, only to leave two or four weeks later bursting with confidence. Our students come from over 60 nationalities, and many travel on their own for the first time. They’re not just improving their English, they’re learning how to make friends, navigate new environments and discover talents they didn’t even know they had.
Take my nephew, for example. He joined our camp at Sidcot aged 11 and returned again at 16. He’s fluent in English, but the camp helped him uncover a love of maths that had never been picked up at school. Experiences like that stay with a young person for life.
Safety, care and professionalism
We understand how important safety is for parents. From the moment your child lands at Heathrow, they’re in our care. We offer 24/7 supervision, hot meals, hotel stays on arrival and a high staff-to-student ratio. We follow strict UK safeguarding laws and are inspected regularly.
Your child’s well-being is our top priority and you’ll notice the change when they return home.
A modern way of learning: CLIL
At Academic Summer, we use the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) approach. This means your child learns subjects like science, maths or business in English. They don’t just study English, they live it.
Our teachers are specialists in their fields, not just language instructors. This allows them to bring passion and expertise to the classroom. One science lesson I remember involved jellyfish made out of plastic bottles to explain buoyancy and pressure, so much more engaging than a textbook!
And the best part? These skills help students thrive in future classrooms, whether at school or university.
London or countryside – you choose
Every student is different. Some love the vibrant pace of our London campus at DLD College, where they visit museums, galleries and theatres. Others feel more comfortable at our countryside campus in Sidcot, with campfires, wide-open fields and a warm community.
Wherever they go, they’re immersed in English, culture and friendship.
Preparing for life after school
Many of our students go on to study at UK boarding schools or universities. We’ve partnered with Living Learning English, another British Council-accredited organisation, to provide seamless transitions.
For example, after our summer school finishes in August, students can stay in a host family through Living Learning English until their term begins in September. That continuity is ideal for international students adjusting to a new country.
It’s more than just school
We make time for joy. From talent shows to all kinds of outdoor activities, our students experience a rich blend of academics, adventure and creativity. These memories and the friendships formed last a lifetime.
Looking back, I often think how different my own university experience might have been if I’d done something like Academic Summer as a teenager. I struggled with confidence. I didn’t know how to approach people from different cultures. Summer school gives students the soft skills they’ll need throughout life.
If you’re a parent wondering whether to send your child abroad, I hope this has given you reassurance. I truly believe this kind of UK summer school experience sets young people up for success, both academically and personally.
And if your child does come to Academic Summer, don’t be surprised if they come back speaking better English… and knowing more about themselves, too.
Caroline Marshall is the Head of Communications and Operations at Academic Summer, bringing extensive experience in education management. She specialises in English as a Second Language (ESL), intercultural communication, student recruitment, and international admissions. With a Master’s in International Higher Education from the University of Nottingham, Caroline ensures seamless operations while supporting students and families worldwide.
