Guide to UK Summer Schools

Attending a summer school or summer course can be an unforgettable experience for students and is a fantastic opportunity to learn and gain new skills whilst meeting new friends. There are a huge range of summer school options available which can sometimes be quite overwhelming. We thought it would be helpful to answer some frequently asked questions and list some of our recommendations for summer schools in this article.

Why Should I Attend a Summer School?

Attending a summer course is a great opportunity to learn more about a particular subject and to enhance your academic knowledge and skills, while learning in an environment that is both challenging and supportive. A summer school is also a great way to meet like-minded people and develop social skills.

Are Online or In-Person Summer Schools Better?

This will highly depend on your needs and preferences. Online summer schools can be more convenient and offer more flexibility – you will not need to worry about commuting or accommodation and you can learn from the comfort of your own home. In person summer schools are much more immersive and you will have a different experience from being in a new environment and meeting people in person and learning interactively, which is especially beneficial if you prefer a hands-on approach to learning.

Will Going on a Summer Course Help Me with My School or University Application?

Summer schools are not aimed at helping students with schools or university entrance. By attending an academic or subject-specific summer course, it may well help you perform better in school, and if you are applying to UK universities, a UK summer school will give you the chance to gain unique insight into the world of higher education and a taste of life on a UK university campus. You will also have the chance to meet leading academics in your field of interest.

Although a summer course will not help you directly with your school or university application, it will give you the opportunity to grow and develop new skills which may help prepare you for your transition to a new school or university. This may help you stand out from the crowd when applying to a school or university.

Types of Summer Schools

There are a variety of UK summer schools and although many are residential, there are also day and online options available. Courses range from academic enrichment, English improvement, outdoor activities, STEM and many more. The type of summer school you choose and what you wish to gain from the course will be one of the most important factors when making a decision. We have categorised the most popular UK summer schools and included a selection below:

British Boarding School Experience

These are residential summer courses at UK boarding schools which means that meals and accommodation are inclusive. They are usually two weeks long and consist of a mixture of academic and multi-activity programmes. Many students who attend are international students and therefore English language improvement is an element of the course, in addition to other academics and co-curricular activities.

Academic (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences) Summer Schools

If there is a specific subject that you wish to study, these providers offer a wide range of subjects in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Residential Courses

Non Residential/Online

STEM Academic Summer Schools

Non Residential/Online 

English Language Summer Schools (EAL)

These intensive English courses are specifically designed for overseas students who wish to improve their English and explore UK at the same time.

Residential

Multi Activity Outdoor Summer Camps

These camps focus on a multitude of activities, mainly outdoor and physical activities, perfect for those who are looking to take a break from academics.

Residential