What Is Summer School in the UK? The Claremont Summer School Experience

The best UK summer schools offer a mix of English learning, adventure and cultural discovery, giving students around the world a taste of British life in a safe, friendly setting.

If you’re thinking about sending your child to a UK summer school, you might be wondering what to expect. Is it mostly lessons, or more like a summer camp with fun activities and trips?

The best UK summer schools combine the two. They offer a mix of English learning, adventure and cultural discovery, giving students around the world a taste of British life in a safe, friendly setting.

Children usually spend a couple of weeks living on campus in boarding accommodation, learning English and taking part in activities, games and excursions. Evenings are for relaxing, socialising and enjoying the community feel.

For many international families, summer school is also a gentle introduction to British education. Students improve their English naturally, meet new friends and experience a sense of independence, within a supportive, well-supervised environment.

At Claremont International Summer School, this balance is at the heart of everything we do. It’s a place where children learn, explore and have fun – feeling safe, cared for and inspired.

Why are summer schools good? What parents can expect in the UK

There are so many reasons parents choose summer schools in the UK. The most common is to help children improve their English, but that’s only the beginning. A good summer school helps students grow and gain valuable life skills in every sense — academically, socially and personally.

Just some of the benefits include:

• Language learning made fun: Children are surrounded by English from morning to night. From breakfast conversations to sports and excursions, they use language in real situations, helping them learn faster and more confidently.
• Confidence that lasts: Using English naturally (taking part in games, creative projects and trips) helps students build confidence and communication skills that serve them for years to come.
• Learning through experience: The best UK summer camps make learning fun and practical. Instead of textbooks, students might create short films, perform in plays or explore local history — all while practising English.
• Friendships and cultural awareness: Students from all over the world come together, learning about each other’s customs, food and traditions. It’s a unique way to build global understanding and lifelong friendships.
• Independence in a safe space: For many, it’s their first time living away from home. Staff provide constant support, helping children settle in, make friends and feel part of the community.

How do UK summer schools work?

So, what does a typical day at a summer school look like?

Most summer schools in the UK run during July and August. Students join one- to three-week residential courses, staying in boarding accommodation and following a timetable that balances study, fun activities and social time.

A typical day might include:

• Morning lessons: English language or skills-based sessions
• Afternoon activities: Sport, art, drama, or outdoor learning
• Evening events: Social games, quizzes, or movie nights

At Claremont Summer School, each part of the day is designed to make learning lively, creative and memorable. You can expect:

Morning

After an energy-packed breakfast, students enjoy “Active English” from the start — learning language through teamwork and real-life challenges. Instead of sitting through grammar, they practise English by problem-solving, presenting ideas and collaborating on creative projects. Filmmaking is a favourite, with students writing, directing and editing their own short films to share at the end of the course.

Afternoon

After lunch, students enjoy a mix of sports, arts and outdoor experiences. They might play cricket, learn martial arts, try Forest School activities, perform in drama, or make music with friends. Each child can shape their own schedule, choosing activities that match their interests and help them use English in natural, everyday ways.

Evening

Evenings are relaxed and sociable, full of laughter and friendship. There are team games, karaoke, quiz nights, talent shows and movie nights. The course ends with a joyful graduation celebration, where students share their achievements and say goodbye to new friends from around the world.

All meals are included, and staff are available 24 hours a day. Trips are another highlight, with students visiting London, Canterbury, Hastings and Thorpe Park – discovering British culture first-hand while practising English in real-life situations.

A summer like no other: the Claremont experience

Nestled in the East Sussex countryside, just a short journey from London, Claremont International Summer School offers everything families hope for in a London summer school – with the added space and freedom of the countryside.

Welcoming students aged 11-17 from around the world, the experience is built around curiosity, confidence and care. Students learn by doing, whether that’s English lessons that feel like adventures, creative projects that spark imagination, or day trips bringing British culture to life.

Highlights include:

• Active English: Hands-on language learning through teamwork and creativity. Students might plan a short film, design a performance or work in teams to solve challenges — building core life skills as well as practising English.
• Choice and variety: From filmmaking to drama, music, sport, forest school and outdoor cooking, every child will find something they love. Children can even design their own afternoon timetable, choosing from a range of specialist programmes.
• Cultural discovery: A total of seven educational and exciting excursions. Students enjoy a day in London, cruising on the Thames and seeing key landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Other adventures include the historic cities of Canterbury, Hastings and Bodiam Castle. There’s even a thrilling day at Thorpe Park — always a highlight!
• Warm boarding life: One of the things parents appreciate most about Claremont is the care and attention we give to every student. As a residential summer camp in the UK, boarding houses are safe, comfortable and homely, with experienced staff always on hand.
• Shared meals and community: Freshly cooked, healthy food is served daily (with all dietary needs catered for), encouraging conversation and genuine connection.

For parents, reassurance comes from knowing children are not only improving their English but also growing as individuals – developing independence, resilience and an international outlook.

What are the best summer schools?

Once families start exploring summer schools in the UK, it’s clear that each one offers something slightly different. Some focus on academic learning, others on creativity or sports. The best programmes find the right balance: offering structure, safety and adventure in equal measure.

Here are a few things to look for when comparing UK summer school options:

• Safety and wellbeing: This should always come first. Choose accredited schools where all staff are fully background-checked and trained in safeguarding, as they are at Claremont.
• Quality of teaching: Ask how English is taught. The most effective programmes focus on communication and participation rather than memorisation.
• Range of activities: Look for variety. Strong programmes combine study with creativity, sport and exploration to keep students engaged.
• International mix: A diverse community creates the richest experience. Students learn as much from each other as from their teachers.
• Support and communication: Good schools keep families informed before and during the course. At Claremont, pre-arrival meetings and 24-hour support ensure every family feels connected and confident.

When a summer school combines all of these qualities, it offers something truly special: a place where young people can learn, grow and discover their potential in a safe, happy environment.

Is summer school in the UK worth it?

In a word, yes.

Summer school in the UK is so much more than a short course. It’s a chance to build English fluency, confidence and independence in a way that’s exciting, social and memorable. These skills stick with children through school, university and beyond.

Students return home more self-assured, curious about the world and often inspired to study in the UK again.

At Claremont, this transformation is what drives everything we do. From the first day’s welcome to inspiring London trips, tailored activities and the final graduation, every detail helps students feel known, safe and supported.

For families looking for a summer filled with learning, laughter and new opportunities, Claremont offers a truly special experience.

Interested in joining Claremont Summer School 2026?

Claremont’s next International Summer School takes place from 5–18 July and 19 July–1 August 2026, welcoming students aged 11–17 from around the world.

In just two weeks, students will:

• Improve their English through Active English sessions
• Create, perform and collaborate in specialist activities
• Discover Britain through seven exciting excursions
• Live and learn in a caring international community

It’s a safe, enriching and unforgettable summer experience that students remember for years to come. Find out more and register your interest today.