Admissions to short courses in the UK

From two to eight weeks, Academic Families can help secure a spot for your child to experience a taste of UK boarding school education.

Short courses for summer or term breaks

We understand that sometimes, children need a bit of extra help before or during their boarding school experience.
We are delighted to offer advice and assistance for admissions to short courses throughout the UK.

Language lessons

English language courses for young learners or even private lessons for visiting parents and family members.

Pre-sessional courses

Ideal for students who want an introduction to boarding life before they start boarding school in September.

Exam prep

Revision courses for UK exams in a variety of subjects, offered year-round as a dedicated course or combined with private tutoring.

Summer programmes

Great for children and teenagers who want to enjoy a structured summer holiday programme focusing on a new skill or simply having fun!

Short course application form

Short summer courses in the UK for children of all ages

Short courses offer excellent opportunities for children of all ages, helping them gain new experiences and skills. While there are many to choose from, certain courses may be more suitable depending on your child's age and interests.

Ages 7 to 10

For young children, we recommend 2-week courses that focus on high-energy activities, such as sports or arts and crafts. These short courses are designed to keep younger children active, engaged, and having fun.

Ages 11 to 14

Pre-teens can enjoy meeting new friends, exploring their strengths, and experiencing British culture in a 2–4-week course. This can also give them an understanding of life in a UK boarding school, which is useful for those considering full term enrolment later.

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Ages 15 to 17

For teenagers, a 4-8-week course can offer more focused learning. These students can further develop skills in subjects they’re passionate about, prepare for university admissions or gain a taste of life in the UK before moving abroad for higher education. A short course is also a great addition to a university application.

Short courses for any educational goal

No matter which course you choose, your child will be exposed to new surroundings, different ways of doing things, and fellow students from all over the world. This helps them develop a global mindset, broaden their perspective and build social skills and independence.

In addition to theme-based short courses, your child can also enjoy an immersive experience in a British boarding school for a longer time frame, such as one term up to one academic year. Contact us to discuss customised options for you and your family.

Introductory summer course in a boarding school

An introductory short course is ideal for international students who are preparing to attend a UK boarding school, as well as students who just want a fantastic summer experience in Great Britain.

Your child will stay in a boarding house with other international students and will be looked after by experienced pastoral staff.

Intensive English lessons are an important part of the course, but students will attend daily lessons in a range of academic subjects. There will also be plenty of opportunities for sightseeing!

Many students find that taking part in a short course at boarding school means that they have time to adapt to life in the UK. By the time the school term starts, they’ll have made friends from all over the world and will have gained an understanding of the British education system.

Activity and adventure summer course in a boarding school

Looking to build your child’s confidence and leadership abilities? An exciting summer course full of adventure will push your child to be their best whilst also allowing them to have lots of fun and make new friends.

With impressive facilities and expert instructors, your child can take part in a variety of exciting activities from sailing and climbing to photography and design.

Students will also be able to visit local areas and take part in organised excursions away from school grounds.

By the end of their summer experience, they will have learnt new skills, improved their English and developed in maturity and confidence.

Academic focused courses for summer in a boarding school

When your child attends a short course in England or Scotland, they'll have a unique opportunity to experience the prestigious education of a British boarding school. With a strong focus on academic and personal growth while providing exposure to British culture, a UK short course is a summer adventure that can’t be matched.

For older children and teenagers, a short summer course lets them “try a career path on for size” and explore their strengths according to their academic studies. Our team has hand picked 10 of the most popular subjects that lead to successful university course applications and ultimately, satisfying careers, and we can help your child get admitted onto any of these:

Medicine
Engineering
Computer Science, Robotics and AI
Business and Entrepreneurship
Art and Design
Architecture
Law, Politics and International Relations
Finance, Economics and Banking
Psychology and Social Sciences
Veterinary Medicine and Zoology

Curious to learn more? Read our 3-part guide to short courses in the UK.

Short course at a UK language school

Attending a specialised short course at a UK language school will help build the skills and knowledge your child needs to become an articulate speaker and thinker in English.

Students will take English skills and vocabulary lessons as well as participate in team projects and expert-led workshops that allow them to put their language into practice with native speakers. Courses can also be personalised if your child is preparing for IELTS or Cambridge Exams.

International students undertaking a short course at a language school will usually stay either with a host family or in the school’s accommodation. Your child will have lots of opportunities to explore their surrounding areas and take part in fun activities with other international students.

Learn English while living in a teacher’s home

An English language home tuition course will allow your child to immerse themselves fully into UK life. Your child will be welcomed into their teacher’s home for the duration of their course, so even when they’re not having lessons, they’ll always be learning and can practice their English in real-life situations.

There are a wide range of available courses to cater to your child’s individual needs, including General English, IELTS Exam Preparation and Academic English. With a variety of locations to choose from, your child will also have the opportunity to explore the best of what the UK has to offer.

Upcoming trips for international students

Looking for other ways to keep your child active during the school year? We also run a series of escorted holidays five times a year which international students at UK boarding schools can join.

Escorted Holiday Trips