Taking Summer School to the next level at Westonbirt

Increasing confidence and social skills, creating lifelong international friendships alongside cultural and academic gains – there are so many benefits to attending a summer school. Set in one of England’s most beautiful stately homes in the picturesque Cotswolds, Westonbirt School is a long-established and well-regarded UK boarding school, with a reputation built on recognising and bringing out the best in each individual. Each year, Westonbirt welcomes students from around the world to our summer school. Here they study and relax alongside UK host students, building their English-language skills and applying them with confidence. As well as our high-quality English-language programme, students enjoy excursions to London, Bath, Oxford and the Harry Potter Studios, and take part in a range of exciting academy options from horse riding, polo and golf, to tennis, football, water sports and performing arts.

John Endean, our Head of Summer School, shares with us exactly why Westonbirt is a special place.

At Westonbirt Summer School, our international students enjoy life in an outstanding location with excellent facilities, and with exceptional and dedicated staff. Our summer school programme offers an immersive opportunity for our international students to share their experiences with UK host students. A truly international community is created, helping all those that do attend to understand the diverse and fascinating cultures represented from around the world. We are not just a summer school; we are a community and the people that work here make the place even more special.

Our team of dedicated staff is made up of subject experts, from experienced EFL teachers to the skilled and highly motivated Westonbirt teachers, and professional sports coaches who manage our tailor-made academies to ensure our students receive superb coaching. From day one, our students are immersed in all summer school has to offer them. It’s a unique opportunity to stay in one of the grandest buildings in the country and imagine what life was like when Westonbirt House first came to build in the 1870s.

Our academic teaching programme builds on what the children have learnt so far and then raises their understanding of English to the next level. Team project challenges do exactly that; challenge the students to use their initiative and work in teams to produce a variety of outcomes; be it in designing and building or experimenting and discovering. Our academy choices are second to none and we have developed a programme of popular sports and activities to suit all interests, from polo, horse riding, football, tennis, golf and water sports, to art, performing arts and cookery. The evening programme embodies our spirit of fun and is central in helping our students build friendships.

As each day unfolds, the growing confidence in our students is palpable. One of the key motivators in educating these young people is that we see a striking difference in the children who start with us through to the children who leave us after attending our summer school. I believe the comments from summer school parents and students speak for themselves!

 “My daughter’s trip with you has given her strength and self-confidence. She adores her English classes and constantly wants to know more now, so her English teacher at her current school is thrilled. Her trip to Westonbirt has been like a coming-of-age romance and I think it will remain her best memory of childhood.” A recent summer school parent from France.

 “I could not wait to tell you how extremely happy Alfonso is about his time in Westonbirt and so am I to see it. I do really want to thank you and all of your staff for a well-organized camp which was so inspiring for the children. Everything has been a complete success under our point of view (from lessons to sports and fun including logistics).” A summer school parent from Spain.

“All in all, it was great, fantastic setting and cool staff.” Benoit, a summer school student from France.

“A lot of nationalities and that’s really fun because we talk in English a lot!” Ricardo from Spain.

“I found the castle really impressive, and everyone is really nice. I love Westonbirt Summer School!” Camille, a summer school student from France.

To learn more about Westonbirt’s Summer School programme, click here.

Watch our new Summer School Video here.