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Parents’ Area
How we look after your child, how to prepare for the course, and what daily life at a UK summer school is like.
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Welcome
Choosing a summer school is a big decision
Sending your child to study abroad is an important investment in their future, and we know it takes trust. This page brings together everything parents need to know – how your child will be looked after, how to prepare, and what daily life is like.
We are an independent UK agency, based in London, that places students aged 5 to 18 at leading British boarding schools, universities and summer programmes. We help you choose the right course, handle the booking and documents, and stay in touch with you from enquiry to the journey home.
Key documents
1 · Safeguarding and welfare
Your child’s safety comes first
Every school and programme we recommend works to UK safeguarding standards for children. Before your child travels, we check that each course has clear safeguarding, supervision and emergency procedures in place.
2 · Preparing for summer school
Your timeline from booking to arrival
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| When you book | A £1,000 deposit (£2,000 for Future Pathways programmes) secures your child’s place. We then email a confirmation letter, an invoice and, where needed, a visa support letter. Please include your child’s passport number on the booking form. |
| Three months before | Apply for a UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if your child needs one. Book flights – children under 13 must travel as unaccompanied minors using the airline’s unaccompanied-minor service. |
| Six to eight weeks before | Pay the balance by the date shown on your invoice. Return the medical, consent and dietary forms, and send flight details so we can arrange airport transfers. |
| Two weeks before | You will receive the pre-course guide with the arrival plan, emergency contacts, a packing list and the school’s code of conduct. |
| Arrival day | Our team or the school’s staff meet your child at the airport or at the school, and we confirm safe arrival with you by email or message. |
What to pack
3 · Travel, visas and arrival
Getting to the UK safely
Visas and ETAs
Students who need a visa usually apply for a Standard Visitor visa, which covers short courses of up to six months. Apply up to three months before travel and allow plenty of time for processing.
Visitors who do not need a visa, including EU nationals, now need an ETA before travelling to the UK – including children.
We provide a confirmation letter and a visa support letter once the deposit is paid. Fees and rules change, so always check GOV.UK before applying.
Airport transfers
A member of staff meets your child in the arrivals hall with a name sign and travels with them to the school.
£150 each way, unless the course includes transfers. Details are shown on each course page.
Please send flight numbers and times at least four weeks before arrival so we can book the right transfer.
Travelling alone
Children under 13 must travel as unaccompanied minors using the airline’s service. Airline charges apply.
Older students can usually travel on their own; please check the airline’s rules for young passengers.
If a flight is delayed, please tell us or the school’s emergency number straight away so the transfer can be rearranged.
4 · Life at summer school
A typical day, and the house rules
Comfortable, structured and busy
Students live in school or university accommodation, usually in single or shared rooms, with house parents or residential staff on site. All meals are provided, and schools cater for allergies, religious diets and other dietary needs when told in advance.
Days combine lessons, sport, creative activities and excursions, with free time in the evenings to relax and make friends from around the world.
Code of conduct
Every school has clear rules that keep students safe and help everyone enjoy the course. Students must attend all lessons and activities, follow staff instructions and curfews, and treat others with respect.
5 · Health and insurance
Medical care and peace of mind
Medical information
Please share any medical conditions, allergies, medication and dietary needs on the booking form, and update us if anything changes.
Students who take medication should be able to manage it themselves. It is stored safely by staff or in the student’s room.
Parents sign a medical consent form so that staff can arrange treatment quickly if a doctor advises it.
Insurance
Many programmes include travel and medical insurance from the date your payment is received. Each course page shows whether insurance is included.
Where a course does not include insurance, please arrange cover for medical treatment, cancellation and belongings.
Insurance only covers small amounts of cash, so we recommend a prepaid card.
Keeping in touch
We let you know when your child has arrived safely.
Students can call home in free time. Your LOD adviser is your first point of contact for any questions.
Every school has a 24-hour emergency number, which is included in the pre-course guide.
Questions? We are here to help
Our team is happy to talk through courses, safety, travel or anything else before you book.