Frequently Asked Questions

Tell us your child’s age, English level, interests and preferred dates, and we will recommend suitable schools. You can also browse by section: English Courses, English PLUS, Academic, University Prep and Summer Abroad.

English courses and most English PLUS camps are open to all levels, and students take a placement test on or before arrival so they join the right class. Academic and university preparation programmes usually need a good level of English, and some ask for an assessment before booking, which we can arrange.

English teachers hold recognised English-language teaching qualifications, and academic courses are taught by qualified subject teachers or university tutors. Activity staff include qualified coaches for specialist sports and arts. All staff working with students are background-checked, and residential staff live on site.

Usually yes, if it is arranged in advance, your child has booked at least two weeks on the original course, and there is space on the new one.

Complete the online booking form or send us an enquiry. Once we confirm the place, pay the deposit to secure it.

£1,000 per student, or £2,000 for Future Pathways programmes. The deposit is non-refundable and is deducted from the total fee.

By 1 April 2027. Bookings made after 1 April 2027 are paid in full at the time of booking.

Cancellations must be made in writing. If a visa is refused, fees paid are refunded less the deposit, on receipt of the refusal letter. For serious illness, accident or bereavement, refunds less the deposit are at our discretion. Full details are in our booking terms and conditions.

Yes. Staff meet students at the airport, take them to the school, help with registration and help them call home. Children under 13 must travel as unaccompanied minors using the airline’s service, and airline staff escort them through immigration.

Some courses include transfers – each course page says so. Otherwise, transfers cost £150 each way. Please send flight details at least four weeks before arrival.

Meals are provided until departure. Staff take students to the airport and help them check in, and unaccompanied minors stay with our staff until they are handed over to the airline.

Students who need a visa usually apply for a Standard Visitor visa, and visitors from visa-free countries, including the EU, now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). We provide a confirmation letter and visa support letter once the deposit is paid. See our UK visa application guide.

Students have three meals a day in the dining hall, with packed lunches on excursions. Some older students’ programmes in Oxford and Cambridge do not include lunch. Please tell us about any dietary needs when you book.

Students live in boarding houses or university residences, in single, twin or triple rooms, grouped by age and gender. Room requests are considered but cannot be guaranteed, so book early. Buildings have common rooms, free Wi-Fi, secure entry and staff living on site.

Most schools include a weekly laundry service. Bed linen is provided, but please bring towels. Older students in Oxford and Cambridge do their own laundry with supervision.

Yes. Phones can be used in free time but must be switched off in lessons and activities. Staff help students call home on arrival, and emergency contact numbers are sent before the course.

Around £100 a week is enough for snacks and souvenirs, as meals, accommodation and excursions are included. A prepaid card is safest, and cash can be handed in for safe keeping.

Please don’t bring expensive items. Passports, tickets, money and valuables can be kept in the school safe.

Yes, if arranged in advance, although we encourage students to settle in without family visits. Younger children can be signed out by a parent or relative, ideally on an excursion day.

Students are supervised by staff at all times, with high staff-to-student ratios and secure, staffed entrances. Students under 13 are never out without staff; students aged 13 and over may visit shops in small groups on excursions, unless parents ask us not to allow this.

Parents complete a medical consent form before the course. Trained first-aiders are on site, many schools have a nurse, and students are taken to a doctor or hospital when needed. We contact parents as soon as possible.

Most courses include travel and medical insurance from the date the deposit is paid; each course page says whether it is included. We recommend extra cover for personal belongings.