Brighton Summer School: Residential Summer Programme at the University of Sussex

English for the Future offers 20 hours of lessons per week, consisting of English for the Future sessions, Future Thinking, and Project for the Future. The morning sessions develop English proficiency across the four skills with a focus on global issues, preparing students for Friday for the Future debates. Future Thinking sessions involve practical workshops on internet research and critical thinking, gathering information on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Project for the Future involves researching and discussing one of the 2030 Agenda goals and presenting conclusions through a blog, song, podcast or digital presentation. The programme requires a minimum level of A2.

Pathways to Higher Education offers 25 hours of lessons per week, consisting of Academic English, Communication Skills, and English for Specific Pathways. Academic English sessions develop proficiency with a focus on university settings including essay writing, note-taking, lectures, seminars and presentations. Communication Skills prepare students for Higher Education through practical workshops on debating, problem-solving, presenting, essay writing, critical thinking and negotiating. English for Specific Pathways are themed around the chosen pathway including English for Humanities, English for Law, English for Business & Economics, and English for STEM. The programme requires a minimum level of B1. IELTS exam courses are also available. All classes have a maximum size of 14 and a staff-to-student ratio of 1:4.

The residential course package includes a shared transfer service from London Gatwick, Heathrow, City Airport and St Pancras International, student travel insurance, accommodation, meals and snacks, tuition, course materials, report and certificate, activities and social events, excursions and attraction entry, access to a nurse or medical officer, laundry service, 24-hour emergency line and visa invitation service. Optional extras at additional cost include IELTS exam courses.

Students can benefit from the newest accommodation block on the University of Sussex campus. Lullington residences offer single bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms which are grouped in flats of eight. Students get a unique experience of sharing the flats with students of similar age and different nationalities. Each flat has a big common area with a kitchen and sofas for students to relax in, as well as a designated study room per floor for quiet self-study. A staff-to-student ratio of 1:4 is maintained, with a dedicated Welfare Manager and House Parents providing 24/7 care.

Full board is provided with meals, snacks, and packed lunches on excursions.

English for the Future students participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities after lessons, with examples including arts & crafts, baking, basketball, bracelet making, football, pottery, rounders, tennis, volleyball and yoga. Social events include capture the flag, discos, escape rooms, games nights, karaoke, mini Olympics, and scavenger hunts.

Pathways to Higher Education students enjoy free time on campus for additional study or relaxing, and can independently venture into Brighton in small groups. Social events include visits to Brighton Pier, Laser Tag, Bowling, Escape Rooms, Boat Parties, cycling on the seafront, crazy golf, and the cinema. Weekends feature full-day excursions which students help design, allowing them to choose destinations such as London Eye, Oxford Street, Science Museum, Port Lympne Safari Park, Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and Thorpe Park.

On-site facilities at the University of Sussex include an ATM, pharmacy, eateries and cafés, a post office, a gym, a sports centre, an IT centre, tennis courts, and an on-site supermarket. The campus is surrounded by Stanmer Park on the South Downs with views of Brighton's Amex Stadium. Off-site, the centre uses excursions to Brighton, London, and other destinations in the south of England.

Bede's Summer School is accredited by the British Council and was awarded ten overall areas of strength in its last inspection. The school is a member of English UK and accredited by Quality English. All staff receive thorough induction training. The school's ethos is built on values of Compassion, Curiosity, Courage and Conscientiousness. A key feature of the Brighton programmes is the student-led design of weekend excursions, where students consult with the Activity Manager to help create their own excursion programme. The English for the Future course is designed to develop presentation skills by watching TED Talks and preparing their own talks. The Pathways to Higher Education course offers a more intensive academic programme with a focus on specific pathways and IELTS preparation.