XUK English Summer School, Wiltshire, England

The course follows a competency‑based syllabus aligned with the Common European Framework. Lessons focus on ‘learning through doing’ with interactive, motivating activities. Each student is assessed on arrival and placed in a class of no more than 12 students of similar age and level. Students are re‑assessed weekly to allow progression. Lessons run on 5 mornings per week, totalling 15 hours (split into two 90‑minute sessions with different teachers). The emphasis is on speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing, with additional optional Intensive English lessons (6 hours per week, small discussion groups of 4‑5 students) for those wanting extra fluency practice.

The base price includes 15 hours of English tuition, full board accommodation, all “Active English” and “Social English” activities, and one half‑day trip per week. Optional extras (supplements apply) include: Intensive English lessons (6 hours per week), Stonehenge excursion, London day trip with West End show (age 10+), Aqua Park, Theme Park (Paultons Park), Laser Quest, Leader in Training programme (ages 16‑17), and a Welcome Pack (bag, jumper, etc.).

Students live on campus in five boarding houses. Rooms vary in size, sleeping one to six campers, with bathrooms located in the corridors (some en suite). Dorm groups are divided by age and gender. Girls and boys sleep separately. Friends can request to share or be nearby. A Pastoral Team led by a Head of House supports every child. Accommodation is warm, inviting, and secure.

Full board is provided. Meals promote healthy eating and include a wholesome main course, a vegetarian option, a salad/pasta bar, fresh fruit, and a tasty dessert. Traditional British food (e.g., English cooked breakfast, roast dinner) is part of the weekly menu. Special dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated with advance notice.

Afternoons feature “Active English” – a choice of activities such as swimming, water zorbing, cheerleading, football, tie‑dying, yoga, hiking, street dancing, water polo, volleyball, cookery, rounders, musical theatre, and Zumba – all run entirely in English. Evenings offer “Social English” events like pool parties, staff vs. students, English Olympics, lip sync battles, talent shows, discos, and themed nights (e.g., XUK Wedding, Toy Story Night). One half‑day trip per week (included) visits cities like Salisbury, Bath, or Winchester. Optional extra excursions (extra cost) include Stonehenge, London with West End show, Aqua Park, theme park, and laser quest.

On‑site: 150 acres of grounds, five boarding houses, state‑of‑the‑art classrooms with interactive whiteboards, a heated indoor swimming pool, a modern indoor sports hall with climbing wall, a forest school area, two all‑weather astro‑turf pitches, spacious common rooms, warm dormitories, and kitchen/dining facilities. Off‑site: half‑day trips to local towns (Salisbury, Bath, Winchester) and optional excursions to Stonehenge, London, theme parks, aqua park, laser quest. No beaches or other external sports complexes are mentioned.

XUK is family‑run (owned by brothers Richard and Nick Bernstein) and has welcomed thousands of students since 1996. It is registered with OFSTED and regularly inspected. All teachers are experienced and qualified EFL specialists. Safety systems include registering each child at least six times daily, safety‑checking all areas before activities, nightly lock‑ups, staff DBS checks, and a dedicated health coordinator. Pastoral care is provided through a Head of House and team. A “Star Student” award is given weekly – the winner receives one free week at camp the following year. The atmosphere is warm, family‑style, and international (students from over 60 countries), with a focus on building confidence and global mindedness.