Dicker Summer School: Residential English and Sports Camp in East Sussex

The English Plus course offers 20 hours of lessons per week, delivered through a communicative and interactive methodology that encourages creativity and personal expression. Classes are limited to a maximum of 14 students, ensuring individual attention and active participation. The programme is available for levels from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Proficiency). The syllabus focuses on improving general language competencies, including grammar and vocabulary, with particular emphasis on communication, fluency, and building confidence in spoken and written English. Specialist courses such as Pro Dance, Pro Tennis, Pro Music, and LALIGA have a reduced number of English lessons (14 hours per week) combined with dedicated tuition in their respective fields.

The residential course package includes full-board accommodation, tuition, course materials, a progress report and certificate, as well as all on-site activities, evening social events, and excursions with attraction entry. Shared transfer service from London Gatwick, Heathrow, City Airport and St Pancras International is also provided, along with access to a nurse or medical officer, a laundry service, and a 24-hour emergency line. Optional Academic Academies (such as Public Speaking and Essay Writing) are available at an additional cost, allowing students to create a more intensive study programme. Specialist courses like Pro Dance, Pro Tennis, Pro Music, LALIGA, and Zoology & Animal Management have their own fees which include the specialist tuition. No registration fees are mentioned in the prospectus.

The Dicker campus has a total of five modern and comfortable boarding houses, the largest of which was built recently and accommodates up to 90 students. Rooms are typically single, twin, or shared with 1–4 beds, and are arranged to foster a sense of community and belonging. Students share their accommodation with peers of a similar age and from different countries, which encourages mixing and the development of international friendships. All houses have great social spaces for students to relax and socialise, and are supervised by dedicated house parents and welfare staff, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Full board is provided, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. Meals are served in the school dining hall and offer a varied and balanced menu designed to suit the tastes of international students. Special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and other allergies, can be catered for upon prior notification during the booking process. Snacks are also available throughout the day.

The activity programme at Dicker is diverse and designed to offer something for everyone. Afternoon sessions include a wide range of sports such as football, tennis, swimming, volleyball, badminton, and basketball, as well as creative workshops like dance, drama, fashion design, painting, and cooking. Evening social events are a highlight, featuring discos, karaoke, talent shows, trivia nights, scavenger hunts, and themed parties. Excursions are organised three times a week: half-day trips on Wednesdays to cultural or recreational destinations, and full-day excursions on Saturdays and Sundays to London landmarks, historic cities, and theme parks. All activities are designed to promote language practice, cultural immersion, teamwork, and lasting friendships.

The Dicker campus boasts outstanding facilities including a sports hall, an all-weather sports pitch, football and cricket pitches, tennis courts, squash courts, a gym, an indoor swimming pool, and dance studios. Creative facilities include art studios, music studios, a drama theatre, and an IT suite. A unique feature of the Dicker centre is its on-site zoo, home to over 170 animals, which is used for the Zoology & Animal Management programme. Wi-Fi is available throughout the campus. The centre is located near the seaside town of Eastbourne and the historic town of Lewes, providing additional opportunities for exploration and day trips.

Bede's Summer School is renowned for its high-quality education, delivered by qualified, enthusiastic, and committed teachers who are carefully selected and undergo continuous professional development. The atmosphere at Dicker is built on the core values of compassion, curiosity, courage, and conscientiousness, fostering a kind-hearted and supportive international community. The school's unique approach combines academic excellence with personal growth, and the optional specialist academies offer expert tuition in sports, creative arts, and academic subjects. With over 40 years of experience in running summer programmes, Bede's has a proven track record of providing a safe, enriching, and memorable experience for students from around the world. The establishment of the Bede's Development Foundation, which funds transformational bursaries from every week booked, also reflects the organisation's deep commitment to social mobility and making a difference in the wider community.