Westonbirt Summer School, Cotswolds, England

The programme offers four academic options: English Language, Artificial Intelligence and Future Technologies, Leadership in Action, and Adventure Challenge. Each option provides 15 hours of lessons per week with a maximum class size of 12 students. The English Language programme uses a topic-based approach with a mix of General English and IB English textbooks and authentic materials, developing practical language skills, listening, reading, speaking, writing, critical thinking, and intercultural awareness. Students are placed into classes based on age and ability after an online placement test, with fluent speakers at C1 and C2 levels enjoying a high-level, practical engagement with the English language. The Artificial Intelligence programme focuses on hands-on learning through block coding or Python programming. The Leadership in Action programme builds leadership skills through interactive sessions and hands-on experiences. The Adventure Challenge programme develops teamwork, resilience, and confidence through outdoor challenges. A minimum CEFR B1 level is required for Artificial Intelligence, Leadership in Action, and Adventure Challenge.

The base price includes academic options, Integration Projects, one free on-site Academy per two-week booking, the Multi-Activity Programme, accommodation, three meals a day and snacks, three excursions per week, weekly laundry, and travel insurance. Not included: flights, pocket money, off-site academies, and transfers. Optional extras at additional cost: Cookery Academy, Flying Academy, Golf Academy, Horse Riding, Performing Arts Academy, Polo Academy, Robotics Academy, and Tennis Academy. A Standard Transfer Service from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and St Pancras International is available, as well as a Premium Transfer Service from various airports and St Pancras International.

Students live in a breathtaking historic building, Westonbirt House, set in over 200 acres of landscaped grounds. Accommodation consists of bright, comfortable single rooms and 2-5 person dormitory rooms. In general, older students have priority for single rooms. Students are fully supported and cared for by experienced and friendly house staff, who ensure that their stay is safe and fun, with medical support available if necessary.

Full board is provided. Each day, students enjoy a hearty breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snacks, and an evening meal, with some late-night snacks available in the dorms. Main meals are taken in the beautiful and ornate dining rooms at Westonbirt. For full-day and some half-day excursions, a packed lunch is provided. The catering team serves a varied and nutritious range of meals with enough choice to meet a wide range of dietary requirements.

Students participate in a wide variety of activities beyond their academic studies. Afternoon sessions include Integration Projects where international students work alongside UK host students on Team Project Challenges designed to develop communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills. Students can choose an on-site Academy (Cookery, Golf, Performing Arts, Robotics, or Tennis) or the Multi-Activity Programme with a choice of different sports and creative activities each afternoon. Evening activities include talent shows, discos, karaoke, film nights, capture the flag, campfires, inflatable obstacle courses, quiz nights, and mini Olympics. The programme includes three excursions per week to destinations such as London, Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, and the Cotswold Water Park.

On-site facilities include a leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool, a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, a cookery room, performing arts facilities, and extensive grounds. The school is located in a Victorian stately home on a 210-acre estate in the Cotswolds. Off-site, the school uses excursions to London, Oxford, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Tetbury, Cirencester, Gloucester, the Cotswold Water Park, and Westonbirt Arboretum.

Westonbirt School has almost 100 years of experience in educating and supporting international students. UK host students from Westonbirt and other Wishford schools are fully involved in the daytime programme, participating in Integration Projects, Academies, and other social activities. The school has a reputation for recognising and bringing out the best in every pupil, with an ethos of tailoring education to the individual child. Classes are limited to 12 students, ensuring personal attention. The academic options are created by Westonbirt School staff, and the school offers high-quality English language provision alongside innovative programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Leadership, and Adventure. The atmosphere is described as fun and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on building confidence and applying English-language skills through real conversations with UK peers.