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Summer School

Summer by the Sea

There are many Summer School courses for International students in the UK. We like to think that our accelerated English Language Summer School is unique.

A broad programme focused on academic English for students from 11 – 17 years, the Westbourne Summer School is dedicated to improving English language skills within a three-week, fun-filled course. Fully residential in our own Boarding House and taught by our own fully qualified staff, it provides unrivaled preparation for future study in the UK.

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Accelerate your English

Our 3-week intensive, full-time Summer School course, running in August each year, focuses on supercharging your ability to study in English, and is excellent preparation for students who will join our International Baccalaureate Diploma, Pre-IB, GCSE and Prep courses.

Set in the small, safe and secluded seaside town of Penarth, our fully residential course is mere minutes from the beautiful Welsh coastline and the vibrant capital city of Cardiff, with excellent transport links to London. Enjoy studying this summer at one the UK’s leading academic boarding schools.

What will I do?

Each morning, our specialist English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors will work with you on developing your core reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, classroom-based with fully trained and qualified staff. Much of your work will be project-based and focus specifically on developing your English skills for academic study.

Afternoons are all about putting what you have learned in the morning into practice in and around the local area. From ordering an ice cream on Penarth Pier, playing sport at the International Sports Village, team building by the beautiful Welsh coastline to discovering the history of Cardiff Castle, you’ll be interacting in English throughout completing tasks and activities set by your specialist teachers.

An unrivaled summer location

The Capital City of Cardiff is easily accessible, just ten minutes on the train (you’ll be buying your tickets in English!) and used for many of our activities, a vibrant, yet safe city, the beautiful bay-side area is filled with cafes and boats.

There will be plenty of opportunities to access world-class sporting facilities throughout the Summer School course, including an Olympic swimming pool, two ice rinks, sailing, and white water rafting.

All scheduled activities and excursions are included in the price, fully interactive, and cover a multitude of themes required to excel in the English language.

Meet people from all over the world

Our ESL course is more than a simple language course. We give students a fun but vocational learning experience. Students are invariably amazed at the phenomenal progress that they make in just three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will I stay?

Our campus is located in Penarth, voted by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 Places to Live in the UK. Minutes from the sea, tennis courts, a leisure and fitness centre, as well as shops and restaurants.

Throughout the course, you will live in our boarding house, in a single, or shared room. Boys and girls are accommodated separately and there is always a member of staff available, day and night. Meals are taken together and are included in the cost.

What does it cost?

Fees for our next three week course which starts on Monday 7th August 2023, are £985 per week.

Supervised accommodation in our boarding house, all bedding provided.
Full board, three meals provided per day
English language tuition
A full programme of sporting and social activities
Scheduled cultural excursions
Airport group collection and drop off*
- *fully inclusive for students staying with us for 3 weeks

How do I get to the school?

Airport transfers from both London and closer regional airports are included in the cost for students attending the full three-week programme. For those joining us for a shorter stay, we can assist you with booking transfers, however the transportation cost will be chargable.

What do I need to bring?

Students joining Westbourne in September, a full parent information booklet will be sent.

For those joining us only for the ESL Summer School you will require:

Valid passport, or ID card
Basic pocket money (£50 per week would be our maximum recommendation)
Sports clothes, swimming costume and trainers
Warm clothing and a waterproof jacket
Toothbrush and toiletteries

The boarding house will provide:

Bedding and towels
Laundry facilities for your child’s laundry (it is very helpful to bring a laundry bag)

What age is the course for?

We welcome students from 11 – 16 years for our fully residential programme.

For younger students a day option is available, please do ask our admissions team if you are considering Summer School for a child aged 7 – 11 years.

How do I apply?

Application is simple, we ask for a copy of your most recent full school report and an application form.