The Best English Summer Schools in the UK for Children Aged 10 to 14

SKOLA: Best for a Traditional Boarding School Experience

SKOLA runs an English summer school for 10- to 14-year-olds at Uppingham School in Rutland, an independent boarding school founded in 1584. Students have 15 hours of English lessons each week and stay in single or twin rooms, with house-parents living on site. SKOLA is a British Council Centre of Excellence and a founding member of English UK.

The age range is a big advantage. Children share lessons and boarding houses with students of a similar age, rather than much older teenagers. There is also one adult for every eight students during activities, and the classrooms, bedrooms and sports facilities are all a short walk apart.

If you are comparing summer boarding school UK options, supervision should be high on your list. Ask:

Who stays in the boarding house overnight?
How are rooms allocated by age and gender?
How many adults supervise evening activities?

Dulwich College: Best for 12 to 14-Year-Olds Who Want to Stay in London

Summer Boarding Courses lists its Dulwich College programme for students aged 12 to 14. That narrower age range can help younger teenagers feel more comfortable speaking English and making friends. The London location also makes it appealing to families planning to spend part of the summer in the capital.

Before booking, check whether the course is residential or day-based, how students travel on excursions into central London and how many adults accompany them. You will also want to confirm finishing times and collection arrangements. Children aged 10 or 11 are not eligible for this programme, so families with younger children will need another option.

Canford School: Best for a Traditional British School Setting

Canford School in Dorset hosts residential summer courses run by Summer Boarding Courses for students in their early to mid-teens. The school is known for its predominantly British boarding environment, while the summer programme brings together students from overseas. The provider says children from more than 150 nationalities have attended its courses across its programmes.

For families looking for a summer boarding school UK experience, Canford offers the setting of an established British independent school. However, the nationality mix on a summer course may differ from the school’s regular student population, so it is worth asking who will be attending during your chosen dates.

ECS at Port Regis: Best for Combining English With Life Skills

ECS runs British Council-accredited English and activity courses at Port Regis, a boarding school in Dorset. The programme welcomes children aged 8 to 17 and combines language lessons with life-skill workshops, sports, social activities and excursions.

This could suit a child who learns best by getting involved rather than spending all day in a classroom. An English summer camp in England with group workshops gives quieter children more chances to practise speaking, listening and working with others in everyday situations.

Ask for a sample weekly timetable to see how English lessons and activities are balanced. Because the age range is wide, also check how students are grouped and whether a 10-year-old would share activities with 16 and 17-year-olds.

CIE Oxford: Best for Adding Drama to English Lessons

CIE Oxford, the College of International Education, runs a junior residential summer course for ages 10 to 17. Students combine general English with afternoon options that include drama. The British Council inspected and accredited the college in April 2023.

Drama can be particularly helpful for children who understand English but feel shy about speaking. It gives them a reason to practise aloud, respond to others and build confidence through shared activities.

Before choosing the course, ask whether drama is part of the English lessons or a separate afternoon option. It is also worth checking whether students work towards a final performance and how younger children are grouped with others, given the wide age range.

Target English International: Best for School and Agent Groups

Established in 2009, Target English International runs residential junior courses for groups aged 10 to 17. Programmes take place on university and college campuses across the UK, with English tuition, full-board accommodation, activities and excursions included.

This format is particularly useful for teachers, educational agents and families organising a group trip. If you are booking for one child, though, an open course where students enrol individually may be a better choice.

Group organisers should check three things before booking:

Is accommodation available for accompanying adults?
How much will students mix with other nationalities?
Which campuses are available for the preferred dates?

How to Compare Your Shortlist

The best English summer school for your child is not necessarily the one with the most activities or the most impressive campus. What matters is finding a course that matches their age, confidence and need for support.

Before making your decision, check:

British Council reports: Read the school’s latest published inspection report.
Age groups: Confirm the current age range and how classes are organised.
Supervision: Ask about adult-to-student ratios and overnight care.
English levels: Check that students are placed in suitable classes.

A confident 14-year-old may enjoy a busy programme with plenty of activities, while a quieter 10-year-old might prefer a smaller age group and a more structured day.

Send each school the same questions in writing so you can compare their answers properly. And ask about availability early, as places for certain ages and nationalities can fill up before summer.

The aim is simple: find somewhere your child can improve their English, make friends and feel comfortable being away from home.