English Summer Camps in the UK 2027: How Parents Should Choose | ILC English Blog

Summer camp brochures tend to look alike: smiling students, historic buildings, a busy activity programme. But the programmes behind them can be very different. If you are planning an English summer camp in the UK for summer 2027, this guide explains what actually differs between courses and which questions to ask before you book.

1. Start with your child's age and personality

The right programme depends far more on your child than on the location.

• Ages 5–10: younger children do best on a day programme designed specifically for their age, with short, playful lessons and close supervision. Parents often travel too and stay nearby. See our Bristol and Cambridge programmes for ages 5–10.
• Teenagers: most families choose between a residential camp and a homestay programme (more on this below).
• Travelling as a family: if you would like to come together, ask us about our family programme in Colchester, where parents and children can both enjoy the experience.

Think honestly about your child: Have they spent time away from home before? Do they enjoy a busy, social environment, or do they prefer a quieter routine? The answers will point you towards the right type of programme.

2. Residential or homestay?

This is the biggest decision for teenagers, and there is no single right answer.

Residential summer camps

Students live on the campus of a boarding school, with lessons, meals, activities and accommodation all in one place. Staff live on site, so supervision is continuous.

• Full board, with all meals on campus
• A busy social life with students from many countries
• Ideal for first-time travellers and younger teens
• Sports facilities and open space on site

Our residential summer schools include Framlingham, Ipswich and Walhampton.

Homestay summer schools

Students live with a carefully selected local host family and travel to the school each day.

• Much more English practice at home, at breakfast and dinner
• A real experience of everyday British life
• Suits more confident and independent teenagers

We offer homestay summer programmes in cities including Cambridge, Colchester and Bristol.

3. Look closely at the lessons

A summer camp should be a holiday, but your child should also come home speaking better English. Ask:

• How many hours of lessons are there each week? At our junior summer schools, students have 15 hours of English tuition per week.
• Is there a placement test? Students should be grouped by level, not just by age.
• How big are the classes? Smaller classes mean more speaking time.
• What is the nationality mix? A good mix means students use English with each other outside class too.
• Will my child receive a certificate showing their level and progress?

4. Safety and supervision come first

For most parents, this is the most important question, and a good school will be happy to answer it in detail. Ask about:

• staff-to-student ratios, day and night
• background checks and safeguarding training for all staff
• airport transfers and arrangements for students travelling alone
• curfews, sign-out rules and supervision on excursions
• what happens if your child is ill or homesick
• how and when you can contact your child, and the school

You can read more about how we look after students on our Student Welfare page.

5. Check exactly what is included

Two prices that look similar can include very different things. Compare carefully: tuition, accommodation, meals, activities, excursions, transfers and insurance.

As an example, our 2027 standard junior package includes:

• 15 hours of English lessons per week
• 4 afternoon and 5 evening activities per week
• 2 full-day excursions every week
• full board

At our Suffolk residential centres, Framlingham and Ipswich, the included full-day excursions are to London, Cambridge, Clacton-on-Sea and Colchester Zoo. Families who want even more can choose an optional upgrade (Adventurer or Voyager), which adds extra trips such as a London river cruise and punting on the River Cam.

6. Decide how long to stay

One week is a taste of the experience, but most students make the biggest progress with two weeks or more. By the second week, they have settled in, made friends and start using English without thinking about it. At Framlingham, for example, students can join for two or four weeks between 4 July and 1 August 2027.

7. Book early

The most popular centres and dates fill up first, and early booking also gives you better choice of flights. Leave enough time to check travel documents and entry requirements for the UK. Our visa information page is a good place to start.

Quick checklist: questions to ask before you book

• Is the programme designed for my child's age group?
• Residential or homestay, and which suits my child better?
• How many hours of lessons, and how are students placed by level?
• What are the supervision ratios, day and night?
• Exactly what is included in the price, and what costs extra?
• Are airport transfers included?
• How will I stay in touch with my child?

Plan your child's summer 2027 in the UK

Whether your child is 5 or 17, we can help you find the right programme. Explore all our English summer schools in the UK, or get a price and our team will help you choose.