If you are planning an English summer school in the UK for your child in 2027, the first question is usually the simplest one: how much will it cost? Prices vary a lot depending on the city, the type of accommodation and how many weeks your child stays. This guide sets out real 2027 prices from ILH, ILC's junior summer programme, so you can compare options and budget with confidence.
The short answer
For 2027, a week at an ILH English summer school in England costs:
- £315–£340 per week for lessons only (no accommodation)
- £420–£625 per week for lessons plus activities (no accommodation)
- £820–£999 per week for a homestay package
- £1,075 per week, or from £2,200 for two weeks, for a residential summer camp at a boarding school
On top of this there is a one-off £80 registration fee, plus flights, insurance and pocket money. The details are below.
What affects the price?
1. Accommodation type
Accommodation is the biggest factor. There are three main options:
- No accommodation (day programme): ideal if your child is staying with family in the UK or you are travelling together. This is the lowest-cost option.
- Homestay: your child lives with a carefully selected local host family. It is great for everyday English practice and usually costs less than a residential stay.
- Residential: students live on a supervised boarding school campus, and lessons, meals, activities and friends are all in one place. This is the most all-inclusive and the most expensive option.
2. City and centre
Cambridge is the most expensive city for our homestay programmes. Portsmouth and Bristol offer the same type of programme for less.
3. Length of stay
Most families book two to four weeks. Longer stays help children make real progress, and most programmes quote a four-week price as well as a weekly one.
4. Package level
"Course only" covers lessons. "Course + activities" adds a supervised afternoon programme. Homestay and residential packages bundle accommodation, meals, activities and excursions. At some centres you can also add an excursion upgrade: Adventurer (+£90 per two weeks) or Voyager (+£130 per two weeks).
2027 prices by centre
Homestay packages (ages 10–17)
- Portsmouth: £820 per week, or £3,198 for 4 weeks (ages 10–16)
- Bristol: £820 per week, or £3,198 for 4 weeks (ages 11–16)
- Ipswich: £920 per week, or £3,588 for 4 weeks (ages 11–17)
- Cambridge: £999 per week, or £3,896 for 4 weeks
- Colchester: £1,950 for 2 weeks, or £3,802 for 4 weeks (ages 11–16)
Residential summer camps
- Walhampton, New Forest: £1,075 per week, or £4,192 for 4 weeks (ages 9–14, shared room)
- Ipswich School, Suffolk: £2,200 for 2 weeks or £4,290 for 4 weeks (shared bathroom); £2,370 for 2 weeks or £4,622 for 4 weeks (single en-suite room). Ages 11–17.
- Framlingham College, Suffolk: £2,260 for 2 weeks, or £4,407 for 4 weeks (ages 10–17)
Day programmes without accommodation
- Course + activities: Bristol £420, Portsmouth £460, Ipswich £565, Cambridge £625 per week; Colchester £1,190 for 2 weeks
- Course only: Birmingham £315, Portsmouth £325, Bristol £325, Cambridge £325 per week; Colchester £710 for 2 weeks
Young learners aged 5–10
Our Cambridge and Bristol programmes for children aged 5–10 are day programmes, with lessons from £340 per week. Children have around 15 hours of English a week and are supervised throughout the day.
Prices are for summer 2027 and are correct at the time of writing. Always check the centre page or request a quote for the latest prices and availability.
What is usually included?
All ILH junior programmes include around 15 hours of English lessons a week with experienced teachers, small classes, all teaching materials, an experienced welfare team and a certificate at the end of the course. Depending on the package, prices can also include:
- supervised afternoon (and at residential centres, evening) activities
- weekly half-day and full-day excursions
- accommodation with meals
- a local bus pass at some homestay centres
Extra costs to budget for
- Registration fee: £80, paid once per booking.
- Airport transfers: not included in the course price. We can arrange transfers, and the price depends on the airport.
- Flights and travel insurance: see our student insurance page.
- Visa or travel permission: depending on nationality, your child may need a UK visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Check our visa information page early.
- Pocket money: for souvenirs, snacks and optional extras.
- Excursion upgrades: optional at some centres (+£90 or +£130 per two weeks).
How to get the best value
- Book early. Popular centres and dates fill up, especially in July.
- Compare the package, not just the weekly price. A residential camp can look expensive, but it includes accommodation, all meals, activities and excursions.
- Think about four weeks. Children make the most progress, and settle best, when they stay long enough to build friendships and routines.
- Ask about groups. If several families or a school group are travelling together, ask us about group options.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send my child to an English summer school in the UK?
A day programme without accommodation is the lowest-cost option, from £315 per week. If your child needs accommodation, homestay in Portsmouth or Bristol (£820 per week) is the most affordable full package.
Is residential or homestay better?
Both work well. Homestay offers daily English practice with a British family. Residential camps offer a supervised all-in-one campus with evening activities, which many first-time travellers and younger teenagers prefer.
How many weeks should my child stay?
Two weeks is a great first experience. Three to four weeks is ideal for noticeable progress in confidence and fluency.
Are beginners welcome?
Yes. All programmes start from A1 (Elementary) level, and students are placed in classes that match their level.
Ready to plan summer 2027?
Compare all our English summer schools in the UK or get a personalised price for your dates. Our team is happy to help you choose the right centre for your child.
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