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Ages 8–17

About Us

SUMMER SCHOOLS IN THE UK SINCE 2008

Summer Boarding Courses (SBC) runs residential summer schools for students aged 8–17 at leading UK schools and colleges. Students study, make friends from around the world and grow in confidence.

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Who we are

Bringing students from around the world together since 2008

Since 2008, we have welcomed over 21,000 students from 155 countries. Every summer, students live, study and take part in activities together at our campuses in Oxford, Cambridge, London, Windsor and Folkestone.

Our courses mix English or academic study with sport, activities and trips. Students make friends from many countries and go home with new skills and more confidence.

  • Over 21,000 students since 2008
  • Students from 155 countries
  • Part of Dukes Education, a family of schools
Group of four diverse students smiling at Summer Boarding Courses event, with colourful flags hanging overhead, representing international education and cultural exchange.

Independently recognised

We are inspected, ranked and reviewed by independent organisations — and we are proud of the results.
  • No.1

    Ranked number 1 in the EL Gazette league table, based on British Council inspections, from 2018 to 2027

    EL Gazette

  • 10 / 10

    Top mark in the EL Gazette UK Language Centre Rankings 2026–27

    EL Gazette

  • Great

    Rated by families on Trustpilot

Our vision

“Unite the cultures of the world through education”

Our mission is to give every student, parent and member of staff an excellent experience. We do this through good teaching, personal support and a truly international community.

Three female students sat together in a Summer Boarding Courses class they are all smiling and having a good time

Our values

What we believe in

Four values guide everything we do, for our students and for our staff.

  • Welcoming everyone

    We build a friendly community where people from every background feel welcome. We celebrate different cultures and help everyone live and work together with respect.

  • An experience to remember

    We plan courses, activities and trips that students remember for a long time. Students try new things, find new interests and visit inspiring places.

  • Building confidence

    We support every student to try new and difficult things. With the right support, students become more confident and more independent.

  • Always learning

    We believe learning never stops. We encourage students to ask questions, think for themselves and keep learning after the summer ends.

Part of Dukes Education

Stronger together

Summer Boarding Courses is part of Dukes Education, a family of schools and educators. We all share one aim: to give children the foundations for an extraordinary life through education.

We work with Dukes schools, colleges and university application advisers. Their experience helps us build courses that are useful and inspiring.

dukes-education-logo

Our courses

Find the right summer course

Our summer schools are grouped into three pathways by age. Each pathway helps students take the next step in their education.

  • Children enjoying bubbles at summer boarding camp in outdoor setting.

    Ages 8-12

    Explorer Programmes

    Ages 8-12

    Our Explorer Programmes combine fun, adventure, and academic enrichment in a safe and nurturing residential setting. Perfect for building independence and making lifelong friends, Young Explorers ignites curiosity and creates unforgettable summer memories.

    Find Out More about Explorer Programmes
  • Students in wetsuits and helmets jump from an inflatable raft into the sea

    Ages 10-16

    Adventure Programmes

    Ages 10-16

    Set in some of the UK’s most iconic schools, our Adventure Programmes combine outstanding activities with immersive, interactive and communicative learning. Each experience blending real-world problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication – vital skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.

    Find Out More about Adventure Programmes
  • A student in blue gloves smiles while holding a test tube in a lab

    Ages 13-17

    College Pathways

    Ages 13-17

    Discover our College Pathways, which take pre-university learning further by combining academic study with hands-on professional experiences. This programme is designed for ambitious learners who want to experience academic tradition while preparing for the next step in their educational and professional journey.

    Find Out More about College Pathways

Arrange a Free Consultation with Our Student Experience Team

We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.