English for Academic Purposes Summer School
An in-person summer school programme for 13 to 17-year-olds focused on developing English skills for academic purposes through 30 hours of subject-specific tuition and 20 hours of elective tuition over two weeks.
English for Academic Purposes Summer School
An in-person summer school programme for 13 to 17-year-olds focused on developing English skills for academic purposes through 30 hours of subject-specific tuition and 20 hours of elective tuition over two weeks.
Eligibility
Ages 10–17
Next deadline
Cost
£4,600
Location
Multiple
Bishop's Stortford, UK; London; Oxford; Winchester; United Kingdom
TL;DR
The English for Academic Purposes Summer School offers a two-week in-person course at Charterhouse for teenagers aged 13-17, combining academic English tuition with electives, accommodation, meals, and extracurricular activities. The programme runs three times in summer 2026 with included airport transfers available for an extra cost.
What is English for Academic Purposes Summer School?
This summer school provides a focused English language course aimed at students aged 13 to 17 who already possess a high level of English. The programme is designed to develop language skills necessary for academic study at English-speaking universities or similar academic settings. It covers key areas such as academic essay writing, critical analysis, research techniques, and presentation skills. Special emphasis is placed on preparation for the IELTS Academic exam, which is commonly required for university admission. The course aims to enhance students' confidence and competence in both written and spoken English in formal academic contexts.
The programme runs in person at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, over two weeks with 30 hours of tuition in a chosen academic subject and 20 hours in an elective subject, delivered in small classes. Participants stay in on-site boarding accommodation with options for single, twin, or quad rooms and receive three meals daily plus an evening snack. Welfare support is available around the clock.
Beyond academics, the programme includes daily activities, evening events, and trips to London, Oxford, and Thorpe Park. Airport transfers from Heathrow and Gatwick airports are available for an additional fee. The setting combines historic architecture with modern facilities, offering an immersive UK boarding school experience.
Who should consider this?
Best for
Best for students aged 13 to 17 who already have a high level of written and spoken English and want to develop the specific language skills required for academic study and IELTS Academic exam preparation. It suits learners aiming to enhance their academic English fluency, critical analysis, essay writing, and formal speaking abilities for university admission or success in English-speaking academic environments.
Not ideal if
Not ideal if you are looking for a casual English holiday programme focused primarily on conversational skills or tourism. It may not meet the needs of very young learners below 13 years or adult learners, nor those expecting a purely online or part-time flexible schedule. The programme is also less suitable for learners who do not wish to engage in an intensive academic environment.
Is it worth it?
This programme provides focused training on the academic English skills and IELTS exam preparation that can be valuable for students intending to study in English-speaking academic settings. It offers targeted support in advanced reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for academic success. However, as an academic preparation course, its benefits will depend on individual student goals and prior language ability. Participation may enhance confidence and competence in formal academic contexts, but students should consider their current English level and academic aspirations before enrolling.
What you actually do
Students will engage in activities designed to advance their academic English skills and familiarity with the IELTS Academic exam. The curriculum covers critical reading and analysis, essay writing, formal speaking such as debates and presentations, and exam task techniques to build academic fluency and confidence.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Learn the academic register needed for university-level essay writing
- 2
Develop skills in critical analysis and argument formation
- 3
Study IELTS Academic exam formats and key tasks
- 4
Improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for academic contexts
- 5
Participate in 30 hours of tuition in a chosen academic subject
- 6
Engage in daily afternoon activities and evening events
- 7
Attend trips to London, Oxford, and Thorpe Park Theme Park
Key dates and deadlines
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | |
|---|---|---|---|
Programme Start | 29 Jun 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme Start | 29 Jun 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme End | 12 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme End | 12 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme Start | 13 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme Start | 13 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme End | 26 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme End | 26 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme Start | 27 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme Start | 27 Jul 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme End | 9 Aug 2026 | Local | Track |
Programme End | 9 Aug 2026 | Local | Track |
Cost, funding, and what's included
Entry cost
£4,600
What's included
The programme fee covers tuition for academic and elective subjects, on-site accommodation in single, twin, or quad rooms, three meals a day plus an evening snack, 24/7 welfare support, access to school facilities, daily activities, evening programmes, and organised trips. Additional charges apply for airport transfers and optional professional diplomas.
How to apply
- 1
Visit the official application page at https://www.charterhousesummerschool.com/store/charterhouse-summer-school-2026.
- 2
Select the English for Academic Purposes Summer School programme and follow the booking process.
- 3
Complete the registration form with required personal and payment details.
- 4
Submit the application and await confirmation from the Charterhouse Summer School team.
Accommodation, meals, and campus experience
Residential plan
Students stay in 19th-century boarding houses featuring historic architecture and a community atmosphere.
Residential plan
On-site accommodation with single, twin, or quad bedrooms available.
Residential plan
Three meals per day plus an evening snack are provided.
Residential plan
Access to full range of school facilities and 24/7 welfare support.
Residential plan
On-site accommodation with single, twin or quad bedrooms available.
The campus offers extensive student common rooms and modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities to support comfortable residential living.
Location detail
The programme is located at Charterhouse School in Godalming, Surrey, a site known for its historic architecture and extensive campus grounds covering around 240 acres.
Charterhouse School moved to its present location in Godalming in 1872, featuring buildings designed by Philip Charles Hardwick and facilities including a large memorial chapel dating from 1927.
Frequently asked questions
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