New York session
28 June-11 July 2026
Two-week residential session.
In-person Programme
TED Summer School
TED Summer School is a two-week residential public-speaking programme from Immerse Education and TED, where students develop an original idea and present a filmed TED-style talk.
Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
In-person Programme
TED Summer School
TED Summer School is a two-week residential public-speaking programme from Immerse Education and TED, where students develop an original idea and present a filmed TED-style talk.
Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
Key facts
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Motivated communicators
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-18
Location / Region
London; New York; Singapore
Cost
£5,995; £7,495
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Public SpeakingWriting
Accommodation: 13 nights residential
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Certificate: Completion certificate
Final output: Filmed TED-style talk
TL;DR
TED Summer School is a residential communication programme from Immerse Education and TED for students developing an original idea and a compelling public talk.
Students learn through interactive theory sessions, small-group practice, one-to-one coaching and guest-speaker sessions before presenting live.
It suits students who want structured practice in storytelling, presentation and leadership rather than a conventional subject course.
What is the TED Summer School?
TED Summer School is a two-week residential programme created by Immerse Education in partnership with TED. It helps students develop an original idea, shape it into a clear message and present it with confidence.
Students work through communication frameworks, storytelling and practical presentation exercises in small groups. The experience ends with each participant delivering a TED-style talk to a live audience, with the talk captured on video.
Why Succeed highlights this
The programme produces a concrete final talk, video and personalised portfolio rather than only attendance.
One-to-one coaching and peer feedback give students repeated opportunities to refine a message.
The curriculum combines idea development, storytelling and delivery in a focused two-week format.
Residential pastoral care and dedicated mentors support students throughout the experience.
Who should consider this?
Best for
Students aged 15-18 who want to turn an idea into a confident public talk and value individual feedback in a residential setting.
Not ideal if
You want a subject-specialist academic course, a low-cost option, or a programme without a substantial presentation element.
Is it worth it?
TED Summer School can be worthwhile for a student who wants an intensive, supported way to practise shaping and delivering ideas. Its clearest value is the combination of coaching, live presentation practice and tangible recorded outputs.
The fee is substantial, so it is strongest when the student is genuinely motivated by communication and will reflect on the experience afterwards. Financial aid is available, but it is needs-based and competitive.
Effort and preparation
Effort level
Moderate to high.
Best started
Start 3-4 weeks before your preferred session, allowing time for the form, motivation response and family planning.
Main challenge
Turning a broad idea into a clear, concise talk.
Typical preparation
Discuss your preferred location, format and session dates with a parent or legal guardian.
Draft and refine a 200-250 word answer about building communication and public-speaking skills.
Choose an idea you would be excited to develop, test and present.
Useful if
You are ready to practise, receive feedback and present to others.
What you actually do
Students develop an original idea through interactive teaching, group practice and personalised coaching. They refine their message and delivery before presenting a TED-style talk at the final showcase.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore frameworks for idea development, storytelling and presentation.
- 2
Test ideas in small groups and exchange feedback with peers.
- 3
Work with tutors through personalised one-to-one coaching.
- 4
Learn from guest speakers with experience on prominent stages.
- 5
Present a final TED-style talk to a live audience.
Key dates and deadlines
Past
Singapore session
28 June-11 July 2026
Two-week residential session.
London session
12-25 July 2026
Two-week residential session.
New York session
12-25 July 2026
Two-week residential session.
Singapore session
12-25 July 2026
Two-week residential session.
London session
26 July-8 August 2026
Two-week residential session.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New York session | 28 June-11 July 2026 | Local | Past | |
Singapore session | 28 June-11 July 2026 | Local | Past | |
London session | 12-25 July 2026 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
New York session | 12-25 July 2026 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Singapore session | 12-25 July 2026 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
London session | 26 July-8 August 2026 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Eligibility and requirements
Be aged 15-18 at your session start.
Show motivation to develop as a communicator.
Be curious and ready to share your voice.
Be confident discussing and presenting in English.
Apply with a parent or legal guardian.
Cost, funding, and what's included
Non-residential programme
£5,995 — Two-week option.
Funding or discounts
- Residential programme: £7,495 — Includes accommodation and pastoral care.
- Financial Aid: Needs-based — Annual application cycle.
What's included
Residential fee includes 13 nights of secure accommodation., Residential fee includes breakfast and dinner each day., Expert tuition from TED-trained instructors is included., The programme includes dedicated mentors and cultural activities., Students receive a recorded final talk, personalised portfolio and completion certificate., Residential participants receive 24/7 pastoral support.
How to apply
- 1
Complete the online enrolment form with a parent or legal guardian.
- 2
Select your preferred location, format and dates.
- 3
Write a 200-250 word response about building communication and public-speaking skills.
- 4
Review the application with your parent or guardian and pay the £995 deposit.
- 5
Wait for enrolment confirmation, normally issued within 2-3 working days.
Curriculum / what you'll study
The programme covers the following focus areas.
Idea development
Develop and shape an original idea using communication frameworks.
Storytelling
Use storytelling to make an idea clear, engaging and memorable.
Practical delivery
Practise speeches, panels and digital presentations with feedback.
Final showcase
Present a refined TED-style talk to peers, tutors and invited guests.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
Daily schedule overview
A typical day during the programme.
Weekdays
Non-residential students join scheduled academic and social activities across the day.
Daily sessions
Theory, group practice and coaching develop ideas and presentation skills.
Weekend
Participants may join full-day excursions.
Teaching faculty / mentors
Teaching is led by tutors, mentors and guest speakers with communication, education and public-speaking experience. Tutors are trained by the TED team and complete Immerse Certification before programme delivery.
Dedicated mentors are current students or recent graduates from leading universities at the host location.
Accommodation, meals, and campus experience
Residential plan
- Residential stay: The programme includes 13 nights of secure accommodation.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included daily; lunch options are available nearby.
- Pastoral care: Trained staff provide 24-hour pastoral care, secure accommodation and clear curfews.
- City experiences: Cultural and social activities include day excursions and city exploration.
Non-residential students join all scheduled academic and social activities, but accommodation is not provided.
Progression pathways
After completing this programme, participants often pursue:
Build a filmed example of public speaking.
Keep a portfolio containing your final talk, script and feedback.
Receive a formal certificate of completion.
Develop communication confidence for future presentations and leadership opportunities.
Practise sharing and refining ideas with an international peer group.
Location detail
TED Summer School runs in London, New York and Singapore. The locations combine residential study with city-based cultural and social activities, giving students a distinct campus and urban experience alongside the programme.
London is based at UCL; New York accommodation is at Barnard College; Singapore uses central accommodation near a leading university.
Frequently asked questions
Each student presents a TED-style talk to an audience of peers, tutors and invited guests. The talk is professionally recorded.
No. Students need curiosity and enthusiasm for developing their speaking skills; the model is tailored to different starting points.
The residential fee includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, tuition, mentoring, activities, a recorded talk, portfolio, certificate and pastoral support.
Yes. Non-residential participants take part in the same programme, academic sessions and social activities, but accommodation is not included.
Students are supported by tutors, dedicated mentors and guest speakers. Residential programmes also have trained staff and 24-hour pastoral care.
Students should be confident taking part in discussions and presentations in English.
Alternatives to TED Summer School
These alternatives may suit students seeking leadership, communication or entrepreneurship practice in a summer programme.
Alternatives
Build and pitch business ideas in London.
Entrepreneurship
Check official page
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15-18
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In-person
Best for
Students interested in entrepreneurship
Canford Future Global Leaders
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Explore politics, international relations and leadership.
Debating
29 Jun 2026
Check official page
11-16
Wimborne
In-person
Best for
Students exploring global leadership
BSC International Summer School
Recently closed
Residential English study with activities and public speaking.
Public Speaking
7 Jul 2026
From £2995
8-17
Bishop's Stortford, UK
In-person
Best for
Younger international students
Save this programme in Succeed to compare it with similar programmes, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programmesContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, programme quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources & verification
Source types reviewed
- Financial - TED Summer School
- FAQ - TED Summer School
- Application Form
- Book Consultation
- Singapore - TED Summer School
- New York - TED Summer School
- London - TED Summer School
- Residential Programmes - TED Summer School
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 24 Jul 2026)
Programme structure checked
Eligibility reviewed
Session dates reviewed
Fees reviewed
Residential support reviewed
Application process checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
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