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A chance to live and learn at one of the UK’s premier boarding schools

Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme

Your summer experience starts here. Immerse yourself in boarding school life at Wycombe Abbey in the UK by taking part in our first-class Summer Programme.

Wycombe Abbey offers educational summer courses for international students, giving them the chance to experience life at one of the UK’s most prestigious and high-achieving boarding schools where our Summer Programme embodies the values that are the foundation of a Wycombe Abbey education.

Students will experience an immersive, intensive and international programme, combining exceptional English language tuition with a broad range of exciting electives and premium excursions to some of the UK’s favourite destinations including Oxford and London. Students will not only improve their language proficiency and progress academically but also develop creativity, confidence, leadership and teamwork. The skills learned by participating in the Summer Programme will help students develop into well-rounded individuals with excellent power skills and an ability to live and learn alongside many different nationalities as part of a boarding community.

Students will be able to take advantage of and experience the amazing campus at Wycombe Abbey. The School is set in 170 acres of parkland on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, with quick, easy access to both Oxford and London and only 30-minutes from Heathrow Airport.

You can book your space on the programme directly below or through your local agent. Please note that direct bookings cover the programme cost only and not transport to and from your home country, which will need to be organised by yourself.

Before booking, please get in touch with our Summer Programme Office to share any special needs, disabilities or assistance needed to attend the course. We will be happy to discuss prospective students’ needs.

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From the Headmistress, Jo Duncan


'We are delighted to offer our Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme for 2024. Our courses are designed to enable young people to experience first-class tuition as well as provide opportunities to try a number of extra-curricular activities, all within our beautiful campus, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from London Heathrow. By attending our Summer Programme, students have the chance to experience living and learning in a world class British boarding school, making new friends while they do so. Please get in touch with our Summer Programme staff if you would like to know more.'

The School

Wycombe Abbey was founded on the day of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, 23 September 1896, by Miss Frances Dove, later Dame Frances, a trailblazer who promoted equal opportunities for girls in the Victorian age. The School was established in Loakes Manor which had been redesigned by the celebrated architect James Wyatt for the first Lord Carrington in 1798.

THE HISTORY OF WYCOMBE ABBEY

The School is set in over 170 acres with beautiful landscaped gardens and extensive woodland close to the centre of High Wycombe. The campus has excellent facilities including specialist classrooms, a large sports centre with a swimming pool, fitness centre and sports halls, first-class boarding houses, extensive outdoor sports facilities and a newly refurbished performing arts centre.

Wycombe Abbey has a reputation for academic excellence and helping its students secure places at the world’s leading universities. The School has twice in the last ten years been named Independent School of the Year by The Sunday Times in its annual review of the independent school sector in the UK. In the Spear’s Schools Index, Wycombe Abbey is regularly named as one of the top 100 schools internationally and in 2023 was listed as a Finalist for School of the Year. It is one of the most trusted names in education and we extend this excellence into our Summer Programme.

Our values are the principles that guide the way we interact with everyone at the School and in our community. These values are embedded in our Summer Programmes: trust, encouragement, mutual respect, dynamism, excellence, innovation, service, and balance.

Immersive, Intensive, International, Inspiring

The Summer Programme

Wycombe Abbey has designed its Summer Programme with a team of academic and co-curricular experts from its international schools, and its operational delivery partner UKLC. The programme puts the student at the centre ensuring that everything they do is immersive, inspiring and engaging to provide a world-class experience with clear learning outcomes.

The programme has been designed to be:

Immersive – the best way to improve language skills whilst learning new knowledge, making new friends and experiencing boarding life.

Intensive – comprehensive, fast-paced and getting the most out of each day.

International – providing global perspectives and learning about other cultures.

Inspiring – creating meaningful memories and the desire to make a difference in the world.

The programme is 14 days long and includes 20 hours of language lessons per week, along with a further ten hours per week engaging with one of the high-quality electives available. Sports and activities take place in the afternoons and evenings, and each two-week course includes three full-day and one half-day excursions at some of the UK’s top destinations.

The learning objectives of the programme is to:

  • Increase confidence in spoken English;
  • Enhance creative and collaborative skillset;
  • Practice presentation design, delivery, and debating skills;
  • Build and broaden English vocabulary;
  • Boost understanding of different texts and media;
  • Improve English skills and systems – from lexis and pronunciation to reading and writing;
  • Develop power skills (soft skills) to succeed in the modern world.

The Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme will be suitable for students, both boys and girls, aged between 12 and 17. To get the most from our courses, we recommend that students have a level of English equivalent to at least B1 on the CEFR scale, but our courses are accessible to those with a minimum level of English equivalent to A2 and our skilled teaching team will ensure that the course content is updated as required.

Students enrolled on the course will be asked to take an online English test before departure from their home countries. This will enable our programme team to determine each student’s English level and allocate them to the appropriate group.

Arrival and departure days are on a Wednesday. There will be three two-week programmes running in the summer of 2024:

  • 3 July – 17 July
  • 17 July – 31 July
  • 31 July – 14 August

Two-week programme: £4,000

 

What is included in the fee?

  • Classes, electives and excursions;
  • Accommodation;
  • Evening activities;
  • Catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner;
  • Airport transfers for groups arriving at Heathrow Airport at specific times.

What is not included in the fee?

  • General expenses, ‘pocket money’ for students;
  • Airport transfers if outside the recommended timings or from an airport other than Heathrow.
Airport transfers to and from London Heathrow to Wycombe Abbey on arrival and departure dates between 10.00am and 6.00pm are included in the programme fee. You will be met by a Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme team member at the airport, who will organise your travel to the School with other students as a group.
Special airport transfers outside of the specified meeting times as above, or from other airports in the UK can be requested for an additional fee. These requests will be serviced through our approved transport providers and, where possible, will be accompanied by a member of the Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme team. Please contact our Summer Programme team with any specific transfer requests and the associated fees are listed below:
  • Heathrow (outside hours): £125 per way
  • Gatwick (all hours): £175 per way
  • Stansted (all hours): £200 per way
  • London City (all hours): £150 per way
  • Luton (all hours): £120 per way
  • Other airports – please contact us.

Language Learning

All of our students receive four hours of language lessons every morning. The immersive programme consists of several thematic English language studies. We apply content and language-integrated learning methodology to the teaching, allowing students to learn and develop their language proficiency while studying a range of topics and applying their skills to something interesting and relevant. The teachers will also adopt a problem-based learning model to facilitate the students in applying their language proficiency and knowledge and skills to meaningful real-life tasks and challenges. Language learning is supported by the afternoon electives, which create a holistic learning approach that supports the overall progression of each student.

During these lessons, students will learn about contemporary themes in British culture and politics. They will delve into British history, geography and literature and will enhance their critical and presentation skills. This part of the lesson will be brought to life during the London full day trip.

These lessons aim at empowering students’ linguistic awareness and capabilities to better understand and produce different texts (e.g. reports, essays, scientific articles). By working on all language skills, accuracy, vocabulary and pronunciation, students will increase their chances of being successful when taking an English examination (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, TOEFL, IELTS, GESE). This part of the lesson ties in with the visits to Oxford and Cambridge’s renowned universities.

During these lessons, students are encouraged to complete a project. Language emerges naturally as the result of the student’s communicative needs. All projects are focused on global topics and students will have the chance to work creatively and collaboratively towards a shared end.

These lessons specifically are tailored to provide participants with the 21st century skills they need in order to become the global leaders of tomorrow. During the first week (A Future For All) students engage with themes like sustainability and global issues. In the second week (There’s No Business Like Showbusiness) students learn effective and engaging communication strategies through performing theory and techniques (voice projection, presentation skills, audience engagement). The latter theme is further explored during the students’ visit to the West End/or Shakespeare’s Globe.

Electives

All of our students receive eight hours of electives weekly. Students have the opportunity to choose from four electives. Each one is designed to stretch and challenge our students so they learn, develop and grow in confidence. We want our students to have an unforgettable experience and to return home from our Summer Programme better prepared for their future. Click below to read about our exciting electives.

Embark on a transformative journey, delving into essential leadership skills while exploring the principles of sustainability. Students will learn the most important skills needed to succeed in the modern world of business and work. The Leadership and Sustainability elective grants students the perfect opportunity to explore a wide range of interesting topics and is perfect for those who dream of making a difference in the world. Drawing from real-life examples of inspirational leaders throughout history, students will understand what made them great leaders and how they managed to leave their footprint on society. Students will transform this understanding into practical skills through research, debates, interactive discussions, presentations, and interviews. The module also allows students to delve into the critical aspects of sustainability, covering environmental, social, and economic dimensions by examining success stories in creating viable and sustainable alternatives in different industries. Students will develop critical skills in creative thinking, problem solving, research and analysis, presenting important information, and managing a team, enabling them to enhance their spoken English while honing leadership abilities and preparing them for future roles as responsible and influential leaders.

Through a dynamic exploration of digital tools, technological trends, presentation design and visual media, this elective allows students to immerse themselves in the cutting-edge world of technology. This module will focus on design methodology, developing, designing and costing a presentation, and the fundamentals of photography and visual editing. This elective is perfect for students who are interested in digital technology, visual design or computer science and will enable students to develop essential skills that can be used in the future. From the basics of UX and UI design to creating a powerful presentation to launch a new product, students will explore emerging technologies, gain insights into how they shape our world and foster a deep understanding of digital advancements that drive innovation. With a focus on practical application, students will apply their newfound digital skills in real-life scenarios. Through project-based learning, presentations and collaborative activities, this elective promises a holistic and immersive experience, preparing students for a tech-driven future.

Embark on a captivating journey through the realms of creativity and expression. This elective offers a unique fusion of language development and artistic exploration through acting, dance, singing, musical performances, choreography, and staging. Perfect for anyone interested in drama, dance, singing or expressing themselves creatively, this course will build students’ confidence as well as their ability to express themselves in English. Creativity comes in many forms and encouraging students to showcase their passion and express themselves in different ways, is something that we strongly believe in promoting. With our state-of-the-art theatre, we have the perfect modern facilities to allow students to go through the creative process before bringing their production to life. Students will explore a wide range of creative mediums including writing, staging, acting, improvisation, voice projection and control, movement on stage, staging, as well as writing and producing a show.

This transformative course integrates language development with the essential principles of physical health, mental wellbeing, and the importance of adopting an active lifestyle. Students will dive into foundational aspects of fitness, exploring various exercises and sports, vocabulary related to health and fitness, and understanding the science behind nutrition. This elective also extends its focus beyond physical health to encompass mental wellbeing. Students will delve into mindfulness techniques, stress management, and the correlation between physical activity and mental health. Engaging in discussions and presenting information, students will learn a wealth of skills that go beyond everyday English. Outside of the classroom, students will benefit from the modern facilities available at Wycombe Abbey as they engage in different sports and activities, from swimming and volleyball to football and hockey, students will work together as a team and immerse themselves in an active lifestyle. The sports, health and wellbeing elective ensures that students will not only improve their language skills but also cultivate a foundation for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Excursions, Sports and Activities

Taking advantage of Wycombe Abbey’s unique location and excellent transport links, students will have at least three full days of excursions that will take them to see the sights of the UK’s favourite destinations including London and Oxford, providing cultural enrichment and an extension of the thematic learning so they can experience and appreciate it beyond the classroom and school site. The excursions will be both educational as well as entertaining. Students will also have full use of the School’s sports facilities, including a 25m swimming pool, large sports centre, dance studio, climbing wall and golf simulator. Each day, there will be time available for sports and activities.

Explore the best of London's attractions and experiences. Begin your journey with the Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour, which gives you the flexibility to discover iconic landmarks at your own pace. Next, elevate your perspective on the London Eye, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Then adventure into the British Museum to delve into a world of cultural treasures and historical artefacts or the Science Museum with its interactive and educational exhibits covering everything from early technology to space travel. Experience the epitome of entertainment and culture with a visit to London's West End. Renowned for its world-class theatres, this vibrant district offers a spectacular array of theatrical productions, musicals, and performances. Alternatively, you can step back in time to the world of Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre in London. Attend a live performance in the open-air amphitheatre, where the audience is transported back to the theatrical spirit of Shakespeare's era. With an immersive and authentic atmosphere, it is the perfect way to watch the works of one of the greatest playwrights in history.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Oxford with the Christ Church College and University of Oxford Harry Potter Tour. Explore the historic and picturesque Christ Church College, where iconic scenes from the Harry Potter films were brought to life. Wander through the captivating halls and courtyards that served as inspiration for Hogwarts. The University of Oxford Harry Potter Tour offers a magical journey through the mesmerising settings that fuelled J.K. Rowling's imagination.

Embark on a regal adventure with a visit to Windsor Castle. Nestled on a picturesque hill, this historic fortress invites you to explore centuries of royal history. Wander through opulent State Apartments, with priceless art and exquisite furnishings. Marvel at St. George's Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the final resting place of many monarchs.

Go on an intellectual and scenic journey with a visit to Cambridge and its renowned university. Roam through the cobblestone streets adorned with historic architecture, and marvel at the world-famous colleges along the River Cam. Explore the hallowed halls of the University of Cambridge, where the likes of Newton and Darwin once studied. Admire the iconic King's College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs immersing yourself in the vibrant academic atmosphere.

A Home Away from Home

Wellbeing at Wycombe Abbey is centred on the needs of the students. Our boarding environment nurtures students in a welcoming and safe environment where they can be flexible and creative, think critically and communicate ideas, work alone and in a team, and respect themselves and others. The Summer Programme has a culture that stimulates and inspires throughout the day, empowering students to achieve their best. Dedicated House staff ensure that each student is known, supported and respected as an individual. Given the nature of living on-site, students can enjoy a wealth of extra-curricular activities that balances the academic nature of the Summer Programme.

Students will live in our newest residential boarding houses, Pitt and Rubens. A range of bedrooms cater for two to four students, and every bedroom has an ensuite bathroom. The accommodation offers well-equipped kitchens and common areas for relaxing at the start and end of the day. The accommodation also benefits from outdoor space for the summer.

During students’ stay at Wycombe Abbey, full catering will be provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner in our main school dining room along with nutritional snacks throughout the day. Packed lunches will be made for excursion days. Our caterers make sure that all food is available for all dietary requirements and is healthy and nutritious. A typical menu is below.

A world class campus in 170 acres of parkland


Click below to take a look around the key areas pupils will be using: Pitt and Rubens Boarding House, Main School and Sports Centre.

Take a look around

Pitt and Rubens Boarding House


Click below to view inside the boarding house.

View the 360 tour

Summer Programme Provider

Wycombe Abbey has chosen to partner with UKLC for the delivery of the Summer Programme. UKLC have an extensive track record and has been active in English language and summer courses for 22 years. They have provided exceptional academic content and honed their course provision over the years, highlighted by their inclusion in the EL Gazette Centres of Excellence list, and have held British Council accreditation since 2006.

Combining the delivery experience of UKLC and Wycombe Abbey’s pedigree for academic excellence on our extensive campus with its outstanding facilities, enables us to deliver a world-class Summer Programme.

 

read more about UKLC

Frequently Asked Questions

I have some more questions before booking, who should I contact?

You can contact us by emailing [email protected]

 

When should students arrive and depart?

Our arrival day and departure day are on a Wednesday. Dates are on the booking form. Please check the start and end dates of your course very carefully.

Please email [email protected] if you have any queries or require more information.

 

Do you offer airport transfers?

We meet students arriving at London Heathrow Airport on the first day of our published course dates and provide free transport to the School between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm. Please email [email protected]for Further details.

If you arrive at other times or different airports, we can arrange transport for you at an additional cost.

 

How do I book the Summer Programme?

Please book using our online form by clicking below.

Book Now

 

How much is the course and when do I need to pay?

The two-week course costs £4000. The full amount is payable on booking.

 

Do I need to apply for a visa?

Entry requirements to the UK will differ depending on the country you are travelling from. The quickest and easiest way to find out whether you need a Visa is to check the UK government website.

If you are travelling from within the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you will not require a visa to enter the UK. If you are travelling from another part of the world, visas may apply.

 

Why do you need a copy of my child’s passport?

We ask for a valid copy of your child’s passport to ensure they are able to travel to Wycombe Abbey’s Summer Programme for the entire period of their course dates. A copy of their passport also allows us to check that their key personal details, including name, surname, date of birth, and nationality, match the details provided on the Booking Form. If your child requires a visa to join the Summer School, their passport copy will also be needed to generate a Visa Letter for this purpose.

 

Can students join as part of a group with a teacher/group leader?

Yes, the programme works for both individual students and small groups with a Group Leader/Teacher.

Can I change my elective options after booking?

This is possible if we have availability. Please contact us by emailing [email protected] to make your request.

 

What are the group/class sizes?

We aim to deliver a personalised learning experience, treat every student as an individual and ensure we get to know them, understand them and support their needs. We do this by keeping our group and class sizes low, so there is a high ratio of staff to students of 1:8 on-site and a maximum class size of 12.

 

Will my child receive a report and certificate?

Yes, all students will be awarded a Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme certificate of completion and an academic report at the end of the course.

 

Can students choose more than one elective?

No, students choose one elective for the duration of the programme.

 

Is homework given after class?

No homework is assigned after class by teachers.

Where will students stay?

Students will stay on the school campus within dedicated boarding houses, Pitt and Rubens. Bedrooms either sleep two or four and all have en-suites. There are also communal areas for students to relax and socialise together. We allocate rooms according to students’ age, gender and group where possible. We take into consideration any specific requests, such as friends who want to be close to each other. Room allocation is normally done on arrival. The students will not be able to use the kitchen but there are common rooms accessible to the students throughout their stay.

 

What do students need to pack for this programme?

It would be ideal to have two weeks’ worth of clothing (including rain-appropriate clothes, as the weather can be unpredictable) and sports attire for the afternoon activities. Laundry will be provided on-site once a week, and the students should bring their own towels. Bed linen will be provided.

 

What happens if students are sick?

Many of our staff have First Aid qualifications. If students have minor problems, our staff will look after them. If we have any concerns, we will take them to a medical centre near the school or the hospital. We strongly advise that all students have their own comprehensive private insurance, including medical cover.

 

How can I keep in contact with my child during the course?

You can contact your child via mobile phone, but please note that students will not always have their phones available.

We are experienced in helping students settle in well. We usually find that any homesickness subsides soon after they get involved in their studies and activities. To encourage independence, we advise limited contact with home during the first couple of days at the school. This helps students to become immersed in the summer programme.

 

Do students speak English all the time?

Yes. The Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme is fully immersive and English is always spoken on the course. We have students joining us from around the world, and English is the common shared language. Speaking English at all times is the fastest way to improve.

In order to get the most out of the programme, students must have a level of English equivalent to at least B1 on the CEFR scale, but our courses are accessible to those with a minimum level of English equivalent to A2 and our skilled teaching team will ensure that the course content is updated as required.

Please advise us if additional learning support is needed so we can arrange if possible.

 

How are students supervised?

We have a dedicated pastoral team on-site all day and night to ensure the safety and wellbeing of each student, not just physically but also emotionally. They will assist with day-to-day tasks like ensuring students get to the right place at the right time and make sure they eat well, get enough sleep and are enjoying the experience at Wycombe Abbey.

Our staff have extensive experience working with children, and so we are very well placed to ensure that students attending our summer programme have the same great experience as our year-round boarders.

 

Do you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes. Please state your child’s dietary requirements in full when making the booking, and we will advise accordingly.

 

What happens with my son/daughter’s medication?

If your child is taking medication, they should hand it in when they arrive. Medication is given to students at the prescribed time by an authorised member of the Summer Programme staff. We will only accept responsibility for medicines licenced in the UK, prescribed by a doctor and accompanied by an English translation that states the name of the medicine, the dosage and frequency it should be taken and the condition for which it is prescribed.

 

How should I manage my child’s pocket money?

We encourage you to set your child up with a prepaid currency or debit card in advance of their course. Wycombe Abbey’s Summer Programme aims to operate a cashless campus.

 

Are evening activities compulsory?

Yes, a full evening entertainment programme with fun and exciting activities exists. As they are a central part of the students’ stay, they will be required to attend.

 

Do students have any free time for socialising?

Yes, during the breaks throughout the day and in the evening, they will be able to socialise in their common rooms.

 

Can students freely use the sports facilities?

No, the sports facilities can only be used at allocated times. The comprehensive programme includes different activities and sports, and the students will have time during their stay to enjoy the beautiful facilities that Wycombe Abbey offers.

 

Can students choose a specific sport during the sports activities?

No, there will be different sports each evening. Due to some capacity limitations for specific activities, there will be a preference check at the beginning of the students’ stay.

Contact Us

Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme
Frances Dove Way
High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire
HP11 1PE

[email protected]

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Please note that while participating in the Wycombe Abbey Summer Programme will give students a chance to live and learn at one of the UK’s leading boarding schools, it will not contribute to an application to study at Wycombe Abbey school. However, we do welcome applications from international students to study at Wycombe Abbey, and more information on the admissions process can be found on our website.

Wycombe Abbey Admissions