Engagers Summer Programme in Bristol, UK

Course Description: Engagers Summer Programme in Bristol, UK

Bristol Summer Programme: Engagers

The original academic summer experience: prepare for IB, A Levels and study in English 🎓�*

The Engagers programme in Bristol is a high-level academic summer school for ambitious students aged 15 to 17 who want to strengthen their subject skills, develop academic English and gain real preparation for Sixth Form pathways such as IB, A Levels or other advanced study in English.

Taking place at a traditional British boarding school in the peaceful Mendip Hills near Bristol, this programme combines rigorous study with leadership training, outdoor challenge and memorable cultural excursions. It offers the perfect blend of intellectual stretch, personal growth and countryside boarding life at a crucial stage of teenage development.

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Location: Sidcot School, near Bristol 🌳

Students live and study at Sidcot School, a long-established UK boarding school set in wide open countryside. The safe, calm environment gives Engagers the focus and mental space they need to learn, reflect and grow.

Campus facilities include:

• Indoor swimming pool and sports hall

• Playing fields and tennis courts

• Art, Drama and Music classrooms

• Fully equipped science laboratories

• Library and quiet study spaces

• A social hub café

• Stables for on-site horse riding

• Modern dining rooms with fresh meals daily

• Wi-Fi throughout campus

Accommodation is in boarding houses on campus, with most rooms shared by two or three students. Some larger rooms and a limited number of single rooms (typically for older students) are available. All houses include shared bathrooms, lounges and kitchens — comfortable spaces to relax, study and make friends. Roommates are matched by age and language mix to encourage English-speaking and international friendships.

This is a fully supervised, reassuring boarding environment designed for young adults.

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Academic Programme 📘✨

The Engagers course prepares students for advanced study by strengthening both subject knowledge and academic English. Before arrival, students choose at least eight subjects of interest, and from these we build a personalised weekly timetable of four subjects.

Subjects available include:

• Applied Maths

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Economics, Business & Entrepreneurship

• Environmental Systems & Societies

• English

• Essay Writing

• Presentations & Interviews

• History & Politics

• Psychology

• Design & Technology

• Media Studies

• Food Tech

• Sport & Fitness

• Theory of Knowledge (IB-style critical thinking, philosophy and global awareness)

Age: 15–17

Minimum English level: B2

Class size: Max 15

Learning hours per week: ~30

Approach: CLIL – students study real subject content while developing academic English in context

The programme builds depth, analytic thinking, academic confidence and a serious approach to future study.

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Be a Leader 💪🌟

All Engagers participate in Be a Leader, a leadership and personal development journey that strengthens essential skills for further study and adulthood.

Students will:

• Develop communication, negotiation, teamwork and influence

• Work on planning, initiative and problem-solving

• Take part in outdoor challenges (high ropes, bushcraft, orienteering, archery, paddle boarding, surfing, raft building)

• Design and deliver a group charity project

• Build resilience and self-awareness

• Complete psychometric, aptitude and career profiling

• Receive a personalised “My Career Choice” profile (ages 14–18)

Every student receives a CPD-recognised leadership certificate — an excellent asset for personal statements and future applications.

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Trips, Leisure & Social Life 🚌🎡

Engagers enjoy a full cultural and adventure programme, with trips typically on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Over two weeks, students will:

• Explore Bristol, including Banksy’s artwork, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain

• Hike Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills

• Try coastal activities like surfing, paddle boarding and kayaking

• Spend a full day in London (Southbank, Tate Modern, Tower Bridge, London Eye and top museums)

• Visit major cities such as Oxford, Bath, Cardiff, Stratford-upon-Avon and Windsor

• Enjoy adventure days at Thorpe Park, Dorset Adventure Park and other action venues

Evenings include social events such as barbecues, quizzes, fashion shows, sports tournaments, talent shows, cultural celebrations and campfires — a lively and international community experience.

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Daily Routine ⏰

A typical weekday includes:

• Morning assembly focused on leadership and motivation

• Academic lessons in chosen subjects

• Breaks for rest and sports

• Afternoon workshop, further lessons or leadership activity

• Dinner followed by evening activities, sports or house social time

The day is structured and purposeful, with a balance of challenge and relaxation. Students are treated like young adults: supported, encouraged and trusted.

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Care & Supervision 🛡️💛

• Staff live in the boarding houses

• Supervision is 24/7

• Students are never allowed out in the evenings without staff

• On excursions, older teens may have short, controlled independence (in pairs or small groups)

• Safeguarding, wellbeing and emotional support are central

It is a safe, structured and well-managed introduction to teenage independence.

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Dates, Fees & What’s Included 💷

Length: 2 weeks

2026 Dates

• 5 July – 19 July

• 19 July – 2 August

• 2 August – 16 August

Fees

Boarding: £3,450 per two-week course

Includes:

• All tuition and learning materials

• Boarding accommodation

• All meals

• Laundry

• Insurance (boarding students)

• Heathrow transfers (09.00–17.00)

• All trips and activities

  Extras include out-of-window transfers, extra nights, optional weekend activities and horse riding.

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Why Parents Choose the Engagers Programme ✔️

• Strong academic preparation for IB, A Levels and Sixth Form

• Personalised subject timetable with academic depth

• Experienced teachers and CLIL methodology for advanced English

• Safe, countryside boarding on a traditional campus

• Leadership training with a CPD certificate

• Superb cultural and adventure trips across the UK

• A friendly, diverse international community

This is more than a summer school — it’s a launch point for future academic success and personal growth.