Hatherop Castle English & Adventure Summer School

Course Description: Hatherop Castle English & Adventure Summer School

Set within a magnificent historic castle in the heart of the Cotswolds, this programme offers children aged 8–12 a truly immersive introduction to British education, culture, and boarding school life.

Surrounded by rolling countryside and a warm, supportive community, students experience a summer that blends academic learning, outdoor adventure, creativity, and personal growth.

More than just a language programme, this is a carefully designed experience where children develop confidence, independence, and global friendships, all within a safe and nurturing environment. 

Key Information 📌

• Ages: 8–12 years

• Dates:

• Week 1: 5–12 July 2026

• Price: From £1,450 per week

• Students: Small community of approx. 40 students

This intentionally small environment ensures high levels of care, attention, and integration.

Academic Programme 📚

English language learning is at the heart of the programme, delivered through a fully immersive and subject-integrated approach.

Students take part in 15 hours of English lessons per week, taught in small classes (maximum 12 students), ensuring personalised attention and rapid progress.

Thematic Learning Approach

English is taught through academic subjects:

• Science 🔬

• History 🏛️

• Geography 🌍

• English Literature 📖

This approach allows students to:

• Learn vocabulary in context

• Build fluency naturally

• Develop confidence in speaking

• Experience a British-style curriculum

Lessons take place five mornings per week, providing consistency and structure. 

Learning in Action 💡

The programme follows an experiential, real-world approach, meaning students are constantly applying their English beyond the classroom.

• Project-based learning

• Group discussions and collaboration

• Language use during activities and excursions

• Continuous real-life communication

This builds:

• Confidence

• Critical thinking

• Cultural awareness

• Communication skills

English for All 🧠

Students are placed into appropriate groups based on:

• Pre-arrival assessment

• Placement test on arrival

Advanced Learners

Fluent speakers (C1–C2) are challenged through:

• Topic-based academic learning

• Higher-level discussion

• Real-world application

Even native or near-native speakers are pushed to develop further.

Weekly Timetable ⏰📚

The programme follows a carefully structured weekly schedule designed to balance academic learning, activities, excursions, and social time, ensuring students remain engaged, energised, and supported throughout their stay.

Weekday Structure (Monday – Friday)

• 08:00 Breakfast 🍽️

  A relaxed start to the day with a nutritious breakfast.

• 08:50 – 12:30 Academic Programme 📚

  Students take part in their chosen academic pathway (English, AI, Leadership, or Adventure Challenge), delivered through interactive and engaging lessons.

• 12:30 – 13:30 Lunch 🥗

  A social and relaxed break with a wide variety of meal options.

• 13:30 – 15:15 Activities with Integration 🤝

  Students work alongside UK host students in collaborative sessions, developing communication, teamwork, and confidence in a natural English-speaking environment.

• 15:15 – 15:45 Refreshment Break ☕

  Time to rest and recharge before the afternoon programme.

• 16:00 – 18:00 Academies & Activities 🎯

  Students participate in their chosen Academy or Multi-Activity programme, developing new skills while enjoying a dynamic and social environment.

• 18:00 – 18:30 Dinner 🍽️

  A balanced evening meal shared with peers.

• 18:30 – 19:30 House Time 🏡

  Relaxation time in boarding houses, allowing students to unwind and connect with friends.

• 19:30 – 21:00 Evening Activities 🎉

  A lively programme including talent shows, games, discos, and team challenges.

Midweek & Weekend Variation 🌍

• Wednesday: Half-day excursion (local cultural visits and experiences)

• Saturday: Full-day excursion (e.g. London, Oxford, Cardiff)

• Sunday: Activities, half-day trips, or arrivals/departures

This structure provides the perfect balance between routine, exploration, and adventure.

Accommodation 🏡

Students live within the castle’s boarding house, creating a truly authentic and memorable experience.

• Shared dormitories (3–8 students)

• Single-sex accommodation

• Comfortable, homely environment

• Dedicated house parents and pastoral staff

Children quickly settle into a safe, supportive “home away from home”. 

Meals 🍽️

Food is a major highlight of the programme, with meals freshly prepared on-site.

Students enjoy:

• Breakfast

• Morning snack

• Hot lunch

• Afternoon tea

• Two-course evening meal

Menus are:

• Nutritious and balanced

• Varied and high-quality

• Adapted for dietary, cultural, and allergy requirements

Meals are designed to fuel both learning and active days. 

Academies & Activities 🎯

A key strength of the programme is the combination of structured academies and flexible activity options, allowing students to personalise their experience.

Multi-Activity Programme (Included)

Students not selecting an academy take part in a varied activity programme including:

• Football ⚽

• Basketball 🏀

• Touch rugby

• Badminton

• Volleyball

• Arts & crafts 🎨

Students also integrate with UK children, creating a genuine cultural and language immersion experience. 

Specialist Academies (Optional)

Students may choose one academy per week:

Horse Riding Academy 🐎

• Professional riding instruction in the Cotswolds

• Includes riding sessions and countryside experience

• 4 × 45-minute sessions per week

• Cost: £250 per week

Performing Arts Academy 🎭

• Music, drama, and dance combined

• Performance at the Talent Show

• 4 × 2-hour sessions per week

• Cost: £150 per week

Tennis Academy 🎾

• Coaching from professional LTA coach

• Suitable for all levels

• Covers technique, gameplay, and positioning

• 4 × 2-hour sessions per week

• Cost: £150 per week

Trips & Excursions 🌍

Excursions are an integral part of the learning experience, reinforcing classroom themes and providing real-world language practice.

Full-Day Excursions

• Warwick Castle �* – interactive medieval history experience

• Legoland Windsor �* – creativity and fun in a world-class theme park

Half-Day Excursions

• Slimbridge Wetland Centre �* – wildlife and conservation

• We The Curious, Bristol �* – interactive science exploration

Weekend Experience

• Cotswold Wildlife Park �* – nature, culture, and relaxation

Each trip is designed to:

• Reinforce academic themes

• Encourage English use in real situations

• Build independence and confidence

Evenings & Social Life 🌙✨

Evenings are relaxed and social, allowing students to unwind and build friendships.

Activities include:

• Movie nights 🎬

• Games and team challenges

• Social activities and group bonding

• Outdoor play and relaxation

These moments are key to creating a strong sense of community.

Student Welfare & Safety 🩺

Student wellbeing is a top priority:

• Fully trained safeguarding staff

• 24/7 supervision

• Secure, self-contained campus

• Dedicated pastoral care team

Children are supported emotionally and socially throughout their stay.

Mobile Phone Policy 📱

• Phone use is limited and supervised

• Allowed during designated evening periods

• Available during trips

This ensures students remain engaged, social, and present.

Airport Transfers ✈️

Standard Transfer (Heathrow – Sundays only):

• Arrivals: 09:00 – 18:00

• Departures: 10:00 – 19:00

Includes:

• Meet & greet service

• Supervised transfers

• Check-in assistance on departure

Additional Options:

• Private transfers from other airports

• Support for unaccompanied minors

What’s Included ✔️

• 15 hours of English tuition per week

• Full academic programme

• Multi-activity programme

• Full board accommodation (3 meals + 3 snacks daily)

• 2–3 excursions per week

• Weekly laundry

• Travel insurance

The Experience 🌟

This programme is more than a summer school — it is a transformational early international experience.

Students will:

• Live in a historic English castle

• Learn English through immersion

• Develop confidence and independence

• Explore British culture and countryside

• Build lifelong international friendships

By the end of the programme, children leave with stronger language skills, greater confidence, and unforgettable memories.