British Experience English Language Summer School at Bishop's Stortford College

Course Description: British Experience English Language Summer School at Bishop's Stortford College

This fully immersive 2-week residential English language programme is designed for international students aged 13–17 who want to improve their English skills while experiencing life at one of the UK's top independent boarding schools.

Set on a beautiful, safe campus on the edge of the market town of Bishop's Stortford, the programme combines:

• High-quality English teaching with professional instruction

• Creative, sporty, and cultural experiences

• Personal development and confidence building

• A truly international student community

Students return home with improved English, greater independence, new global friendships, and unforgettable memories.

📍 Location & Campus Experience

Students live and study at Bishop's Stortford College, one of the UK's top independent schools, located on a beautiful and secure campus on the edge of Bishop's Stortford.

• Safe, extensive campus in a market town setting

• Award-winning pastoral care and outstanding facilities

• Modern boarding school environment with strong values rooted in respect, inclusion, and personal development

• Just 8 km from London Stansted Airport

The programme hosts students from 25+ nationalities, creating a truly international and diverse community where students gain global friendships and cross-cultural awareness.

🌐 English Language Requirements

This programme is designed for international students who wish to improve their English across all skill levels.

Students are assessed on arrival and placed in small classes (maximum 16 students) at the appropriate level for their ability. The programme offers age-appropriate learning pathways, ensuring your teenager is surrounded by students of similar maturity and ability.

📚 Academic Structure & Learning

English Language Instruction:

• 15 hours of English per week

• Classes held every weekday morning (09:00 – 12:40)

• Delivered by Experio English, British Council-accredited

• Small class sizes (maximum 16 students per class)

• Age-appropriate, themed lessons with modern teaching methods

Lessons focus on:

• Clear communication skills

• Practical vocabulary for everyday situations

• Listening, speaking, reading, and writing

• Authentic materials designed specifically for teenagers

• Interactive, supportive teaching environment

The teaching style encourages interaction, teamwork, and confidence. This is not sit-in-silence learning—students engage, debate, present, and practise English naturally in a supportive environment.

🧠 What Students Will Learn

Over the two weeks, students develop practical English skills and personal confidence.

Language Development:

• Improved listening and comprehension skills

• Greater speaking confidence and fluency

• Enhanced reading and writing abilities

• Practical vocabulary for real-life situations

• Natural, confident English communication

Personal & Social Development:

• Increased independence and self-confidence

• Cross-cultural awareness and global friendships

• Leadership and teamwork skills

• Creative and artistic expression

• Resilience and adaptability

Special Achievement: The programme concludes with a Certificate and Prize Giving Ceremony that recognises progress and achievement in English language development.

🗓️ Daily Routine

Each day is structured to balance English learning with activities, socialisation, and personal development.

Typical Weekday Schedule:

• 09:00 – 12:40 – English Language Classes

• 12:40 – Lunch

• 13:30 – 16:00 – Academy Activities or Mixed-Zone Activities

• 16:00 – Free Time / Campus Activities

• 17:30 – Evening Meal

• 19:00 onwards – Evening & Social Activities

• Supervised bedtime routine

Weekly Rhythm:

• Mornings: English lessons every weekday

• Afternoons: Choice of specialised Academy programmes (3 days per week) plus additional mixed-zone activities

• Evenings: Daily supervised social and entertainment events

• Excursions: 2 half-day trips and 3 full-day excursions per course

🏠 Accommodation & Campus Living

Students stay in modern boarding houses located on the Bishop's Stortford College campus, with full supervision from experienced residential staff.

Accommodation Features:

• Modern boarding houses on campus

• Boys and girls separated appropriately

• Mix of single and twin study bedrooms

• Clean, modern shared bathrooms

• Common rooms, kitchens, TV lounges, and games rooms

• 24/7 on-site staff supervision

Safety & Support:

• Secure, supervised campus environment

• Staff available at all times

• Clear safeguarding practices

• Access to medical care and first-aid trained staff

• Hospital close by

🛏️ Bedrooms

Rooms feature:

• Single or twin occupancy

• Modern, comfortable furnishings

• Access to shared bathroom facilities within boarding house

• Common areas for relaxation and socialising

🏫 Classrooms & Facilities

Bishop's Stortford College provides outstanding facilities:

Sports & Leisure:

• All-weather pitches (football, hockey, tennis)

• Large indoor sports hall (basketball, volleyball, badminton)

• 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool

• Spacious playing fields

• Tuck shop and WiFi across campus

Creative & Academic Spaces:

• State-of-the-art teaching rooms

• Theatre and dance studio

• Art & design centre with specialist studios

🍽️ Meals

All meals are included:

• Three healthy meals daily in a modern dining hall

• Continental and cooked breakfasts

• Hot meals with salads, vegetables, soup, and desserts

• Weekly BBQ dinner

• Packed lunches provided for excursions

• Dietary requirements accommodated

🎭 Activities & Evening Programme

Activities are a major highlight of the programme, designed to build independence, confidence, and friendships within a safe, supervised framework.

Evening & Social Activities include:

• Disco nights

• Film nights

• BBQ dinners

• Outdoor games and team challenges

• Capture the Flag and Scavenger Hunts

• Olympic-style competitions

• Carnival nights

• Talent shows ("Bishop's Stortford's Got Talent")

• Final Prom Night & Awards Ceremony

🎯 Academy Programmes

Students choose their preferred Academy programme(s) at the time of booking. The afternoon Academy sessions run from 13:45 – 15:45 on three afternoons per week, and students can select either:

• Two different courses (one week each), or

• One course (two weeks)

Activities are a combination of language practice, cultural exploration, arts and crafts, sports, and lots of fun!

📚 Intensive English

For motivated students wishing to make additional progress with their communication skills in English.

Focus areas:

• Speaking and listening skills

• Reading and writing development

• Practical communication in real-life situations

• Confidence and fluency building

This course is ideal for students who want to accelerate their English language progress during the two-week programme.

🎨 Creative Arts

For students with an artistic flair who would like to learn or improve their skills in a range of artistic disciplines.

Includes:

• Drawing and painting techniques

• Design and illustration

• Sculpture and 3D work

• Ceramics and pottery

• Personal creative development

Students' work will be exhibited for the summer school to admire, giving them a sense of achievement and recognition for their artistic efforts.

🎭 Performing Arts

For students who have an interest in theatre and want to develop their knowledge and experience of performance skills and theatre-making techniques.

Techniques explored include:

• Improvisation and spontaneous performance

• Mime and physical theatre

• Dance and movement

• Puppeteering and creative expression

• Magic and entertainment performance

• Group collaboration and ensemble work

Students develop confidence, creativity, and stage presence while exploring the full spectrum of theatrical performance.

⚽ Multi-Activity

Combines a variety of sports with artistic and creative activities, allowing students to explore diverse interests and develop well-rounded skills.

Sports include:

• Basketball

• Volleyball

• Badminton

• Table tennis

• Swimming

• Rounders

• Touch rugby

• Cricket

Artistic activities include:

• Dance and movement

• Film-making

• Arts and crafts

• Creative projects

Perfect for students who want variety and the chance to discover new talents across different disciplines.

🏆 Sports Coaching

Professional-level coaching in either Football or Tennis, with opportunity to develop advanced skills under expert instruction.

Options:

• One week of Football and one week of Tennis, or

• Two weeks of the same sport

Open to:

• All experience levels and abilities

• Students looking for high-quality professional coaching

• Athletes eager to develop their skills and technique

Coaching is delivered by experienced professionals in a supportive, developmental environment.

🌍 Cultural Trips & Excursions

Students explore some of England's most iconic cities and landmarks throughout the two-week programme. All excursions are carefully organised and fully supervised.

Half-Day Trips – Cambridge (2 per course, Thursdays 13:30 – 19:00):

The famous university city of Cambridge is visited twice during the course.

Includes:

• Open-top bus sightseeing tour

• Walking tour of historic university colleges

• Fitzwilliam Museum visit

• Punting on the River Cam

• Free time to explore and shop

Full-Day Saturday Excursions (08:30 – 20:00):

London

• Buckingham Palace

• Whitehall and Westminster

• Covent Garden

• Free time for shopping and exploration

Canterbury

• Historic river tour

• Cathedral visit

• Guided walking tour of this medieval town

• Free time to explore and shop

Additional Excursions:

Oxford (First Sunday – Full Day)

• University college visits

• Guided walking tour of the ancient university town

• Free time to explore and go shopping

Bowling (Second Sunday)

• Fun evening activity with all students and staff

Optional Visits: Individual visits and excursions can also be arranged for groups and can be booked in advance or on arrival at the College.

🌟 Overall Experience

Bishop's Stortford College provides a genuine British boarding school experience with award-winning pastoral care and outstanding facilities. Students gain confidence, independence, and improved English skills while experiencing life at one of the UK's most respected institutions.

Students leave with:

• Improved English language skills across all areas

• Increased confidence and independence

• Global friendships and cross-cultural awareness

• New talents and creative abilities

• Unforgettable memories and lasting experiences

• Certificate of achievement in English language development

🚌 Transportation

Airport Transfers:

• Included from/to London Stansted (STN) and London Heathrow (LHR)

• Available on all course dates

• London Stansted is the closest airport (8 km from campus)

📦 What's Included

The programme fee is fully inclusive and covers:

• English language tuition (30 hours)

• Residential accommodation with full board (three meals daily)

• Full and varied activity programme

• Academy programme instruction

• Excursions (2 half-day + 3 full-day trips)

• Evening entertainment and social events

• Course materials

• Student medical and travel insurance

• Airport transfers from/to London Stansted and London Heathrow

• 24-hour supervision and welfare support

• Certificate and Prize Giving Ceremony

📅 2026 Course Dates & Pricing

Course 1: 7 July – 21 July | £2,995

Course 2: 21 July – 4 August | £2,995

Course 3: 4 August – 18 August | £2,995

🛡️ Safety & Supervision

• Secure, supervised campus environment

• 24/7 on-site staff supervision

• Clear safeguarding practices

• Access to medical care and first-aid trained staff

• Structured daily routine with scheduled activities

• Boys and girls housed appropriately

• Staff available at all times for student support

🏥 Student Health & Welfare

Bishop's Stortford College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its care.

Safety & Support:

• Comprehensive safeguarding processes and procedures are in place to support students, families, Group Leaders, and staff

• Safeguarding procedures will be explained during the orientation session

• All summer school staff have had basic First Aid training

• Staff know exactly which procedures to follow in cases of illness or injury

Medical Care:

• Local Medical Centre available (10 minutes' walk from the College) for routine appointments

• Herts & Essex Community Hospital available for more serious cases and emergencies (10 minutes' drive from the College)

• Staff can arrange appointments and transport as needed

• On-site first aid support available at all times

📍 Location

Address: Bishop's Stortford College Maze Green Road Bishop's Stortford CM23 2PQ UK

Nearest Airport: London Stansted (STN) – 8 km away

🌟 Why Choose This Programme

This summer school is ideal for parents who want their child to:

• Improve their English in a professional, accredited environment

• Meet friends from around the world

• Experience life at an award-winning British boarding school

• Develop independence and confidence

• Enjoy creative, sporty, and cultural experiences

• Be warmly supported and supervised 24/7 in a safe environment

The combination of high-quality English teaching, outstanding facilities, and genuine British school experience makes this an unforgettable summer for international students.