Canford Summer School
Highlights
- Interactive and immersive project based learning
- Action packed activity programme
- UK's Number 1 Summer School
- Over 155 nationalities represented
Focused on Academics for an enriched camp experience.
Overview
SBC Canford stands as one of Summer Boarding Courses’ most dynamic and enriching summer schools, designed specifically for students aged 11–16. Nestled within the expansive and scenic grounds of Canford School near Bournemouth, this programme is ideal for students seeking a balance between academic challenge and high-energy adventure.
Distinctive Setting and Atmosphere
Canford School, the host campus, is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, widely recognised for its exceptional facilities and heritage. The campus offers an inspiring and secure environment surrounded by over 250 acres of landscaped parkland. Its location near the south coast of England also allows access to exciting coastal excursions and outdoor experiences, making it a standout choice for those who wish to enjoy both academic engagement and outdoor exploration.
Adventure-Based Learning Philosophy
The central philosophy at SBC Canford revolves around adventure-based learning, encouraging students to step beyond their comfort zones, embrace new challenges, and grow in confidence. The programme is designed to build leadership, resilience, and teamwork skills through dynamic academic lessons and action-packed social activities.
Focus on Future Skills and Confidence
Through SBC’s unique "Time to Shine" framework, students apply their learning in collaborative presentations and showcase projects. This helps develop critical 21st-century competencies such as communication, public speaking, and problem-solving.
Globally Inclusive and Immersive Environment
Students from a broad mix of nationalities create a truly international atmosphere. English is the shared language, allowing immersive linguistic development and fostering global friendships—a hallmark of the SBC experience.
Excursions and Cultural Enrichment
SBC Canford includes a variety of full-day and half-day excursions to key destinations such as:
- London – providing cultural insight and iconic sightseeing.
- Adventure Day – Land & Wave (Kayaking, Beach Games, Crabbing, and Paddle Boarding)
- Bournemouth – a classic British seaside experience.
- Splashdown Water Park – a summer favourite and camp highlight.
These excursions not only provide fun but are also carefully chosen to complement the adventurous and explorative nature of the programme.
SBC Canford offers an exceptional summer programme that combines first-class academic teaching with adventurous, confidence-building experiences in a safe and prestigious British boarding school setting. Its unique approach to developing leadership, communication, and collaboration skills—within an internationally diverse student body—ensures a transformative experience for young learners preparing for their next steps in education and life.
11-16 yo
From Monday 29th June 2026 to Monday 3rd August 2026
2 weeks
From $5,635
English
Max 299 campers
Shared
Academics
Our Adventure Programme combines engaging lessons with exciting activities, excursions, and themed events. Students take part in 15 hours of project-based learning each week, and outside the classroom, they enjoy a wide range of sports, arts, and adventure activities, plus unforgettable excursions and other whole school events. Designed to build confidence, teamwork, and independence, Learning Adventures is the perfect blend of learning and fun.
Courses include:
English Adventures
Ages: 11–16
English Level: All levels
Course Overview:
English Adventurers is an immersive two-week language programme for students of all levels, from A1 to C1.You’ll build your confidence in English through interactive lessons, practical tasks, and creative projects that bring the language to life. From structured grammar and vocabulary sessions to roleplay, debates, and collaborative writing, every activity is designed to help you communicate more fluently and effectively. Learning doesn’t stop in the classroom – you’ll also practise your English in real-world contexts, from cultural visits to group challenges that test your skills in new ways. With support from experienced language tutors, you’ll strengthen your accuracy, expand your vocabulary, and grow the confidence to use English naturally in academic and everyday situations.
Future Entrepreneurs
Ages: 11–16
English Level: Intermediate and above (recommended)
Course Overview:
Future Entrepreneurs introduces you to the essentials of business and innovation through hands-on projects and practical challenges. Across two weeks you’ll learn how to spot opportunities, shape ideas into workable plans, and practise presenting them with clarity and confidence. Working in teams, you’ll test out solutions to real-world problems, gaining an early understanding of what it takes to think like an entrepreneur and bring ideas to life.
Future Scientists
Ages: 11–16
English Level: Intermediate and above (recommended)
Course Overview:
Future Scientists introduces you to the methods and questions that define modern science. Across two weeks you’ll study biology, chemistry and physics through practical experiments, observation and analysis. The programme builds both understanding and technique, giving you the chance to investigate real problems and present clear scientific explanations.
Future Artists
Ages: 11–16
English Level: Intermediate and above (recommended)
Course Overview:
Future Artists is a two-week programme for students who want to explore creativity in practice. You’ll experiment with different techniques, from drawing and painting to mixed media and design, while learning how to develop and express your own artistic voice. Through studio sessions and collaborative projects, you’ll discover how art communicates ideas and reflects the world around us.
Future Global Leaders
Ages: 11–16
English Level: Intermediate and above (recommended)
Course Overview:
Future Global Leaders is a two-week programme for students who want to understand power, politics and influence in an international context. You’ll study how governments work, how global organisations respond to crises, and how leaders build trust and authority. Alongside this, you’ll develop practical skills in debate, negotiation and decision-making, preparing you to speak with clarity and lead with confidence. The course is about more than theory: it gives you the chance to test ideas, work with others, and start shaping the perspective of a future leader.
Accommodation & facilities
At Canford Summer School, all students reside in purpose-built boarding houses divided into male and female accommodation.
The houses are well maintained and are made up of comfortable single, double, and small dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and spacious common rooms and living areas where you can relax, watch a film, have a game of pool or ping pong and feel at home. Rooms also have a desk and a small wardrobe for hanging clothes.
Students stay in one of five boarding houses. These houses are where our students forge strong friendships, which often last beyond the Summer experience, and our Houseparents and house structure is ideal for facilitating these bonds.
Reviews
Q&A
Dedicated pastoral staff are responsible for the day-to-day wellbeing and supervision, including House Parents and Activity Leaders. A senior management team including Welfare Coordinators, oversees all staff and ensures consistency in pastoral care, safety, and programme delivery. Students are supervised at all times, with clear check-in procedures, structured timetables, and high staff visibility during activities and excursions.
Yes. All staff undergo enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks prior to employment, in accordance with UK safeguarding regulations.
The SBC Code of Conduct outlines behavioural expectations, promoting respect, kindness, and responsibility. Breaches of conduct are addressed in line with safeguarding guidelines. All students attend a welcome briefing that includes health and safety procedures, fire drills, and reporting channels for concerns.
Students are allowed to bring mobile phones, but usage is restricted during academic sessions and structured activities to encourage engagement and social interaction. Phones may be used during free time and in accordance with house rules. SBC promotes digital wellbeing and age-appropriate boundaries.
Location
The nearest airport to Canford Summer School is London. Airport pickup is available upon request. When booking your flights, please note that we only provide supervised transfers for Heathrow Airport and St Pancras Station. At Heathrow Airport on arrival day, flights must arrive between 6am and 5pm. On departure day, flights must depart between 11am and 6pm. At St Pancras station trains must arrive between 10 am and 12 noon and depart between 12 noon and 2pm.Students will be transported to the school using one of the following services: Staffed Private Coach, Staffed Minibus, Staffed Taxi. The mode of transport will be determined by the number of students arriving on similarly timed flights and heading to the same school.
