Hatherop Castle Summer School
Highlights
- Integration with English children
- High-quality English language learning
- Stay in a magnificent castle
- 3 exciting, high-quality Academies
Focused on Languages for an enriched camp experience.
Overview
Imagine spending your summer in a beautiful English castle surrounded by rolling countryside and a warm, supportive community. At Hatherop Castle Summer School, children aged 8–12 enjoy an unforgettable opportunity to improve their English, explore British culture and make lifelong friends, all within the safe and inspiring grounds of a historic 500-year-old castle.
Set in 22 acres of landscaped gardens in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, Hatherop Castle provides the perfect backdrop for children from around the world to spend up to two weeks improving their English while discovering the best of British life.
Our carefully designed programme balances learning, culture, and connection – combining high-quality English tuition with exciting Academies, activities and excursions.
English Learning
Whether your child is a beginner or already confident in English, our TEFL-qualified teachers ensure every student makes meaningful progress. Lessons are theme-based – from science and history to literature and geography – making learning immersive and relevant.
Academies
Our Summer School Academies give children the chance to pursue their passions, have fun and practise English in a relaxed setting. Choose from Horse Riding, Tennis and Performing Arts.
Activities
Beyond the classroom, children join local pupils at Discover Activity Camp, our on-site day camp. Together they enjoy a range of outdoor games, arts, sports and challenges – the perfect chance to make British friends and share summer adventures.
Evenings & Excursions
Evenings are relaxed and sociable. Midweek and weekend excursions take children to famous landmarks and places of historic interest, offering real-world opportunities to practise English, explore the best of Britain and bring learning to life.
Living at Hatherop Castle – A Home Away from Home
Staying at Hatherop Castle is a magical experience – from cosy shared bedrooms to delicious home-cooked meals and caring house staff who make every child feel at home and part of our community.
Accommodation
Comfortable shared rooms and communal spaces provide a safe, welcoming environment, with 24-hour supervision from our experienced pastoral team.
Food
Our in-house chefs prepare nutritious, freshly made meals with plenty of variety. All dietary and cultural needs are catered for, with a daily menu that includes breakfast, snacks, hot lunch, afternoon tea and a two-course evening meal.
8-12 yo
From July 5 to July 19, 2026
1 week
From $1,925
Max 40 campers
Co-Education
Shared
Activities
Programme overview
An engaging English Language programme and carefully designed timetable provides a great balance of learning, activities and connection.
English Learning
Whether a beginner or more advanced English speaker, our Hatherop Castle Summer School programme ensures meaningful progress. English is taught by TEFL-qualified teachers around subject themes so that learning is both immersive and relevant. Lessons structured around science, history, geography and literature enable children to build vocabulary and fluency within an education context.
Our experiential and interactive approach is designed to ensure children use English confidently across academic and social settings. From classroom discussions and project-based learning to engaging excursions, English language skills are built around real-life scenarios.
Children take part in lessons five mornings a week. During the 15 hours of lessons in small groups of 12 or less, the personal attention and supportive environment enable every child to thrive and grow in confidence and capability.
In addition to lessons, children enjoy 8 hours of focused Academy or Activity time across four afternoons each week. Our Academy are perfect for those developing skills in a particular area, while the Multi-Activity programme is a great choice for students who enjoy variety.
Academies
At Hatherop, Castle Summer School we want children to have a varied and rewarding experience, learn new things and find new passions. The Academies are a great way to have fun and practice language skills in a relaxed setting. Children can choose to supplement their learning with Horse Riding Academy, Tennis Academy or Performing Arts Academy.
Activities
On the inclusive Multi-Activity programme children join UK students at Discover Activity Camp, the school day camp that runs throughout the summer holiday. The perfect opportunity to socialise in a fun way with English speaking children and make lasting summer memories.
Excursions
Weekends and Wednesday afternoon, children venture further afield on popular excursions to iconic sights and places of historic interest to enjoy time their new friends. There are 2 – 3 excursions each week (depending on length of stay). Full-day excursions take place on Saturdays with half-day trips on Wednesdays and Sundays. Students are always supervised on excursions.
The Hatherop Castle Summer School programme ensures students have a great balance of classroom learning, outside activities and social events and experience a rewarding and enriching experience.
Dates & Pricing
Key Information
Ages: 8-12 years
Dates: 5 – 19 July 2026
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Cost: £1,450 per week
Academies and transfers extra
Included in the price:
– English Language learning programme
– Multi-Activity programme
– Accommodation
– Three meals a day and snacks
– Two or three excursions a week
– Weekly laundry
– Travel insurance
Additional costs:
– Flights and transfers
– Pocket money
Academies
Transfer costs:
Standard Transfer Cost per way
London Heathrow (LHR) £100
London St Pancras International £150
Premium Transfer Cost per way
London Heathrow (LHR) £240
London St Pancras International £395
London Gatwick (LGW) £280
London Stansted (STN) £395
London Luton (LTN) £315
London City (LCY) £395
Bristol (BRS) £100
Free on-site Academy worth £150 with 2-week bookings
From July 5 to July 19, 2026
From $1,925
Academics
English Language Programme
English language development is at the heart of our academic provision. Designed for international students ages 8 – 12 years, small class sizes ensure personalised attention and a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.
Language lessons
Key Information
Ages: 8-12 years
Hours: 15 hours of English lessons per week
Class size: maximum 12 students per class
Levels: beginners to fluent English speakers
What sets the programme apart is the integration of Hatherop Castle School curriculum, creating a rich and immersive learning experience. English is taught through daily subject themes, including science, history, geography, and English literature. This approach allows students to build vocabulary and fluency in meaningful contexts, while gaining insight into British education and culture.
Learning in Action
Our experiential approach to language learning encourages children to apply their English in real life scenarios. Through creative and collaborative classroom projects, excursions and activities, there is always an opportunity to practise and grow. Our approach enhances communication skills and intercultural awareness, while developing critical thinking and building confidence.
English for All
On registering, parents provide an indication of their child’s level of English, which is followed up on arrival with a short test to ensure they are grouped appropriately in line with their ability, and can thrive in the classroom.
Fluent speakers
Topic-based teaching, inspired by MYP English for higher level learners, mean that fluent English speakers at levels C1 and C2 enjoy high-level, practical engagement with English language. Children with advanced standards of English, such as those currently attending an international school or have grown up speaking English, are still challenged at the right level.
15hours of lessons per week
Schedule
Timetable:
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 English lessons, 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 British students attending our day camp 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 house, allowing students to unwind
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
Sunday: Activities, half-day trips, or arrivals/departures
This structure provides the perfect balance between routine, exploration, and adventure.
Accommodation & facilities
Staying at Hatherop Castle
Accommodation
Living in an English castle is one of the most exciting things about staying at Hatherop Castle School. The cheerful 3- to 8-bed single-sex boarding rooms are welcoming and comfortable, and the experienced, pastoral staff ensure a stay at Hatherop Castle is like home-away-from-home. Evenings are spent socialising, playing games in the grounds and relaxing in communal spaces
Food
Food at Hatherop Castle is delicious and popular with all students. Our top school caterers provide a wide range of nutritious, freshly prepared meals, with plenty of choice. We are able to cater for allergies and dietary needs, including cultural and religious requirements. Each day, students enjoy a big breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon tea and a hearty evening meal, ensuring that students have plenty of energy for learning and fun.
Video
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Q&A
All staff are trained in safeguarding, specifically designed for Hatherop Castle Summer School. The staff are supported by a highly trained and experienced Safeguarding Team. Children are supervised and looked after by house parents and dedicated welfare support
staff and are invited to approach any member of the team at any time.
Undergraduate degree
Basic safeguarding qualification
Advanced safeguarding qualification
First Aid training
TEFLI qualification (CELTA, Trinity CertTESOL or similar)
TEFLQ qualification (DELTA, Tritinity DipTESOL or similar)
Experience:
Experience working with children
Experience overseeing a high quality a summer school centre
Safer recruitment practices
We follow safer recruitment processes to ensure all staff members are assessed as suitable for working with children. This includes conducting relevant background
and reference checks, This applies to any third parties that we work this, such as Transfer providers.
We offer a thorough induction and management process throughout the course where staff are supervised and supported by the Centre Manager
This is managed at the interview stage – we ensure all staff are given opportunities to apply for roles at our Summer School.
We provide a positive, supportive and nurturing environment, where every child can feel safe during their stay. While we have clear expectations for behaviour and conduct, we believe in positive behaviour management, which helps students adapt their behaviour to an environment that may be completely new to them.
Mobile phone policy
While staying with us, students’ mobile phone use is monitored and permitted only for a limited time in the evening and only when connected to Hatherop Castle School’s safe student network. As well as ensuring that students use their time to communicate with each other, this also helps prevent safeguarding issues linked to the online world. Students do have access to their phones on trips.
Location
The nearest airport to Hatherop Castle Summer School is London Heathrow. Airport pickup is available upon request. We provide two levels of airport transfer service: a Standard Transfer Service from London Heathrow Airport and St Pancras International Station, and a Premium Transfer Service available from several UK airports Standard Transfer Service The budget-friendly Standard Transfer Service is available from London Heathrow Airport and St Pancras International Station on Sundays. This includes a meet & greet service by a member of school staff or a driver inside the terminal building. On departure, our staff member or driver also takes students to the check-in desk. The Standard Transfer Service is only available on Sundays for flights: Arriving between 9am and 6pm Departing between 10am and 7pm Waiting times: A member of staff member will meet students upon arrival. While we operate multiple transfers throughout the designated times, students may need to wait up to 2 hours with a member of staff before departure to Hatherop Castle School. Eurostar shuttles We also offer two Standard Economy Transfer Services on Sundays from/to St Pancras International Station as follows: Arriving between 9am and 6pm Departing between 10am and 7pm Premium Transfer Service Our Premium Transfer Service is available from all London airports, as well as Bristol Airport and London St Pancras International Station. This option also includes a meet & greet service by a member of school staff or a driver inside the terminal building. On departure, our staff member or driver also takes students to the check-in desk. Students travelling together can share the same Private Transfer Service. Waiting times: A member of staff will meet students upon arrival. Premium Transfers leave the airport or station immediately after collecting the student.
