Is Summer School Fun?

Is Summer School Fun?

Spending your summer in school? Let’s be honest – at first, some students might think this sounds like the opposite of a good time! For a teenager, the phrase might conjure images of stuffy classrooms and missed holidays, and parents may worry their child will feel like they’re being punished with extra classes.

But modern summer schools could hardly be more different from this dreary image. In fact, a good summer programme often turns out to be among the most enjoyable and enriching experiences of a student’s childhood.

In this piece, we’ll answer the question ‘is summer school fun?’, bust some common myths, and dive deep into what actually goes on a summer programme.

Myth-busting: Summer School Edition

It’s worth acknowledging the common concerns. Why might you worry that summer school isn’t fun? Often, it comes down to a few misconceptions:

• “It’s just more school.” Many imagine summer school as dull repetition of academic work, perhaps only for students who need to catch up. The idea of homework and lectures in July sounds unappealing when friends are off at the beach.
• Losing Holiday Freedom. Both teens and parents might worry that attending a programme means giving up the relaxation and adventures that summer should bring. No one wants to feel forced into studying while everyone else enjoys their break.
• Fear of Burnout. Parents may be concerned that additional academic pressure could exhaust a child who has worked hard all year. Students, on the other hand, might fear they’ll be stuck in a classroom when they’d rather be socialising, pursuing their hobbies, or just plain relaxing.

These concerns are understandable – after all, summer is traditionally a time to recharge. But here’s the key: a good summer school is not like regular school at all. The right programme balances learning with leisure, transforming education from a chore into an adventure.

To learn more about summer schools, take a look at our article ‘What is a summer school?’.

What Makes a Summer School Fun?

A well-designed summer school focuses on interactive learning, personal growth, and plenty of fun along the way. Instead of strict curricula and exam stress, students can:

• Do what you love: Summer courses are usually focused on a particular theme or subject, allowing you to explore the topics you love – from creative writing to coding, or fashion design to or medicine. When you’re diving into a subject you’re genuinely interested in, learning is what it always should be – thrilling.
• Get stuck in: Forget endless note-taking and stuffy classrooms. On a quality summer programme, you’ll learn through engaging workshops and fascinating projects. You might be conducting a science experiment, debating global issues, or even building a robot. This practical approach makes the experience feel different from normal school – it’s active and participatory.
• Make lifelong friends: Summer schools bring together students from different places and backgrounds. Outside class, there are typically sports, games, cultural excursions, talent shows, or movie nights. The best summer schools feel closer to a camp experience than traditional school. Students often comment that they enjoy the independence and the vibrant campus life.
• Try something new: Summer schools are places of discovery. From the personal (this could be your first time staying in a new country without your parents) to the educational (you can bet you’ll learn things you never dreamed of), a good summer school will provide you with a platform for adventure.

Crucially, summer school attendees aren’t there because they have to be – they’re there because they want to learn and experience new things. This shared enthusiasm makes a huge difference in the overall vibe.

As one of our parents reported about her child’s experience:

“In his first call home, my child said ‘Mom, I want to stay longer, and you can already subscribe for next year.’ He came back enthusiastic, he enjoyed learning in such a multicultural environment.”​

Are Dukes Plus Summer Schools Fun?

So what about Dukes Plus’s summer schools specifically? We offer a range of summer programmes that are academically rigorous and genuinely enjoyable. These aren’t dry classes in a dusty lecture hall – they are dynamic courses and experiences designed to inspire.

Our summer schools include everything from academic enrichment to creative and career-focused programmes. Whether your passion is coding software, designing fashion, or crafting a business plan, we’ve got a summer school to ignite that interest.

Importantly, these programmes are hosted in inspiring environments. Dukes Plus partners with prestigious institutions – some courses take place at iconic UK schools and universities like Eton College, Oxford University, and UCL​. Living and learning on such campuses adds a sense of adventure and prestige; students often feel excited to walk the same halls as famous scholars or to sleep in historic dormitories. The teaching staff and mentors are top-notch too – many are inspirational teachers or industry professionals who know how to bring subjects to life​.

Another big factor in the Dukes Plus experience is the global community we foster. Since 2008, our summer schools have welcomed students from over 150 nationalities around the world​. Walking into a Dukes Plus programme, you might meet a budding scientist from Brazil, an aspiring lawyer from China, an artist from France, or a future engineer from India. Teens get to form friendships that cross cultures and continents, which is incredibly fun and eye-opening.

One of our parents noted that, for her son, the international mix was invaluable:

“For our son there was no better opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded students from all over the world.”

Beyond the Classroom

Even with a fantastic academic offering, no summer school experience would be complete (or truly fun) without plenty of extracurricular enjoyment. That’s why we endeavour to  make sure that students have a rich schedule of activities beyond their studies.

Imagine spending your morning debating a legal case or coding a game, and your afternoon playing sports, exploring a famous city, or taking part in a drama workshop. Summer school students often get to go on supervised excursions to places like London, Oxford, or amazing local attractions. There might be organised activities such as football matches, scavenger hunts on campus, or art and music sessions to unwind.

Many residential summer schools host themed evenings – think quiz nights, talent shows, or international culture nights where everyone shares something from their home country. These moments tend to be full of laughter and camaraderie.

Crucially, all this takes place in a safe, supportive environment. Our staff are trained to supervise and support students around the clock, so while the kids are off having the time of their lives, parents can rest easy knowing they’re well looked after.

Growth, Confidence and Lifelong Benefits

Beyond the immediate fun, a summer school experience carries lasting benefits – often achieved through enjoyable activities. Students return home not only with great stories and new friends, but also with newfound confidence and skills.

Attending a summer programme, especially in a different city or country, helps teenagers become more independent and adaptable. They learn to navigate new social settings, manage their time (balancing class and fun), and interact with peers from various backgrounds. Parents frequently notice that their children come back more mature and self-assured.

Academically, the head-start or deeper insight gained can ignite a passion that lasts into A-levels, university, and careers. Many of our summer school alumni feel better prepared for future challenges. For example, students who try out a pre-university summer school often say it eased their transition to uni life. They’ve already lived in dorms for a few weeks and learned how to speak up in seminars, so arriving at university is less intimidating.

Others gain clarity about their career path: an aspiring doctor who spends two weeks in a medical summer school might return more motivated than ever to chase that dream (or, just occasionally, they discover it’s not for them – which is also valuable insight earned in a low-risk setting).

This illustrates that fun and future-building go hand in hand. When students are engaged and enjoying themselves, they absorb more and push themselves further. The result is a transformative experience – one that students and parents alike view as a worthy investment in personal development.

Conclusion: Is Summer School Fun?

So, is summer school fun? For many students who attend Dukes Plus programmes, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”.

If you were hoping to do nothing all summer, then fair warning – this isn’t what you’ll get on a good summer school. The kind of fun summer schools offer is where you’re challenged and excited at the same time.

Picture yourself waking up in a beautiful university campus, heading to a class you actually look forward to, then spending the afternoon collaborating on a film project or visiting a museum, and in the evening getting to know new friends at a games night or karaoke. It’s the sort of adventure that leaves a young person exhilarated (and yes, a bit tired in the best way) at the end of the day.

At Dukes Plus summer schools, students routinely report not only learning a lot, but genuinely loving the experience. One parent summed it up simply:

“My daughter really loved her experience… She made some amazing friends and cannot wait to attend again next year.”​

It’s not about choosing between education and enjoyment – with the right summer school, you get the best of both worlds. A summer spent this way can be one of the most rewarding and fun experiences of all.​