Summer Schools
Think Global! – Earlscliffe
Discover the stories shaping our world, develop your English, and make your voice heard.
Key Details
- Ages: 13-17
- Location: Earlscliffe, Kent
- Start dates: 28 June, 12 July & 26 July 2027
- English level: A2+ (pre-intermediate or above)
- Duration: 2 weeks
Students from
countries around the world
We’re the UK’s
multi-campus summer school
We’ve welcomed
students since 2008
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Debate, create, communicate
Think Bigger. Look Beyond Borders.
Ever wondered why the same news story can look so different around the world? Think Global! at Earlscliffe invites students aged 13–17 to explore international affairs, media, and culture while improving their English.
On this English language summer school, you’ll investigate global issues, examine how the media shapes public opinion, and discover new perspectives on the world around you.
Debate the headlines. Analyse news stories. Create your own documentary. You’ll develop your English through lively discussions and creative projects, while enjoying an unforgettable summer on the Kent coast.
Discover more about Think Global! and book your place today.
Our immersive summer schools are delivered by SBC, the UK’s number 1 multi-campus summer school for children aged 6-17.
Think Global! – Earlscliffe
Think Global! is an exciting two-week English summer school at Earlscliffe for curious students aged 13–17 who want to explore global issues, discover new perspectives, and improve their English.
During the programme, you will:
– Investigate current affairs and global challenges, from climate change to international relations
– Improve your English through lively debates, discussions, and presentations
– Explore how news, media, and culture influence our understanding of world events
– Research a global issue and share your findings through a creative group project
You’ll also enjoy an unforgettable summer on the Kent coast, with exciting excursions, social activities, and friendships with students from around the world.
Book your place today and discover a whole new perspective on the world.
At a Glance
- Price
- Duration
- Location
- Ages
- Start Dates
- From £2,595
- 2 weeks
- Kent
- 13-17
- 28 Jun, 12 & 26 Jul 2027
Academic Overview
Discover what you’ll learn – and how you’ll learn – in the academic overview for this programme.
24/7
Pastoral support
From 100% DBS-checked, trained residential staff.
1:6
Staff-to-student ratio
Ensuring our focus is always on your child.
20 hours
Academic teaching per week
An immersive learning experience.
15/15
Areas of strength
In our most recent British Council inspection.
Course Modules
Get to grips with the world’s biggest challenges
What’s behind the headlines? Explore important global issues, from environmental challenges and migration to technological change and international relations. Through articles, reports, and discussions, you’ll investigate different perspectives and develop the English vocabulary to discuss complex international topics.
Find your voice on the global stage
Have something to say? Learn how to make your arguments count. Through debates, presentations, and lively discussions, you’ll expand your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and develop the fluency to tackle increasingly challenging subjects in English.
Look beyond the headlines
How can two people interpret the same event so differently? Discover how media outlets, cultural backgrounds, and personal perspectives shape the stories we encounter. You’ll compare sources, question assumptions, and learn to form your own informed opinions.
Get started
Choose Your Date
Pick the start date that suits you and secure your place.
Beyond the classroom
Fieldwork & Practical Experience
Bring your English to life beyond the classroom. Conduct research, explore global issues through filmmaking, and sharpen your communication skills with personalised academic support.
Head out into Folkestone and beyond to investigate topics connected with your studies. Explore relevant locations, gather information first-hand, and put your English to use through practical research activities.
Turn a global issue you care about into a short documentary. Plan your story, capture footage, and edit your film to communicate a compelling message. Discover how creative storytelling can make complex subjects accessible to an audience.
Receive personalised guidance on your written and spoken English. Refine your arguments, develop your analytical skills, and learn how to communicate your ideas more effectively through constructive feedback.
Have a Question?
If you’d like to speak to us before you book, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Fill in the form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Our Campus
Think Global! is hosted at Earlscliffe.
Ages 13-17
Earlscliffe
Earlscliffe hosts a range of contemporary, exciting and forward-thinking courses. Students also enjoy a balance of sports as well as cultural and creative activities in an international environment they quickly begin to call home. With its recently renovated residential facilities, life on campus feels both comfortable and modern. Formed of eight Victorian and Edwardian buildings, Earlscliffe Summer School is located in the charismatic English coastal town of Folkestone.
- Price
- Duration
- Start Dates
- From £2,595
- 2 weeks
- 28 Jun, 12 & 26 Jul 2027
Life at Earlscliffe
A home from home
Earlscliffe is set across eight beautifully renovated Victorian and Edwardian buildings in Folkestone’s West End, offering comfortable accommodation and modern learning spaces within walking distance of the beach, the Leas promenade, and the town centre. Boys and girls stay in separate, supervised accommodation, with mostly twin rooms and a limited number of single and triple rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. The location just moments from the town centre allows students to walk easily between lessons, meals, accommodation, and activities. Meals are served in the dining room, with a varied menu of British and international dishes. Special dietary requirements can also be accommodated with advance notice.
Discover the Best of the UK
During their two-week course, students enjoy three exciting excursions to some of the UK’s most famous destinations. Each trip offers an opportunity to discover new places, make lasting memories, and experience life beyond the classroom.
London – Explore the capital’s iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and famous shopping streets, while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Canterbury – Discover the historic city of Canterbury, known for its ancient cathedral, characterful streets, and medieval architecture.
Thorpe Park – Enjoy a thrilling day out at one of the UK’s leading theme parks, packed with exhilarating rollercoasters and attractions.
All excursions are accompanied by our dedicated staff, with carefully planned itineraries to help students make the most of every visit.
Relax and have fun
Afternoons at Earlscliffe offer a varied programme of sports, creative workshops, beach activities, and local excursions. Students can try paddleboarding, take part in drama sessions, enjoy team sports, or explore Folkestone and its coastline. In the evenings, the whole school comes together for activities such as bowling, karaoke, games nights, the Junkbox Challenge, and Earlscliffe’s Got Talent. More relaxed House Nights provide opportunities to spend time in smaller groups, helping students make friends, unwind, and feel part of the Earlscliffe community.
Safe days, settled nights
We understand that sending your child abroad is a big decision, which is why their safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Our dedicated residential staff provide 24/7 on-site pastoral support, with a staff-to-student ratio of 1:6 to ensure every student receives the care and attention they need. All residential staff are fully trained and DBS-checked, creating a safe, welcoming environment where students can settle in, make friends, and enjoy their summer.
One summer, a lifetime of learning ahead
What Your Child Takes Away
After your child’s programme, they leave with recognition of their achievements and skills that set them up for their next steps.
A certificate recognising that your child has completed the Think Global! programme.
Each student receives an individual end-of-course report reflecting their participation, engagement, and progress throughout the programme.
Students improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing through activities centred on contemporary global issues. They’ll expand their vocabulary and practise communicating increasingly complex ideas in English.
Through news analysis, debates, and creative projects, students learn to compare different sources, recognise contrasting perspectives, and evaluate information critically. They’ll also gain experience presenting their ideas to an audience.
Fees
Day or Residential?
Recommended
Residential
From £3,595
- Full board — all meals & accommodation included
- Multi-activity programme
- Evening activities & excursions
- 24/7 pastoral care
Day
From £2,595
- Same academic programme as residential
- Lunch & evening meals
- Activities and excursions
- Return home in the evening
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FAQs
Of course. Just fill out our enquiry form and a member of our admissions team will get back to you as soon as possible.
No prior study is required. Students should have an interest in the subject area but the course is designed to be flexible to different levels of knowledge and experience.
All essential materials are provided. Students may wish to bring standard study items, including a notepad, pens, and a laptop or tablet for project work.
Yes, we offer shared transfers as an optional extra, to/from London Heathrow and London Gatwick. This is available for flights/trains scheduled to arrive/depart between 9am and 3pm on scheduled arrival and departure days.
A pre-intermediate level (A2) or above is recommended in order to participate effectively in this summer school.
All our residential staff are DBS-checked and trained. We have a high staff-to-student ratio and we offer 24/7 pastoral support.
There is a lot to cover in the course – however, our tutors are experienced at adapting the level of difficulty based on the class’s English level and ability to absorb new material.
Have a Question?
Fill out the form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.