Summer Schools
Pre-University Summer School
Give your applications the edge on our pre-university summer school.
Why Choose Our Pre-University Summer School?
- Intensive preparation for university applications
- Designed for ages 16-17
- Suitable for all subjects and UK, US, and other universities
- Master the personal statement and interview technique
- Develop outstanding critical thinking and independent study skills
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Boost your university applications
University Preparation Summer School
Thinking of applying to a top university? Give your application a boost on our pre-university summer school.
Suitable for students aged 16-17 who are considering an application to universities in the UK, US, or anywhere else in the world, our programme will provide an intensive crash course in how to increase your chances of success.
From shortlisting appropriate universities and courses to mastering the personal statement and impressing at interview, our university applications experts will help give your application an edge. You’ll also develop outstanding independent study skills which will set you up for success once you arrive at university.
Discover more about our pre-university summer school 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.
Our Pre-University Summer School
The University Preparation Summer School at Earlscliffe is the ultimate two-week programme for ambitious students aged 16-17.
Tailored to support university applications in the UK, USA, and beyond, on this pre-university summer school students will:
– Be taught how to write an outstanding personal statement, and get personal feedback on their drafts
– Get interview coaching to stand out in Oxbridge, US, and other interviews
– Give an academic lecture on a research subject of their choice
– Go on a guided tour of the University of Oxford
Don’t just dream of university success—achieve it with this transformative programme!
University Preparation
- Price
- Duration
- Location
- Ages
- Start Dates
- £3,795
- 2 weeks
- Earlscliffe School
- 16-17
- 29 Jun, 13 & 27 Jul 2026
View Brochure
To learn more about our pre-university summer school, view the course brochure.
Why Book Our Pre-University Summer School?
Our pre-university summer school is suitable for applicants to universities in the UK, US, and many other countries around the world. With 20 hours of academic tuition per week, you’ll get an intensive crash course in making a competitive application – from choosing appropriate universities and courses to writing a compelling personal statement – wherever you intend to study.
As well as supporting with applications to other UK universities and institutions around the world, our programme contains targeted sessions for Oxbridge applicants. We’ll take you through the unique Oxbridge entry process – from selecting a college to preparing for entrance tests and interviews. Plus, the programme includes a guided tour of the University of Oxford, so you can experience first-hand what life is like at one of the world’s top universities.
Our tutors and application experts will help you develop the skills which will make your applications stand out. From in-depth guidance on producing an academic CV, to support with personal statements and interview technique, you will master key application skills.
Our pre-university summer school will set you up for success when you arrive at your chosen university. Our expert tutors will help you embed skills and learning habits which will give you a head start on other undergraduates. With an emphasis on critical thinking, research, essay-writing, note-taking, and independent study, you will be perfectly placed to hit the ground running at the start of your first year.
Our students always rave about the social activities we put on in the evenings. Relax after a hard day’s studying and make fantastic friendships – whether you’re enjoying a ‘casino night’, a trip to the cinema, or hitting the dancefloor at our disco!
Our Students Love Us
Testimonials
What’s Included in Our Summer Schools?
Students have 20 hours of lessons per week with expert tutors. Teaching takes place in a mixture of seminars, workshops, classroom lessons, and supervised projects.
Throughout our pre-university summer school, students have regular opportunities to strengthen their English language skills – improving their confidence in speaking, writing, and presenting.
All of our summer schools include exciting and enriching excursions to some of the UK’s top landmarks and cultural attractions.
In addition to a guided tour of the University of Oxford, past trips have included visits to the historic cathedral city of Canterbury and central London, giving students the chance to explore British culture and history.
All students are supervised during their excursions.
Our summer schools include a packed programme of social activities and access to the outstanding facilities on their campus. From indoor sports to football, karaoke to film nights, our social programme is the perfect chance to relax after a day’s work
Accommodation and meals are included within the course fee on our pre-university summer school. Students stay in comfortable, modern bedrooms – most children share with a few others in bright and spacious dormitories, while on some campuses older children may have their own room.
Our Pre-University Summer School Campus
Learn more about where you’ll be studying on our pre-university summer school.
Ages 8-17
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 £1,790
- 1-2 weeks
- Easter and Summer 2026
FAQs
Our Pre-University Summer School is tailored for ambitious students aged 16-17 who are preparing for university applications in the UK, US, or internationally. It is ideal for those looking to strengthen their application, enhance critical thinking skills, and gain confidence in personal statements and interviews.
Students will benefit from:
- Intensive university preparation and application support.
- Guidance on personal statement writing and interview techniques.
- Development of independent study and critical thinking skills.
- Access to expert tutors and interactive seminars.
- An immersive learning experience at Earlscliffe School.
The course provides in-depth knowledge of the university admissions process, expert advice on shortlisting universities, personalised feedback on personal statements, and guidance on interview technique to prepare students for the real experience.
In addition, students will develop the independent study, research, and presentation skills which universities value – for instance, by delivering an academic lecture to their peers on a research topic of their choice.
Yes, our programme welcomes students from around the world. It is designed to support university applications for institutions in the UK, US, and beyond, ensuring all participants receive relevant and personalised guidance.
The summer school focuses on:
- University selection and application strategies.
- Personal statement writing and structure.
- Interview techniques and preparation.
- Independent study and critical thinking skills.
- Academic research and writing development.
The programme runs for two weeks at Earlscliffe School. Intakes for 2026 are the 29th June, 13th July & 27 July. Early booking is recommended to secure a place.
Yes, our pre-university summer school includes accommodation, meals, and guardianship within the course fee.
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