Choosing the right UK Summer School for your child
Oct 13, 2025
Choosing the right UK Summer School for your child
If you are researching UK summer schools or residential summer camps, you will quickly notice a vast range of options. Each promises "world-class coaching", "premium English Language tuition", or "life-changing experiences".
But how do you know which one is genuinely right for your child?
To make an informed choice, you need to compare what really matters: quality, care, and authenticity. Here's a guide to help you evaluate and find the best UK English Language summer school, and why families from over 85 countries choose Exsportise Summer Schools year after year.
1. Check Accreditations and Recognised Standards
Accreditation is your first sign of quality. Choose a summer school that is officially inspected and accredited by recognised UK bodies, such as The British Council, English UK, or the British Activity Provider Association (BAPA). Accreditation guarantees consistent standards in teaching, safety, welfare, and accommodation.
Nevertheless, it is essential not to rely solely on the logos on Summer School websites but to check the published accreditation reports on the accreditor's website. Many summer schools may be accredited, but score low by compromising on various aspects of their courses!
At Exsportise, we proudly hold British Council accreditation and are long-standing members of English UK and BAPA. Furthermore, in recognition of our excellence, we continue to be in the top 10% of summer schools, by annually achieving El Gazette Centre of Excellence status.
These accreditations confirm that our English Language and Sport, Music and dance programmes meet the highest British educational and welfare standards. By continually achieving top marks in our British Council reports, we are proud to have become the UK's number one multi-centre for English Language and Sport.
2. Evaluate Staffing Ratios and Team Expertise
A good summer school is only as strong as its staff. Always ask:
What is the staff-to-student ratio?
Are staff trained, qualified, and background-checked?
How long have they worked with the organisation?
At Exsportise, we maintain a 1:4 staff-to-student ratio, meaning your child gets personal attention and care. Our extensively vetted team includes professional coaches (often with international or Olympic experience), highly qualified English teachers, and experienced welfare staff. Many of them return every year (over 90% of our senior staff returner ratio), creating a family-like atmosphere of trust and continuity.
3. Welfare, Pastoral and Medical Care Matter Most
For international students in particular, a supportive and nurturing environment is essential, especially for those who may be attending a camp abroad for the first time. It is also vital that a summer camp prioritises the health and safety of students and that appropriate Medical care is in place to support students whilst attending camp.
At Exsportise, our dedicated Medical and Welfare Team provides round-the-clock support (24/7), ensuring every student feels comfortable and cared for from the moment they arrive. We focus on emotional well-being as much as learning and sport, which is part of what makes our Team Orange community so special.
For medical care, we employ qualified Medical staff at each camp to ensure that all medication, injuries, and illnesses are primarily addressed on camp, giving peace of mind to parents. Sadly, this is a rarity amongst many summer camps in the UK. The health and safety of our students is our number one priority. We are glad that the British Council has commended us on our "Five-star" medical care for going above and beyond for our students.
4. Look Beyond the Brochure: Programme Authenticity
Don't be swayed by buzzwords or fancy course-words like "elite" ", leaders", or "premium" unless they are backed by actual substance.
Ask the summer school:
Who delivers the coaching or lessons?
How structured and balanced is the daily timetable?
Is English language learning integrated into activities or treated as an add-on?
At Exsportise, we deliver genuine professional coaching and language learning, not just marketing talk. Qualified coaches, often professionals and high-achievers in their sport, lead our sports programmes and our accredited English Language courses are taught by TEFL-qualified teachers. We are also partnered with Arsenal FC Football Development and the Acosta Dance Foundation, showing our commitment to delivering excellence.
The result? A well-rounded, immersive experience that builds skill, confidence, and communication naturally.
Learn more about our English Language programme.
5. Reviews and Testimonials
Online reviews are one of the best ways to verify quality. Look for:
Consistent feedback across multiple years
Comments on safety, friendliness, and organisation
Repeat attendance (a massive indicator of trust)
Families have trusted Exsportise Summer Schools for over 35 years, and many students return summer after summer. With participants from 150+ nationalities, our community is a truly international environment built on inclusion, fun, and care.
6. Compare Price and True Value
When you compare UK summer camps, focus on what is included, not just the price. Some cheaper options (and even more expensive summer courses!) may add extra costs later for excursions, transfers, or sports coaching.
At Exsportise, our summer camp course fees are fully inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, all English Language and sports tuition, excursions, 24/7 welfare and medical support, as well as airport transfers. We offer exceptional value for money by maintaining premium standards without hidden extras.
7. Years in Business and Proven Reputation
Experience counts. The best summer schools have been running for decades, continuously refining their programmes and care.
Established in 1988, Exsportise has built a reputation as one of the UK's most trusted English + Sport summer schools, combining the professionalism of a large operation with the warmth and care of a family-run business. Our partners and agents also trust us to look after their own children during the summer!
Final Thoughts: How to Find the Best Summer Camp Fit
When comparing UK summer schools, focus on accreditation, staffing, welfare, authenticity, reviews, value, and experience. These are the hallmarks of a trusted organisation, not flashy marketing or big promises. At Exsportise Summer Schools, we've been welcoming students from around the world for over three decades. Our mission is simple: to provide a safe, high-quality English + Sport experience that nurtures confidence, skill, and lifelong memories all within the trusted framework of British summer school education and care.
If you want to learn more, we welcome families to book a 1-1 video call with our team! Book your introductory call here: Summer Camp advice, or WhatsApp us here: speak to our team.
