General Information

What happens at the International Summer School?
Windermere School is a thriving independent co-educational boarding school situated in the heart of the Lake District.   The tree International Summer Schools take place over three dates in July and August during the summer months and are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their English language skills. Lessons are undertaken each morning with qualified EAL teachers.  

Studies conclude with lunch, followed by afternoon activities as chosen by the students', and an evening activity for everybody to enjoy.

What's so special about Windermere School?
The school was established in 1863. It has strong worldwide links all over the world, with overseas connections through its Round Square status and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

These attributes offer the ideal environment to host international students and to teach English as a foreign language. Added to this is our unrivalled location, with attractive facilities situated at the heart of the Lake District National Park, overlooking Lake Windermere and the Langdale fells.

We are confident that the school will provide each student with a safe but stimulating environment from which to learn, explore and have fun.

This program is offered on an all-inclusive basis so that parents and students do not have to worry about hidden costs and added 'extras'.

How do you improve existing English language skills?
At the start of the course each student undertakes a placement test, ensuring they are grouped by ability which removes unnecessary complications for our teachers. Our well qualified teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods, appropriate to the standard of the class and individuals, to get the best from our students.

Considerable emphasis is placed on communication and teachers will encourage students continually to gain confidence and to speak as much English as possible.

We encourage students to speak English at all times; in lessons and during afternoon and evening activities and cultural excursions.

What about travel arrangements?
A free collection and drop-off service from Manchester Airport at the beginning and end of the course, and our identifyable staff meet the students on arrival.

If students are concerned about travelling on their own or making changes before they arrive at Manchester, please arrange for airline staff to be available to help them with any worries or concerns.

If students need to arrive after the course start date or depart early, we will arrange for escorted taxi transfers at an additional cost.

If you wish to plan a holiday in the Windermere area, we can put parents in touch with agencies who arrange accommodation locally.

How soon should I book a place?
We operate a 'first come, first served' policy and we prefer to restrict numbers based on spoken language, so to include a good mix of nationalities.

As a result, places can be filled quickly so it makes sense to apply in good time. Simply complete and return the booking form to us. Upon acceptance, we will send you important information and ask you for a deposit.

How big are the classes?
No more than twelve students per class, to ensure each child receives personal attention and is able to make the most of this valuable study time.

Can parents stay in contact with their child/children ?
Many students bring mobile phones for this purpose, but we will also furnish parents with school contact numbers and email addresses – students will have lots of opportunities to send and receive emails and we find this is a good way to stay in touch with loved ones.

An emergency contact number will be given in  information packs when registering. Windermere School can be contacted 24 hours a day in case of an emergency.