30 JUNE – 28 JULY 2026
YORK, ENGLAND
We’re delighted to extend a warm welcome to Queen Ethelburga’s, an award-winning, coeducational day and boarding school with a diverse community of over 50 different nationalities.
welcome to qe international summer school
At QE we’re proud to be much more than a school. We are a centre of excellence and learning – for our students and staff. We are a home. We are a community. We are a top training facility for UK sports teams. We are award-winning.
At QE International Summer School, students aged 7-17 will experience the best of British boarding school life in a diverse and engaging environment that encourages every child to be the “best that they can with the gifts that they have.” Students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an English language programme
and customise their schedules with creative and enriching pathways alongside a fun-filled leisure programme, featuring sports, activities, and exciting trips. Our International Summer School team are dedicated to creating a bespoke experience where students can learn, relax and make long lasting international friendships.
We look forward to welcoming you for a summer with us, designed by you!
Justine Langford Course Director
at a glance
10+ hours
First-class
teachers and academic staff
The course will loosely follow the internationally recognised IELTS syllabus and is taught by experienced English tutors.
1 trip per week of intensive, dedicated English learning per week (weeks 1-3) Fully immersive
Explore top cultural UK cities such as London, York, Oxford and Manchester
Boarding life that with up to 15 students Diverse nationalities and cultures
High-quality, experienced teachers who are experts in their subjects.
Students join us from countries around the world – perfect for making new friends and experiencing new cultures.
The fun never stops with daily activities to relax and socialise after lessons.
In a modern, well equipped learning environment with native English teachers.
Allowing students to learn and be fully supported to make progress.
Students have access to outstanding facilities on our 220-acre campus including sports pitches, swimming pool, a new activity centre, refurbished gym, and more!
Award-winning accommodation and facilities designed for different age groups on a campus that feels like a small town.
Fees include tuition, accommodation, meals, trips, activities.
Student mental and physical health is a top priority with our dedicated pastoral team available 24/7.
QE has a fully equipped medical centre to ensure all students receive excellent medical care should they require it.
our location
QE has a prime location at the heart of the Yorkshire countryside in the North of England.
Geographically QE is central and in easy reach of York, Harrogate and Leeds - three culturally rich and historically innovative places. With a 220-acre campus, QE provides students with top-class facilities offering space, safety and stunning surroundings. This unique location has extensive travel connections with London by rail in under 2 hours. QE is easily accessible from both Leeds and Manchester airports.
english programme
We believe learning should be fun and engaging, with some English language lessons taught in a traditional classroom setting and English-speaking practice integrated within all other lessons, trips and activities.
Students attending International Summer School between 30 June and 21 July 2026 will have a minimum of 10 hours of intensive English language learning per week.
Throughout the rest of the programme, the focus will be on putting the language learning into practice, immersing students in activities or subject specific electives delivered in English. This immersive approach gives students the potential to make rapid progress in their spoken and written English, focusing on fluency and usability. The curriculum will loosely follow the internationally recognised IELTS examination syllabus and is taught by experienced English tutors using a variety of creative teaching methods.
Students will be put into ability groups, based on a short test on arrival, to build foundational skills to be practised in activities and different scenarios.
Students will develop their English skills by working through a variety of tasks including written, speaking and listening, collaborative challenges, practical tasks and lots of application of language.
(AGES 7-12)
(AGES 13-17)
Juniors seniors
After a morning of intensive English lessons, junior students can look forward to an action-packed afternoon and evening full of sports and activities to allow the learning to be integrated into practical context.
The diverse programme is designed for students to engage in physical activity and practice their English language skills. Students can excel in sports they enjoy but also expand their horizons and try new challenges. We love team challenges and themed days at QE, and so do our students!
Students will tailor each week of their academic programme with one of four exciting pathways.
Each pathway, delivered exclusively in English, is designed for students to discover exciting, new subjects or develop existing skills whilst improving their spoken, written and conversational English. Students can change pathways on a weekly basis should they wish.
Week 1 – 30 June-7 July
Innovate: Architecture (Maths/ Physics/3D/Graphic Design)
Create: Screen Acting
Arts & crafts Tennis
Baking Yoga Party games
Basketball Quiz nights Rounders
Our state-of-the-art facilities and high-quality school coaching team ensure that students have a safe, enjoyable learning experience. Success is celebrated with end of week events, such as discos and pool parties. QE recognises student achievements at an Awards Ceremony held at the end of each fortnight to recognise academic excellence and boarding house contributions.
Students will explore the core subjects and essential skills that underpin architectural design, including drawing, spatial awareness, design thinking, and basic structural principles. Through hands-on workshops, creative projects, and guided discussions in English, students will begin to understand how buildings take shape—from concept to construction.
Explore: Horrifying History
Journey through some of the most dramatic and chilling eras in British history. From gruesome plagues and terrifying trials to brutal battles and ruthless rulers, students will uncover the stories that shaped the nation in unforgettable ways. Through interactive activities and creative projects in English, participants will explore key historical moments. Ideal for curious minds, this pathway brings history to life like never before.
Through practical workshops in English, students will explore character development, script work, camera awareness, and how to deliver authentic, compelling performances in close-up. Participants will work on scenes from film and television, gaining confidence and on-set experience in a supportive, creative environment. Whether you’re new to acting or looking to sharpen your screen skills, this is the perfect introduction to the world of film and TV performance.
Move: Football
Led by industry professionals in English, this pathway includes technical drills, match-play scenarios, and strategy sessions that mirror the professional game. Students will improve their passing, shooting, positioning, and teamwork, while also learning about sportsmanship, discipline, and psychology in football.
Week 2 – 7-14 July
Innovate: Business Enterprise
An introduction to the key principles of business, from marketing and finance to branding and leadership. Through interactive challenges, team projects, and real-world case studies in English, students will explore how businesses are built, how ideas become products, and what it takes to succeed in a competitive market.
Explore: Culinary School
Explore the fundamentals of food preparation, kitchen skills, and culinary creativity. With the guidance of experienced chefs in English, students will learn techniques such as baking, seasoning, and plating, while experimenting with a variety of ingredients and cuisines. Whether you’re a budding chef or just love good food, this is a deliciously rewarding summer experience.
Create: Photography and Filmmaking
Explore the art of visual storytelling through both still images and moving pictures. From camera basics and composition to lighting, editing, and sound design, students will develop practical skills while working on their own short films in English and photo projects. Guided by industry professionals, participants will learn how to plan, shoot, and produce compelling visual content.
Move: Basketball
Develop core basketball skills including dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, and teamwork. Through drills, game play, and tactical workshops, students will build their fitness, improve their court awareness, and learn how to work effectively as part of a team, learning to communicate in English at a fast pace. Led by experienced professionals, the pathway also emphasises sportsmanship, and mental resilience.
Week 3 – 14-21 July
Innovate: Marketing Innovation and App
Design
Students will learn the basics of app design, user experience and branding, while developing marketing strategies to pitch their own app concepts in English. Through hands-on projects and team challenges, they’ll gain insight into the fast-paced world of tech startups and digital marketing. Ideal for future entrepreneurs, designers, or anyone curious about turning ideas into impactful digital solutions.
Explore: STEM week
Dive into the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and maths. This pathway offers hands-on experiments, problemsolving challenges, and real-world applications across key STEM fields. Participants will develop critical thinking, creativity, and English language skills.
Create: Fashion Week
Perfect for students passionate about fashion, this pathway explores the creative process behind the runway—from concept and trend research to garment design and styling. Through English workshops and collaborative projects, participants will also experience the excitement of preparing for a fashion show, including presentation and branding.
Move: Racquet Sports
Designed for students eager to improve their skills in tennis, badminton and table tennis, this pathway focuses on technique, footwork, strategy, and team work, helping students to build confidence and communication in English. Led by experienced professionals, participants will enjoy friendly competitions and fitness training tailored to racquet sports.
sample timetable
09:00-10:30
10:30-11:00
11:00-12:30
Muggles (indoor leisure facility) arts and crafts, English practice and immersion
16:00-17:00
17:00-18:30
18:30-20:00
20:00-21:00
a 7-day intensive football residential
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MIKE PHELAN COACHING
21 – 28 JULY 2026
This course is for students aged 10-17 years old, ideally playing in a team with aspirations of a career in football. Students will spend a week developing both their skills on the pitch, but also their knowledge and understanding of the professional football industry. As well as coaching sessions on the pitch with Mike, students can expect to be involved in:
Technical & Tactical analysis
Elevate your game with expert insights. Unlock the full potential of your team with our Technical and Tactical Analysis program. Dive into the nuances of football with detailed evaluations that sharpen decision-making and enhance on-field intelligence. Our experts provide custom analyses, ensuring that both coaches and players can develop winning strategies and adapt to the competitive landscape of modern football.
Player data and physical tracking
Harness data to drive performance. Step into the future of football with our advanced Player data and physical tracking services. We equip you with the latest in performance analytics to monitor and improve every aspect of your game. From speed to endurance, our sophisticated tracking tools provide actionable insights that fuel player growth and team success.
Football psychology
Strengthen minds to win games. Master the mental game with our football psychology services. We offer guidance to build resilience, focus, and a winning mindset. Through workshops and one-onone sessions, players and coaches learn to overcome psychological barriers, fostering a culture of mental toughness and collective achievement.
About the coaches
Mike Phelan
Former Assistant Manager to Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Solskjaer
Former Premier League Manager
Former Professional player for Manchester United and England Mike has coached Ronaldo, Rooney, Beckham, Keane, and Rashford to name a few.
Dave Horrocks
Dave is the former Head of Research and Development at Manchester United Football Club. Specialising in the coaching process, performance analytics, science and psychology.
Paul McGuinness
Former Manchester United Football Association coach. Paul is at the forefront of coach education in football.
Students will also work with nutritionists and S&C coaches as well as meeting the team behind performance sport at QE.
a 7-day intensive cricket residential
Join us for an action-packed 7-day Cricket Intensive Summer Camp designed for students aged 10-17 years looking to take their game to the next level. This highperformance program combines world-class coaching, cutting-edge sports science, and competitive play — all in one unforgettable week.
Skill Development with high-level professional coaches
The camp includes elite-level training led by professional coaches from the Indian Premier League (IPL). Participants will receive specialist coaching in batting, bowling, and fielding, with a strong focus on technique, tactical
awareness, and decision-making under pressure. Throughout these sessions, players will benefit from small-group instruction and personalised feedback.
A highlight of the program is a session with a professional biomechanics company, who will conduct a detailed bowling analysis using the latest motion capture technology. This data-driven
efficiency, and reduce injury risk — a rare opportunity for aspiring fast bowlers and spinners alike.
Recovery & Nutrition Focus
Take part in workshops and interactive sessions covering sports nutrition, hydration, injury prevention, mental recovery, and the importance of rest. Guided recovery sessions, including stretching and light movement will ensure players are mentally and physically refreshed.
The camp concludes with a full day of competitive cricket fixtures in a mini festival format. Players will be grouped into teams and put their new skills into practice in a fun but challenging environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase progress, build confidence, and enjoy the spirit of the game.
Mini Cricket Festival
Mini Cricket Festival
Step into the world of crimesolving with our immersive Forensic Science course designed for students aged 13 to 17. Participants will explore this fascinating pathway through hands-on activities and interactive learning.
Students will learn how to cast footprints and analyse them to identify suspects, master fingerprinting methods to uncover hidden clues and examine trace evidence such as hair, fibres, and powders.
A course highlight – participate in a full-scale interactive crime scene, where students apply their newly acquired skills to solve realistic mysteries in teams.
Guided by expert instructors, students will also gain insight into the science behind forensic techniques, including DNA analysis,
forensic photography and crime scene documentation.
Ideal for curious minds interested in science, law enforcement, or detective work, this course provides an engaging and educational experience that brings the thrilling world of forensic investigation to life.
trips & activities
A QE Summer School experience includes lots of trips and adventures.
Students can look forward to an exciting itinerary of trips, both with an academic focus and the chance to relax and socialise in a range of leisure activities. We feel it’s important for students to put their learning into practice and there’s no better way to embed their English language learning than experiencing British Culture.
Week 1:
Oxford - Two full days - one overnight stay.
Experience the City of Oxford, rich in history, art and British culture. Visit the University of Oxford, Britain’s oldest university. Experience the magic of Harry Potter on a tour of the sights and filming locations in Oxford. This two-day residential trip will also include visits to Bicester and Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Week 2:
York - Full Day Trip
Historical and cultural immersion
in what many describe as the Northern Capital City of England! Visit famous attractions such as
the Railway Museum, Museum Gardens, the Castle Museum and shopping at the Shambles.
Week 3:
London - Two full days - one overnight stay.
Explore some of the most famous sites of London on a walking tour of the city. Students will enjoy a meal and a West End Theatre Show. The following day, explore the British Museum, Covent Garden and take on the ultimate team challenge at Crystal Maze LIVE Experience (Age restrictions are in place for this attraction).
Week 4:
Manchester - Full Day Trip
Football Students: Explore one of the most famous footballing cities in the world and visit one of the biggest clubs in Europe, Manchester United or Manchester City, for an immersive football stadium tour experience.
Cricket Students: Experience Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
Forensic Science Students: Enjoy a visit to the Science and Industry Museum.
Take a walking tour through the city of Manchester. Visit the Trafford Centre, the world-renowned shopping and entertainment complex, with brand and highstreet favourites, delicious food and exciting leisure facilities.
Excursions and activities at QE are about having fun, with our summer school including a trip to an indoor activities centre. We also offer a wide range of activities, sports and workshops throughout the day and each evening catering for all ages and interests.
*Tripsprogrammeissubjectto change
QE’s world-class facilities include:
including a triple-court sports hall, running track, and over 30 acres of grass and 3G artificial pitches and associated aquatic equipment including under water treadmills and ice baths
Our resident activity centre, Muggles, is a space to relax and enjoy free time. We have PS5 consoles, board games, films and comfy couches inside giving a chill-out space to hang out with friends. If you’re feeling active try the brand-new outdoor activity area with its own padel court, a MUGA court, a climbing and bouldering wall, skate track, playground area and sheltered breakout pods for socialising and relaxation.
boarding & pastoral
QE is the first school in the UK to have achieved the Gold Award for Excellence in International Student Provision by QEGUK.
Boarding accommodation includes ensuite bedrooms, and every boarding house includes a modern, well equipped common room for socialising. Younger students have specialised dorms and common rooms designed for little people.
wellness room and study pods plus a communal open plan kitchen dining space. Having a dedicated boarding team means that staff are focused on each student having the best Summer School experience and a place that feels like home.
Student welfare is important to us, and we aim to promote happiness, positive health and community safety. Every child in our care will be assigned a tutor who will check in on student welfare regularly and be on hand to listen to and support students whenever needed. The team are Muddy Stilettos Outstanding Pastoral Care Finalists and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to students.
Tuesday 30th June –
Tuesday 21st July 2026
Ages 7-17
Fee: £1550 per week for residential students.
Football, Cricket & Forensic Science
Residential Camps
Tuesday 21st July –
Tuesday 28th July 2026
Fee: £1855 per week for residential students.
What’s included:
We look forward to welcoming you to Queen Ethelburga’s.
Our friendly Short Courses team are happy to answer any questions and assist you through the booking process.
Spaces are limited to ensure students have the best experience. Contact us today to secure your child’s place. Bookings close Friday 30th May 2026.
Jump to our website for more details...
FAQs
Do you provide airport transfer?
Yes, we do! Students arriving at or departing from Manchester Airport on the specified arrival and departure days can request a transfer at no additional cost, subject to flight times. Please note that we only provide transfers for students attending the Summer School and are unable to accommodate family members or agents.
Students arriving or departing on different days, outside of these times, or to/from different airports will need to organise their own transfers.
Are there any extra costs?
Our International Summer School fees are all inclusive – there’s no hidden costs. Students may wish to have some pocket money for trips and souvenirs.
Can you help with Visa Support?
Yes, we can! Once the fees are paid, we can provide a Visa Support letter to help with the Visa application process.
What level of English does students need to have?
Students must be able to communicate their needs in English; this is to ensure their safety. All courses, lessons and activities are taught in English.
What if students are already fluent in English?
You are welcome to join us if you are fluent in English. Contact shortcourses@qe.org for alternative course options.
What dates can students arrive/ depart?
For students attending the junior or senior International Summer School:
• Arrival days are Tuesday 30th June, Tuesday 7th July and Tuesday 14th July 2026.
• Departure days are Tuesday 7th July, Tuesday 14th July and Tuesday 21st July 2026.
For students attending the intensive football, cricket and forensic science residential camps, the arrival day is Tuesday 21st July and the departure day is Tuesday 28th July 2026.
Can students pre-book a place on a certain trip?
Trips are included in the price, so there’s no need to pre-book. To attend all four trips students will need to attend all four weeks of Summer School.
I am an agent; do you cater for groups?
Yes – we work with groups and are happy to discuss any requirements. For more information contact shortcourses@qe.org.
