Choosing how your teenager spends their summer is a big decision. For ambitious students, a UK summer school offers far more than just lessons — it’s a transformative experience that blends academics, culture, and adventure. Here are ten reasons why attending a summer school like the International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) could be the best investment in your teen’s future.

1. Get a Taste of University Life

Imagine walking through historic quads in Oxford or along the coastal streets of St Andrews, both world-renowned university settings. At a UK summer school, teens study in inspiring classrooms, experience structured timetables, and begin to understand what life as a university student really feels like. This early exposure builds confidence and motivation for their own higher education journey.

2. Build Global Friendships

With students attending from over 100 different countries, summer school becomes a unique opportunity to form friendships across borders. These connections often grow into lifelong friendships and global networks — an invaluable part of becoming a true world citizen.

3. Boost English Language Skills

Living and learning in an English-speaking environment accelerates fluency. Daily lessons, conversations with peers, and cultural immersion mean students leave with far greater confidence in both spoken and written English — a skill that will benefit them in school, exams, and future studies.

4. Stand Out in University Applications

Universities love seeing independence, ambition, and international experience on applications. A summer school abroad demonstrates initiative, adaptability, and commitment to learning — qualities admissions teams recognise instantly. It shows that your teenager is ready to thrive in a global environment.

5. Discover New Passions

Whether it’s AI & Coding, Global Leadership, Theatre, Photography, Golf, or Tennis, electives at ISSFT go beyond academics. Students can try something entirely new or develop existing talents with expert guidance, sparking passions that may last a lifetime.

6. Learn from Experts

Unlike some programmes, ISSFT ensures every class is taught by a qualified subject specialist, not just a counsellor or chaperone. Whether in English, entrepreneurship, or sports, your teenager benefits from expert-level tuition tailored to inspire and challenge.

7. Balance Study with Adventure

Summer school is as much about fun as it is about learning. Afternoons and weekends are packed with excursions, tournaments, talent shows, and cultural trips. From team sports to sightseeing, teens enjoy a balance of structure and freedom, making every day memorable.

8. Gain Independence in a Safe Environment

For many teens, this is their first time living away from home. ISSFT creates the perfect environment to build independence while ensuring 24/7 pastoral care, secure residential accommodation, and full safeguarding policies. Students gain maturity without parents worrying about their safety.

9. Become a Global Leader

Courses in Global Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Study Skills equip students with tools they’ll use for life. From debating world issues to launching creative projects, teens learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence.

10. Create Memories for Life

Ask any ISSFT alumnus — the friendships, laughter, and adventures are what they remember most. From exploring historic cities to late-night conversations in student halls, the experience leaves teenagers with stories they’ll tell for years to come.

Why ISSFT?

At the International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT), we bring all of this together at our prestigious campuses in Oxford and St Andrews. With expert teaching, world-class settings, and students from every corner of the globe, ISSFT is more than just a summer course — it’s the start of a transformative journey.

Explore our 2026 Summer Programmes here