Frequently Asked Questions

We offer complimentary airport transfers from London Heathrow and London Gatwick to Downe House on Saturday 11 July 2026 and a return transfer on Saturday 25 July 2026. Ideally, we prefer for students to arrive between 2pm and 4pm and depart no later than 2pm, this is when Downe House transport and staff will be available at the airport. Any alternative airports and times will be considered at an additional cost, please enquire directly by email: dhsummerschool@downehouse.net.

Yes, students can also be dropped off at Downe House on Saturday 11 July 2026 by parents/guardians between 12-4pm and they can be collected on Saturday 25 July 2026 by parents/guardians by 12pm. There will be no Downe House staff available for collections after 12pm. No other arrival or departure dates are being offered for 2026.

Yes, direct bookings cover the programme cost only; flight and visa costs to and from your home country are not included, students will need to organise these themselves. Downe House will provide a visa invitation letter for free. Agent bookings cover the programme and transport costs, please check directly with your agent.

The academic programme will consist of three 60 minutes sessions per day on 4 days of each of the two weeks. This academic program is engaging and well-rounded! Here’s a brief overview of each component: A) English Language Skills: Tailoring sessions to different ability levels ensures that all students can progress at their own pace, building confidence in their language skills. B) English Literature Skills: A highly engaging and groundbreaking session on Shakespeare is offered to students with an English language level of C1 and above. C) STEM Sessions: By incorporating experiments and practical activities, students can grasp complex scientific concepts in a fun way, fostering curiosity and a love for learning. Focusing on hands-on experiences will help students actively engage with the material, making learning more effective. D) Global Solutions: This part of the curriculum is particularly valuable. By working in groups to tackle real-world issues, students not only develop critical thinking and collaboration skills but also gain a sense of global citizenship. Overall, this program promises to be both educational and inspiring, preparing students to face future challenges with creativity and resilience. If you need help with specific details or implementation ideas, feel free to ask!

We are planning to offer a wide variety of sports and activities; Swimming (we have our own 25-meter heated indoor pool), tennis, Introduction to British Sports (lacrosse and hockey), yoga, pickleball, cookery, orienteering, drama, arts and crafts, team games, table tennis, movie nights. (Please note: Some of the activities offered are weather dependent, therefore, the programme could vary slightly. At Downe House, we have plenty of indoor spaces for activities if the weather is unsuitable).

We aim to make our Summer School as inclusive as possible, students with special educational needs or disabilities should get in touch with us by email: dhsummerschool@downehouse.net.

Yes, students will be provided with details during the induction session.

The maximum class size is 15 students.

Yes, there are 4 beds in each room with separate boarding areas for boys and girls. A 2-bed dorm can be requested at an additional cost, please enquire by email dhsummerschool@downehouse.net.

Yes, the bathrooms are shared, however, there are plenty of facilities available on each floor for students to share comfortably.

No, unfortunately not, we want the students to all mix together (from all different nationalities) to help enrich their international experience and help new friendships develop.