Summer Explorer (Young Learner Programme for 11-17 years old)

The Leys School

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Course description

The Leys School was established in 1875 and is one of the most prestigious private schools in England. It is in the heart of the city, close to the Fitzwilliam Museum and many of the colleges which make up the University of Cambridge, including the iconic King’s College. The school has extensive grounds with contemporary residential accommodation, outstanding sports facilities and a modern teaching block

The course is offered for different levels. On arrival, students are tested to make sure they are placed in a group that suits their ability. The minimum level is beginners (A1) and the age range is 11 to 17.

• Website: Bell The Leys - Bell English
• Photos: Bell The Leys | Flickr
• Facility Video: Welcome to Bell The Leys, Cambridge (youtube.com)

Course description
Students learn though their lessons, activities and cultural visits. Please see below the course structure:

Project-based lessons - 30 hours per 2 week course
Lessons focus on a project to suit the level and age range of the class. Students learn something new every time. Topics can be for example the Royal Family, the Environment and Travel and Tourism.

Electives OR Academy – 18 hours per 2 week course

Electives (no extra cost)
Upon arrival on campus, students choose three electives from a long list of active, academic and creative electives.

Electives always offered at the Leys School:
o Basketball
o Drama
o Football
o Journalism
o Photography in Cambridge

Other sample electives may be offered on-site, depending on staff expertise:
• Art and crafts
• Cambridge Culture
• Cricket
• Dance
• Dodgeball
• Health and Fitness
• Rounders
• Tennis

Tennis Academy (£225 extra per 2 week course)
The tennis academy option is ideal for students who want to receive professional tennis tuition. All coaches are qualified by the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and have experience in teaching students of all abilities. Students will play on a range of surfaces, working on their forehand, backhand, volley shots and serves, and will get to apply their newly learnt skills in regular games. As the UK is the home of grass court tennis, students will have the chance to practise playing on this surface and learn about the different skills and techniques required

Horse – Riding Academy (£450 extra per 2 week course)

Our horse-riding students are trained at a long-established equestrian school with expansive grounds - approved by the British Horse Society and Association of British Riding Schools.
You will have the exciting opportunity to display what you have learned at a final ‘tack and turnout’ show and will be presented with a certificate and rosette to celebrate your achievements.

Study tours - 3 full-days
Students will explore Cambridge, visiting King’s College and the Natural History Museum; they will also go punting (boating on the river Cam in a punt)
They will also enjoy study tours to historic destinations such as Warwick Castle and the British Museum. Every course also includes a full day study tour to London, where students will enjoy a walking tour, river cruise or trip to a top London Museum.

GESE Trinity College London Speaking exam
Students have the option to demonstrate their language skills by preparing for and taking the Trinity College London speaking exam. It consists of an oral interview with an examiner who is a native speaker. The examination replicates real-life exchanges in which the candidate and the examiner pass on information, share ideas and opinions and debate topical issues.

Dates and fees:
Block 1, Wednesday 2 July - Tuesday 15 July
Block 2, Wednesday 16 July - Tuesday 29 July
Block 3, Wednesday 30 July - Tuesday 12 August

The package includes:

 Project-based lessons, three electives, a range of activities and study tours
 An end-of-course exam
 Comprehensive supervision by qualified and experienced staff
 Residential accommodation and all meals
 Return transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days from and to Heathrow or Stansted, Gatwick, airports and St Pancras Station (for arrivals & departures between 7am – 7pm)
 Learning materials, course portfolio and end of course certificate
 Free internet access
 Use of sport facilities
 Free laundry service
 Comprehensive travel insurance.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
2-6 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday (02 Jul - 15 Jul and 16 Jul - 29 Jul)
Classes per week
15 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Saturday
School holidays
21 Dec 2025 - 04 Jan 2026

The Leys School does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

Morning session
09:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Lunch
12:15 PM - 01:00 PM
Activity
01:00 PM - 04:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

All levels, beginner to advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Cambridge.

Class size

Maximum 14 students

Student age

Age range 11 - 17 years old

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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Photos

  • The Leys School 1/19
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  • The Leys School 14/19
  • The Leys School 15/19
  • The Leys School 16/19
  • The Leys School 17/19
  • The Leys School 18/19
  • The Leys School 19/19
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from . Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.

If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged £ 35 when you register.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Cambridge based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from The Leys School staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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