In high school, your summer can feel like a pause between busy academic years. Yet this stretch of time can also become an opportunity for you to grow in ways that classrooms rarely allow. You could strengthen your confidence, discover new interests, and build experiences that support your future college journey. One of the most meaningful ways to do that is by joining English summer programs for high school students in Cambridge.

Imagine yourself studying English in the historic streets of Cambridge, surrounded by centuries of scholarship and culture. You might refine your speaking and writing skills through interactive lessons, take part in debates or creative workshops, and explore museums, libraries, and college courtyards connected to the world-renowned University of Cambridge. These programmes blend language learning with cultural discovery, helping you experience English not just as a subject but as a living, everyday practice.

Even if you already feel comfortable with English, a summer programme in Cambridge can still offer something valuable. You will meet participants from different countries, exchange ideas across cultures, and experience a preview of academic life in an international setting.

What kinds of English summer programs in Cambridge for high school students are there?

Choosing the right summer program is not always simple. You’ll find some options that focus mostly on tourism, while others emphasize academics without offering meaningful cultural engagement. Finding a balanced experience matters because your time, effort, and expectations deserve real value; that’s where right guidance matters.

In Cambridge, you can explore English summer programs shaped around a range of goals and learning preferences. You might choose an intensive course that strengthens your grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing, or select a program that blends English learning with areas like leadership, global studies, literature, debate, or the arts. Many of these experiences place you in small classes, involve hands-on projects, and include guided excursions where you use English naturally in real-world settings.

No matter which path you choose, you will be challenged to participate actively, communicate confidently, and think independently. To make your search easier, the list that follows brings together 15 English summer programs in Cambridge. These programs are selected for their academic quality, cultural depth, and international learning environment.

For more options, you can check out summer programs in Cambridge. To test your language skills in a competitive environment, you can consider participating in writing competitions.

15 English Summer Programs in Cambridge for High School Students

1. Immerse Education’s English Literature Summer School

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective with small class sizes (an average of 7 participants per class)
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; spaces are limited, so early application is advised
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 16-18 from around the world; international applicants are welcome

This program gives you the chance to explore English literature deeply while experiencing life in Cambridge’s historic academic environment. Over two weeks, you work closely with expert tutors to analyze classic and contemporary texts, practice close reading, and sharpen your writing through thoughtful discussion and essay development. You engage in lively seminars that build your confidence in critical thinking and help you form your own interpretive voice.

Afternoons and evening workshops encourage collaboration with other students and allow you to explore literary ideas in creative ways. Living in a Cambridge college, you get a feel for university life while participating in cultural excursions and activities that enrich your summer experience. At the end of the program, you receive a Certificate of Achievement that reflects your commitment and learning progress. You can find more details about the application here.

Why it stands out: You study literature at an advanced level while living in an authentic Cambridge setting with personalised guidance and a tight-knit international cohort.

2. Sutton Trust Summer School – English

Location: University of Cambridge, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Very competitive
Dates: Typically a 5-day residential session
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: Designed for Year 12 students enrolled in state-funded schools in the UK

This summer school gives you a unique chance to explore English literature and language studies at the University of Cambridge without paying a program fee. Over five days, you take part in lectures, seminars, and small-group sessions that introduce you to new texts across poetry, plays, and novels, while learning key literary analysis and critical thinking skills.

The course aims to give you a deeper understanding of literature and help you think like a university student as you engage with original material and new ideas. Outside academic sessions, the week includes social activities and informal interactions with peers who share your academic interests. This program also gives insight into university life in Cambridge, helping you make more informed decisions about future study options.

Why it stands out: This course offers an academically rigorous opportunity to study English at the university level and explore new and original literature.

3. LSI Cambridge Summer English Program

Location: Abbey College campus, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Varies by package and duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small classes with a maximum of 16 students per class
Dates: Summer sessions with weekly start dates from late June through early August
Application Deadline: Not explicitly listed; early application is recommended
Eligibility: Open to young learners and teens ages 12-17

This summer English program helps you build confidence and fluency in English while living and learning in the historic and vibrant city of Cambridge. You take approximately 20 lessons each week where friendly teachers guide you through practical language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a pace that matches your level.

Lessons are paired with a full social and cultural activity schedule that includes afternoon programs and weekend excursions, giving you opportunities to use English in real contexts while exploring Cambridge’s colleges, museums, parks, and other local attractions. The combination of classroom learning, group activities, and real-world exploration helps strengthen your communication skills and cultural awareness in a supportive, immersive environment.

4. University of Cambridge PACE Creative Writing: Introduction to Writing for Children

Location: Online via the University of Cambridge’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
Cost/Stipend: ~ £525
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified; enrollment is typically open to all qualifying applicants
Dates: 6th April – 24th May
Application Deadline: Not listed; early registration is recommended
Eligibility: Open to anyone interested in creative writing

This PACE course explores the craft of writing for children by guiding you through the range of book formats for young audiences, from picture books to middle-grade and young-adult fiction. You’ll discuss story ideas, plot, character, and the elements that make narratives meaningful and engaging to children of different ages, while also learning about the publishing landscape and how writers approach these markets.

The course structure encourages discussion, creative experimentation, and reflection on your own ideas. Participation can deepen your understanding of storytelling and help you explore how language connects with readers at different stages of childhood development.

Why it stands out: You get a deep introduction to children’s writing from an academic provider connected to the University of Cambridge, with a focus on story craft and audience understanding.

5. St Giles International Cambridge Junior Summer English Program

Location: St Giles International summer junior English program at St Mary’s School, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: About £1,407 per week for residential; £844 per week for day-only option
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Classes capped at 15 students
Dates: Runs from July 5th to August 9th
Application Deadline: Not explicitly listed; early application recommended
Eligibility: Open to students ages 8 to 17 from around the world

This junior summer English program gives you a chance to build general English skills in a lively academic setting while you live and learn in historic Cambridge. Every week, you attend 20 language lessons that focus on listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar, all designed to help you speak more confidently in real life.

Throughout the program, trained staff organize a mix of social, cultural, and sports activities as well as excursions, so you can practice English while exploring new places and making friends from many countries. Each week includes at least one full-day and three half-day trips to exciting destinations that bring language practice to life outside the classroom. Overall, you get a structured, immersive experience that supports both language growth and intercultural understanding.

Why it stands out: You combine full English lessons with an engaging schedule of activities and excursions that help you grow linguistically and socially in a historic city setting.

6. Immerse Education’s Creative Writing Summer School

In this creative writing summer school, you spend two weeks developing your voice as a writer while immersed in Cambridge’s inspiring academic atmosphere. You take part in focused workshops that help you explore different forms of writing, including fiction, poetry, narrative non-fiction, and scriptwriting. Daily small-group sessions encourage you to experiment, take creative risks, and share your work with feedback from experienced instructors and peers.

Beyond the classroom, you attend talks and masterclasses that introduce you to new techniques and perspectives that enrich your writing toolkit. Social and cultural activities help you bond with fellow students and practice English in relaxed, authentic settings. At the end of the program, you gain confidence, a stronger writing portfolio, and a certificate highlighting your progress.

Why it stands out: You expand your creative potential through personalized guidance in a prestigious academic setting that celebrates original expression.

7. St Edmund’s College Summer School

Location: St Edmund’s College Summer School, Old Hall Green, near Ware, UK (about 1 hour from Cambridge)
Cost/Stipend: £4,650 for a 3-week session; £9,300 for a 6-week session
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small class size
Dates: July 12th – August 22nd (3-week and 6-week options available)
Application Deadline: Not explicitly listed; early application is advised to secure a spot
Eligibility: Open to learners ages 9-17 with foundational knowledge of English; international students are welcome.

At St Edmund’s College Summer School, you spend your summer improving English through a communicative academic program that blends classroom learning with real-world use. Classes run four days each week, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with content tied to weekly thematic excursions that help you apply language skills to subjects like history, science, and culture. Because classes are small, you get more chances to speak and interact with teachers and classmates from around the world, building confidence and fluency in day-to-day English.

Afternoons and evenings are packed with social activities, sports, and on-campus events that encourage you to use English naturally while having fun. The school also includes multiple full-day excursions per session, so you can explore iconic destinations while practicing English in authentic settings.

Why it stands out: You combine academic English development with a rich schedule of outings, activities, and excursions that deepen language use and cultural exposure.

8. Cambridge Centre for Languages Senior Summer Course

15 English Summer Programs in Cambridge for High School Students 2

Location: Cambridge Centre for Languages, St. Mary’s School, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Varies depending on the program length and accommodation
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum class size of 16 students
Dates: Multiple summer sessions from early July to mid-August with durations ranging from two to four weeks
Application Deadline: Not explicitly listed; early application is advised
Eligibility: Designed for high school students aged 13-17

In this senior summer course, you’ll study English through a mix of daily lessons, integrated activities, and cultural experiences that bring language learning to life, making it one of the most well-rounded English summer programs for high school students in Cambridge for skills and confidence. Each day includes classroom instruction that builds reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills while focusing on real-world communication.

The program offers an engaging social schedule with daily activities and full-day excursions to destinations such as London, Oxford, and Brighton that help you practice English outside the classroom. You also choose a project track, like coding, performing arts, or entrepreneurship, where you develop teamwork, creativity, and leadership skills alongside your peers. To know more, you may book a consultation.

Why it stands out: You experience a comprehensive English learning environment with cultural exposure and supportive group projects in a historic learning city.

9. CATS Cambridge Summer Program – STEM & English for Science

Location: CATS Cambridge School, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: £3,340
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum class size 15 students
Dates: Start date is June 28th (two-week course)
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged roughly 14-17 with upper-intermediate (B2) English proficiency; international students are welcome to apply

This summer program blends English language development with hands-on STEM learning in the historic city of Cambridge. You spend mornings building foundational English skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing with a focus on scientific vocabulary and communication. Afternoons include workshops, lab experiments, and research activities where you explore physics, coding, robotics, and other scientific topics.

The course also includes educational visits and excursions that bring learning to life and give you plenty of opportunities to use English in real settings. Evening and weekend activities help you bond with classmates from around the world and practice English through social interaction. Overall, the program helps you sharpen both your language confidence and your critical thinking through teamwork and inquiry-based tasks.

Why it stands out: You improve English while engaging directly with science and technology in a collaborative academic environment.

10. IGNITE Young Minds Summer Programme

Location: Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: £4,500
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 19th – July 25th
Application Deadline: March 15th
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18; international students are welcome to apply

This summer camp takes place in one of Cambridge’s most historic and academically rich environments. During the week-long IGNITE program, you explore innovation, entrepreneurship, creative thinking, and leadership through workshops, collaborative group challenges, and guided mentorship. You participate in hands-on activities like designing business models, problem-solving sessions, and idea development tasks that help you build confidence and communication skills.

Guest speaker sessions and interactions with Cambridge students give you a peek into university life and how entrepreneurs think and work. The schedule also includes cultural immersion, with activities and field visits such as tours of Cambridge, punting, and visits to local landmarks, so you get to engage with English outside of traditional classroom settings. This intense, interdisciplinary experience helps you connect academic learning with real-world thinking and collaboration.

Why it stands out: You spend a week working on real innovation and leadership challenges, gaining skills that extend beyond language into entrepreneurship and team communication.

11. Cambridge Academy of English: Teenage Residential

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Varies by duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum of 12 students per class
Dates: July 13th – July 24th and July 27th – August 7th, plus an extended 4-week option
Application Deadline: Not listed; early application is recommended
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 14-17; international applicants are welcome

This teenage residential program from Cambridge Academy of English gives you a chance to spend two or four weeks building English proficiency and confidence while living in a structured campus environment near Cambridge. You take part in about 15–20 hours of engaging English lessons each week that focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with class activities designed around real-world communication.

With class sizes limited to just 12 students, you get individualized attention that helps you progress quickly and practice English actively with peers. Full-day trips to places like London and Cambridge give you extra chances to use English in authentic settings while discovering British culture and history. Residential life with supervision and evening activities builds your social skills, independence, and comfort using English throughout the day.

Why it stands out: You combine structured English learning with dynamic social and cultural experiences while living in a supportive international summer community.

12. ISSOS English Language Summer School

15 English Summer Programs in Cambridge for High School Students 3

Location: Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Tuition is ~£7,400
Acceptance rate/cohort size: International cohort with nationality limits)
Dates: July 8th – July 29th
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Open to high school students aged 13-18 from around the world

This English language summer school invites you to sharpen your command of English while living and studying in Cambridge’s vibrant academic setting. Over three weeks, you attend structured language classes that focus on improving your grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and spoken fluency through interactive lessons and real-world communication tasks. You receive regular feedback from experienced teachers who help you build confidence in academic and everyday English.

In the afternoons and evenings, you take part in elective workshops, clubs, and cultural activities that allow you to use language skills in creative and social contexts. Excursions to nearby cities and iconic UK sites provide opportunities to apply English in authentic settings while exploring British history and culture. You also connect with an international group of peers, making friends from different countries and gaining global perspectives. Here’s the application link.

Why it stands out: You enhance your overall English ability through a balanced mix of focused instruction, social activities, and cultural immersion in a world-class study environment.

13. Studio Cambridge Sir Michael Summer English Program

Location: Studio Cambridge Main School, Cambridge
Cost/Stipend: Varies by duration
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Up to 160 students total with an average of 12-13 per language class (maximum class size is 16)
Dates: Multiple sessions between July 5th and August 30th
Application Deadline: Not specified; early application encouraged
Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 13-17; international students can apply

The Sir Michael Summer English Program has been a summer tradition in Cambridge for decades, making it one of the most established English summer programs for high school students in Cambridge for consistent teaching and cultural immersion. You attend 20 English lessons per week that build your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills across all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced. Lessons are paired with a full schedule of activities and cultural events that help you practice English in real life, including university city tours, group games, and creative workshops.

Every week also includes a full-day excursion to iconic places such as London, Windsor, or Warwick Castle, giving you the chance to use English outside the classroom while exploring British culture and history. Residential life in nearby student housing puts you within walking distance of classes and social activities, with meals and supervision included so you can focus on learning and connection.

Why it stands out: You combine immersive English instruction with rich cultural experiences and weekly excursions in one of the world’s most historic learning cities.

14. Select English Cambridge Juniors Summer Course

Location: St. Andrew’s College, Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Starts from about £1,925
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum class size of 14 students
Dates: Multiple sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Not specified; early application is recommended
Eligibility: High school students ages 13-17; international students are welcome to attend

This Cambridge Juniors summer course gives you a balanced mix of structured English lessons and a lively social and activity schedule in one of the UK’s most iconic academic cities. You take around 20 hours of language lessons per week that focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing through a topic-based syllabus, work, and group discussions. In project classes, you use English actively while working with classmates on creative presentations, magazine projects, or a guide to Cambridge, helping you practice communication in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Afternoons and evenings include sports, games, cultural activities, and at least one full-day trip to London each session, giving you plenty of chances to use English outside the classroom and explore your surroundings. Overall, the program balances fluency building, cultural learning, and fun summer experiences.

Why it stands out: You improve core English skills through engaging lessons and projects while enjoying a packed activity schedule and cultural excursions in central Cambridge.

15. Cambridge Leadership Academy Cambridge Summer Programme

Location: Cambridge, UK
Cost/Stipend: Fee applies
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small immersive cohort; exact numbers vary by year
Dates: July 26th to August 1st
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Open to secondary school students aged approximately 14–20 from around the world

The Cambridge Leadership Academy Summer Programme gives you a concentrated residential experience focused on leadership, personal growth, and professional skills in a setting tied to the University of Cambridge facilities. Over six nights, you’ll participate in interactive workshops and seminars on topics like confidence building, communication, time management, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurial thinking, and goal setting with experienced mentors and guest speakers.

You’ll work individually and in groups to reflect on your ambitions, build practical leadership habits, and connect with like-minded young people from many places. The programme also includes personal coaching sessions, networking opportunities with successful professionals, and social activities like excursions and receptions that broaden your experience beyond the classroom.

Why it stands out: You’ll leave with practical leadership tools, personal coaching insights, and real connections that can shape your academic and career direction.

The Reading List That Builds Better Writers

In Cambridge, progress comes from doing: morning writing clinics, lunchtime debates, and evening reflection notes after guided Fitzwilliam Museum walks and college courtyards.

The english summer programs for high school students in cambridge here often start with level checks, then push you through close reading, grammar refreshers, and speaking drills.

You’ll draft short essays, swap peer edits, and practise tightening openings, evidence, and conclusions until your writing sounds purposeful, not padded, even timed.

For the next leap, open our English Literature Top Books Guide and follow a curated reading path that builds vocabulary, style, and exam-ready analysis for school too.