15 Summer English Courses in London for High School Students

TL;DR

This list rounds up options for building English skills in London over the summer, from one-week pre-university courses to fully online programs you can join from anywhere. Some options take place on campus in central London, while free courses from providers like Harvard and the Open University let you study from home. You'll find choices suited to students from age 14 through 18, with prices ranging from free to over three thousand pounds. Among these options, Immerse Education's Online Research pathway in English Literature is open to students aged 13 to 18, with a bursary programme for eligible applicants.

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Summer goes by quickly, and as a high school student, you have a few weeks when you can step away from your usual classes and spend some time learning something you actually want to get better at. An English course in London can be an excellent way to do that. You can work on your writing and speaking, hear different accents every day, and have conversations with people from countries and backgrounds you may not normally come across at school. 

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Imagine mornings in a classroom near King's College London, then afternoons where you actually use what you learned. Maybe a trip to the British Museum with classmates, maybe working through a presentation, and by evening you're talking through what you saw with someone from a country you've never even visited. The classroom hands you the tools. 

Why should you enroll in an English course in London as a high school student?

Most of the benefit happens the second you step outside the classroom door. You catch accents you've never heard before, read English on every sign you pass, talk to people all day, and gradually stop translating everything in your head before responding.

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There's a solid academic piece too. Depending on your course, you could be working through grammar, formal writing, presentation skills, vocabulary, or pronunciation. If you're picturing university somewhere English-speaking down the road, getting familiar with this now makes the eventual jump a lot less jarring.

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If you’re looking to study English further, read our guide on building a career in English.

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With so many options out there, we've put together a list of 15 summer English courses in London for high school students to make your search a bit easier!

15 Summer English Courses in London for High School Students 

1. King’s College London: Pre-University English Language and Culture 

Location: King’s College London, Strand, London
Cost: £1,200 and plus a £65 application fee

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: One-week session in summer
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students worldwide enrolled in their final two years of high school, ages 16 and 17, who are at a B1 level (CEFR). You must provide evidence of your English proficiency; read more here.

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King’s Pre-University English Language & Culture course combines English practice with the study of British culture and society. You’ll work on English through small group classes, presentations, lectures, and language practice rather than only studying grammar from a textbook. The course uses texts and cultural activities to explore topics such as British customs, food, and everyday life. 

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One example from the timetable has you study body language, attend a lecture on Britain’s food scene, and then take part in a London Supermarket Challenge. You’ll also interact with people from different backgrounds, giving you regular practice using English in real conversations and group activities.

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Why it stands out: It combines English language development with a genuine university learning experience, helping you build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.

2. Immerse Education’s Online English Literature Summer School

Location: Fully remote
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions; multiple dates throughout the year
Dates: Flexible; multiple cohorts in a year
Eligibility: Students around the world aged 13-18 (UCAS points require age 14+); open to international students

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Immerse Education’s Online Research pathway in English Literature gives high school students the chance to study literary genres in a genuine university context with tutors from Oxford, Cambridge, and other top institutions. You'll work one-to-one with your tutor to journey through literary classics, analyse poetic devices, and build critical thinking skills across a range of texts and time periods. The program is offered in 1:1 and small group formats, and you can opt to earn UCAS points or receive US or UK college credit. 

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No prior experience with English Literature is required, only curiosity about narrative analysis and a willingness to engage in literary discussion. At the end of the program, you'll receive a written evaluation from your tutor, an opportunity to publish your research, and an invitation to present at the Immerse Online Symposium. You can find examples of papers Immerse students have worked on here. You can find more details about the application here.

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Why it stands out: You experience genuine one-on-one literary tutorials online, learn from tutors at institutions like Cambridge and Oxford, and produce an assessed piece of literary analysis, with the option to earn UCAS points or US college credit if you are aged 14 or above.

3. Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Location: Remote ,  you can participate in this program from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Full financial aid available.
Dates: Varies by cohort: summer, fall, winter, or spring. Options range from 12 weeks to 1 year.
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort.
Eligibility: You must be currently enrolled in high school and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement; open to international students

The Lumiere Research Scholar Program is a rigorous research program tailored for high school students. The program offers extensive 1-on-1 research opportunities for high school students across a broad range of subject areas. The program pairs high school students with Ph.D. mentors to work 1-on-1 on an independent research project. At the end of the 12-week program, you’ll have developed an independent research paper! 

You can choose research topics from subjects such as english, psychology, physics, economics, data science, computer science, engineering, chemistry, international relations, and more. You can find more details about the application here, and check out students’ reviews of the program here and here. 

Why it stands out: You get 1-1 mentorship with a Ph.D. mentor and produce an independent research project by the end.

4. University of the Arts London: Storytelling and Creative Writing for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course

Location: London College of Communication, University of the Arts London, Elephant & Castle, London
Cost: £780
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts across the year, check here.
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 16 to 18 aiming to strengthen creative writing and literary analysis skills; open to international students

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UAL’s Storytelling and Creative Writing course gives you a week to work with several forms of creative writing rather than sticking to the short pieces usually written in English classes. You’ll explore personal essays, short stories, poetry, creative nonfiction, and spoken word, looking at how each form uses its own structure and voice. 

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The course also focuses on literary analysis, so you’ll read and discuss fiction while paying attention to how writers build and shape their work. You’ll start your own creative pieces during the week, with the chance to work on several shorter projects rather than one long assignment. The course also helps you use what you notice in fiction when analysing exam extracts and writing about literature.

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Why it stands out: It balances creative writing with literary analysis, making it useful for both aspiring writers and students looking to strengthen their English coursework.

5. King’s College London: Pre-University Media, Communication & Digital Culture

Location: King’s College London

Cost: £3195

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective

Dates: Various one-week sessions in the summer

Application Deadline: Varies by the session

Eligibility: Students aged 16 or 17 enrolled in their final three years of high school, possessing at least a B2 level of English (CEFR); open to international students

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King’s College London’s Media, Communication & Digital Culture course deepens your understanding of both traditional and digital media. Rather than focusing purely on literature, you will investigate how contemporary phenomena like social media, streaming cultures, and digital fandoms shape our worldviews and the construction of individual identities. 

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You will experience undergraduate-level learning by participating in collaborative group work, delivering presentations, and carrying out independent research to produce a structured, well-supported response to an assignment brief.

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Why it stands out: It provides a modern, analytical approach to writing and communication, perfectly bridging the gap between high school humanities and university-level media studies.

6. University of the Arts London: Fashion Journalism for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course

Location: London College of Fashion, East Bank, Stratford, London

Cost: Varies based on UAL short course tier

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: Various sessions across the summer (June/July/August)

Application Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Students aged 16 to 18 with a passion for fashion journalism, including beginners; open to international students  

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UAL's Fashion Journalism course gives you an unfiltered introduction to one of the most highly coveted roles in the media and fashion industries. You will shift away from traditional literary analysis and focus entirely on fast-paced, industry-specific writing. 

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The curriculum covers the essential mechanics of fashion reporting, including how to structure a breaking news story, conduct effective interviews with designers, analyze new season catwalk collections, and brainstorm editorial features. You will also discuss the importance of networking and trend spotting, leaving the course with a verified digital badge and certificate of attendance.

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Why it stands out: It shifts the focus from traditional literary analysis to fast-paced, industry-specific commercial writing, helping you build a specialized portfolio before applying for undergraduate media degrees.  

7. Guildhall School of Music & Drama: Creative Writing for Ages 14-17

Location: Guildhall School of Music & Drama, City of London

Cost: £230

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited capacity (bookings close when full)

Dates: July 18-19

Application Deadline: July 3rd (or until full)

Eligibility: Students aged 14 to 17 with sufficient English language skills to fully engage with the workshop; open to international students

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Led by London writer Annie Hayter, this intensive two-day weekend course challenges you to explore unconventional methodologies for creating poetry and fiction. You will use diverse stimuli like contemporary artwork, historical photographs, and songs to inspire your drafting process. 

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Because the course is hosted at one of the world’s leading conservatoires, there is a major emphasis on the performative aspect of the written word. You will learn not only how to draft and develop your stories, but also the best ways to present, perform, and publish them.

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Why it stands out: It combines solitary writing practice with the performative arts, teaching you to understand the rhythm and auditory impact of your words in a highly collaborative workshop setting.

8. SOAS University of London: Year 12 Outreach Summer School (Cross-Cultural Connections)

Location: SOAS Campus, Bloomsbury, London

Cost: Free (Travel costs covered for eligible students outside London zones)

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective based on Widening Participation criteria

Dates: July 13-17

Application Deadline: Not specified

Eligibility: Year 12 students (ages 16-17) currently attending UK state schools and colleges; not open to international students

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The SOAS Year 12 Outreach Summer School is a tuition-free, five-day widening participation initiative designed to give UK state school students a first-class experience of higher education. By selecting the "Cross-Cultural Connections" pathway, you will explore history, philosophy, arts, languages, and cultures from a global perspective. 

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The academic structure strictly mirrors an elite undergraduate environment; you will attend lectures delivered by leading SOAS academics, engage in high-level debates, participate in study skills sessions, and complete a collaborative group project with your peers.

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Why it stands out: It introduces you to a decolonized, global perspective on literature and humanities, providing a tuition-free intervention that directly prepares you for elite university admissions.

9. University College London (UCL): Pre-University Online Course for High School Students

Location: Virtual / Online (Run by the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education, London)

Cost: £990

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small classes capped at 12-14 students

Dates: July 20-31

Application Deadline: June 15th

Eligibility: High school students aged 16-18 who have English as an additional language; open to international students

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UCL’s Pre-University Online Course is explicitly designed as a rigorous short course rather than a recreational summer school. Hosted directly by a top-tier London university, it focuses heavily on "English for Academic Purposes" and university-level humanities. 

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The curriculum bridges the gap between high school literature classes and top-tier university expectations by teaching you how to write complex academic research reports, deliver academic presentations, and master note-taking for university-level lectures. You will also attend live lectures from UCL's arts and humanities academics.

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Why it stands out: It provides an uncompromisingly academic environment hosted by a global top-10 university, focusing strictly on the advanced English research and writing skills required for elite university admissions.

10. The Open University: Start Writing Fiction (Short Course)

Location: Virtual / Online (UK Public University-hosted, open to London and global students)

Cost: Free

Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment

Dates: Available year-round (self-paced, 12 hours of study)

Application Deadline: None

Eligibility: Open access; highly suitable for high school students (16+) seeking university-level extension work; open to international students

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The Open University, the UK's largest public research university, offers this highly structured short course dedicated entirely to the mechanics of fiction writing. You will bypass general literature discussions to focus strictly on character development, narrative structure, and editing. The course requires you to actively draft, review peer work, and maintain a writer's journal. You will analyze established writers discussing their routines and drafting processes, directly applying their techniques to build your own creative writing portfolio.

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Why it stands out: Hosted by a fully accredited public UK university, it is a focused, specialized short course that allows high school students to earn a recognized university certificate of completion for their academic portfolios.

11. Debate Chamber: English Literature Summer School 

Location: Woburn House, Bloomsbury, Central London (See more location details)
Cost: £845. Limited number of full and partial bursaries offered; check here
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small group courses capped at 10 to 15 students
Dates: July 27-31
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 15-18; open to international students

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Debate Chamber’s English Literature Summer School takes you through the development of English literature, from Anglo-Saxon and Middle English writing to Modernism and contemporary literature. You’ll work on close reading and discuss how different literary movements changed the way writers used form, language, and ideas. The course also covers Metaphysical poetry, the Romantic movement, the rise of the novel, literature in translation, adaptation, and intertextuality. 

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Classes are built around seminars, textual analysis, and discussion, so you’ll have to explain an interpretation and respond when someone reads the same passage differently. You’ll also be introduced to different approaches to literary criticism and practise testing your own ideas against the text rather than simply describing what happens in it.

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Why it stands out: It emphasizes discussion and critical debate, giving you a realistic taste of how English literature is studied at university.

12. Harvard University's Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking 

Location: Online via edX
Cost: Free to audit | Verified certificate available for a fee
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrolment
Dates: Self-paced (approximately 8 weeks, 2 to 3 hours per week)
Application Deadline: No application deadline
Eligibility: Open to all, including high school students; open to international students

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Whether you are writing an essay or delivering a speech, this course shows you how persuasive communication works in practice. You will examine famous speeches by influential 20th-century leaders to understand how rhetoric shapes ideas and influences audiences. 

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Along the way, you learn to recognize rhetorical techniques, evaluate arguments, identify logical fallacies, and craft your own persuasive opinion pieces and speeches. The course also explores how persuasion applies to social media and modern communication. By the end, you will be able to communicate your ideas with greater clarity and impact.

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Why it stands out: The course combines rhetorical analysis with practical writing and public-speaking tasks, allowing you to study both how persuasion works and how to construct persuasive communication.

13. University of Pennsylvania's English for Career Development 

Location: Online via Coursera
Cost: Free to audit | Verified certificate is available for a fee | Eligible learners may apply for financial aid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open enrolment
Dates: Self-paced (approximately 4 weeks, 10 hours per week)
Application Deadline: No application deadline
Eligibility: Open to anyone worldwide, including high school students; open to international students

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If you want to improve your English while preparing for future career opportunities, this course introduces the language and communication skills used throughout the job search process. You will learn how to identify roles that match your interests, write a professional resume and cover letter, and prepare for interviews with confidence. 

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The lessons also expand your vocabulary through practical workplace scenarios and communication exercises. Interactive assignments help you apply each concept as you progress. By the end, you will have stronger English skills and a better understanding of how to present yourself professionally.

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Why it stands out: The course connects English-language development with practical career tasks, including résumé writing, cover letters, networking, and interviews.

14. St Giles International: English for University Studies

Location: St Giles London Central
Cost: Starts at £1,536 for a 4-week program.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Maximum 12 (average 10)
Dates: Available year-round; course duration starts from 1 week
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged at least 16 at St Giles London Central with an Intermediate (B1) level of English or higher; open to international students

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St Giles’ English for University Studies focuses on the English you actually need when studying at a UK university. You’ll practise reading university texts, working through reading lists, taking notes, summarising ideas, and writing essays with a clear argument. The course also covers research questions, referencing, and how to avoid plagiarism, so you learn how academic writing is put together rather than just improving general vocabulary. 

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On the speaking side, you’ll practise following lectures, asking questions, joining discussions, giving presentations, and responding to questions. You’ll also work with academic formats such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, research, and referencing. The course combines 20 General English lessons in the morning with eight afternoon lessons focused on university study.

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Why it stands out: It goes beyond general language learning by introducing the academic skills you'll need for university, from writing research essays to participating in lectures and seminars.

15. EC English: London English School

Location: Host family or residence/student apartment accommodations in London
Cost: Varies by course; current London course prices start at £405 per week
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Centre capacity of 200; classes average 11 students, with a maximum of 15
Dates: Courses start every Monday; duration varies by course
Application Deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Students aged 16 and older; open to international students

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EC London offers several English options, so the exact focus depends on the course you choose. General English works on speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while the more intensive options increase the number of weekly lessons and give you more time to practise these skills. 

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If you choose English for Work, the focus shifts to practical workplace English, including writing emails, taking part in meetings, giving presentations, and preparing for interviews. The English in the City course adds language practice to London visits and activities, giving you chances to use English outside class. You also get access to language workshops, an online placement test, self-study materials through MyEC, and regular progress checks during your course.

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Why it stands out: It combines structured language classes with daily opportunities to use English outside the classroom, making it easier to build confidence in real-world situations.

Frequently asked questions: Summer English Courses in London for High School Students

What English level do you need for a summer English course in London?

Most courses set a minimum of a B1 or B2 level on the CEFR scale, meaning you should already be comfortable with everyday conversation and basic writing before you apply. Beginner-friendly courses exist too, especially open-enrollment online options that don't require proof of a specific proficiency level. If a course asks for evidence of your English level, you'll usually need to submit a school report, a language test score, or a short writing sample. Checking a programme's stated CEFR requirement before applying saves you from signing up for something above or below your current level.

Do you need to already be enrolled in high school to apply?

Yes, most of these courses are specifically designed for current high school students, typically between the ages of 14 and 18. A few also accept recent graduates or students in their final year before university, so age ranges can stretch slightly beyond standard high school years. Some programmes further narrow eligibility by UK school year, such as requiring you to be in Year 12. If you're unsure whether your current grade qualifies, check the specific course's eligibility section rather than assuming a general age range applies.

Can you earn UCAS points or university credit from a summer English course in London?

Some summer English courses do offer UCAS points or formal credit, though this depends entirely on the specific provider and course format. Immerse Education's Online Research pathway in English Literature, for example, lets students aged 14 and up opt into UCAS points or US and UK college credit alongside their coursework. Other courses, particularly short in-person language programmes, issue only a certificate of attendance or completion rather than academic credit. If earning credit matters to you, check this detail directly on the provider's page rather than assuming it's included.

Are there free summer English courses available in London?

Yes, a handful of options are completely free, usually from public universities or platforms offering audit access rather than full enrollment. Courses like the Open University's fiction writing short course or Harvard's rhetoric course on edX can be audited at no cost, though a verified certificate usually costs extra. Free options tend to be self-paced and online rather than in-person London-based courses with accommodation and activities included. If budget is a concern, these audit-style courses are worth comparing against paid in-person options before you commit to a cost.

Do these courses include accommodation in London?

Accommodation varies by provider, with some courses bundling housing and meals into the price and others offering tuition only. Residential options, such as courses with host family or residence-hall accommodation, usually set you up close to the classroom and build in a social programme alongside lessons. Non-residential and online courses leave travel and housing entirely up to you, which can lower the overall cost if you already live nearby or are studying remotely. Always check whether a listed price includes accommodation before comparing it against another course's cost.

What's the difference between a general English course and an English literature or writing-focused course?

A general English course works on everyday speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, often for students still building overall fluency. English literature or creative writing courses assume a stronger starting level and instead focus on analysing texts, studying literary movements, or developing your own fiction and essays. If you’re confused about which one to pick, read our guide on why you should study English literature.

Turn summer English study into university readiness

A few weeks in a London classroom can sharpen the academic English skills most university coursework simply assumes you already have.

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You'll leave more confident handling academic texts, structuring a clear argument, and following discussions that move faster than anything in a typical classroom.

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Choosing carefully among summer English courses in London for high school students puts you ahead before your very first university seminar begins.

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If you're mapping out how to arrive at university ready to succeed, our University Preparation blogs can help you plan your next step.