Eastbourne Summer School

The Little Explorers programme offers 17½ hours of lessons per week, consisting of English Skills, StoryTime and Explorations. English Skills lessons improve general language skills, extend vocabulary and better understanding of grammar to improve accuracy when producing spoken and written English. StoryTime lessons stimulate natural curiosity, develop listening and speaking skills and extend everyday vocabulary through children's stories. Explorations lessons use CLIL methodology to develop English skills through stimulating subjects such as Science, Maths, Geography, Art and History. All levels from A0 to C2 are available with a maximum class size of 14 and a staff-to-student ratio of 1:3. Students take a placement test on arrival. Progress tests are carried out at the end of each week to monitor progress. The teaching methodology is communicative and interactive, with creativity and personal expression encouraged.

The residential course package includes a shared transfer service from London Gatwick, Heathrow, City Airport and St Pancras International, student travel insurance, accommodation, meals and snacks, tuition, course materials, report and certificate, activities and social events, excursions and attraction entry, access to a nurse or medical officer, laundry service, 24-hour emergency line and visa invitation service. Optional extras at additional cost: Film & Animation Academy, LEGO & Coding Academy, Horse Riding Academy, Indoor Climbing Academy, Swimming Academy, Tennis Academy, and Zookeeper Experience Academy.

Secure boarding houses have bedrooms accommodating 4 to 8 students, enabling new friendships to form and helping a sense of community to develop. Students share their bedroom with children of a similar age and from different countries. Bathrooms are shared and in close proximity to bedrooms. The staff-to-student ratio is 1:3. A qualified registered nurse is available to provide medical care and dispense medicines.

Full board is provided with meals, snacks, and packed lunches on excursions.

Students participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities after lessons, choosing their preferred sport or activity. Examples include cake baking, clay modelling, dance, football, swimming, table tennis and tie-dye t-shirts. Social events in the evenings include discos, egg drop challenges, fashion shows, karaoke, messy games, mini Olympics, talent shows and treasure hunts. Excursions include half-day trips on Wednesdays to places like Blackberry Farm, Drusillas Park and Knockhatch Adventure Park, and full-day trips on Saturdays and Sundays to London attractions (London Eye, Science Museum, Paddington Experience), Arundel Castle, Brighton Sealife Centre and Legoland. Students also have the opportunity to interact with local British children through Bede's Holiday Club during breaks, afternoon activities and mealtimes.

On-site facilities include an art studio, astroturf playground, beach access, dance studio, drama theatre, garden access, IT suite, mud garden, sea views, sports fields, sports hall, and swimming pool. Off-site, the centre uses excursions to Blackberry Farm, Drusillas Park, Knockhatch Adventure Park, London Eye, London Science Museum, The Paddington Experience, Arundel Castle, Brighton Sealife Centre and Legoland.

Bede's Summer School is accredited by the British Council and was awarded ten overall areas of strength in its last inspection, including Strategic and Quality Management, Staff Management, Student Administration, Premises and Facilities, Academic Staff Profile, Academic Management, Care of Students, Accommodation, Leisure Opportunities, and Safeguarding Under-18s. The school is a member of English UK and accredited by Quality English. All staff receive thorough induction training. The Little Explorers programme uses high-achieving, year-round students as ambassadors to support younger learners in lessons. The school's ethos is built on values of Compassion, Curiosity, Courage and Conscientiousness, and the overall atmosphere is described as safe, welcoming, and like a family home.