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Summer School Sports & Activities

Sports & Social programme (included in the Fee)

Give your child the opportunity to improve their English skills while taking part in a varied programme of sports, activities and social events. Vacational Studies is hosting a residential summer sports camp for international students from 11 July to 7 August 2027. All our summer school sports and activities are included in the Sports and Social Programme fee of £5800. 

Help your child improve their literacy and vocabulary with English lessons, sports and activities in an immersive summer course experience. Apply now for our 2027 enrolment.

Language Learning Summer Camp In The UK 

Vacational Studies combines morning English classes with a full programme of afternoon and evening activities, allowing students to practise their English throughout the day. International students aged 10 to 18+ can use the language they learn in class while playing, creating and socialising with people from different countries. 

The programme offers a mixture of team sports, individual activities, creative sessions, House competitions and organised evening events. Students have opportunities to practise English in different settings, work towards shared goals and take part in activities that challenge them physically and creatively.

Sports & Outdoor Activities 

Cheam School has indoor and outdoor sports facilities, which we use for a varied programme of summer school activities. Our sports and social team includes former students, former UK Representatives and staff with native fluency in English.

Students can join our competitive Sports League throughout the Course, practising teamwork and using their language skills with their peers outside English lessons.  Have your kids partake in sports such as:

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Baseball
  • Tennis
  • Table tennis
  • Swimming
  • Dance choreography
  • Community music
  • Singing

Students who prefer not to play sport can remain with their friends, watch an activity or join one of the non-sport options, including arts and crafts, Zumba, and rehearsals. This gives them the flexibility to explore creative interests alongside the wider programme.

A competitive Sports League runs throughout the Course before the Houses come together for the end-of-course sports day. Sporting events are joined by dance, singing and other performances.

The programme is organised by our Senior Sports and Social Organiser and a team of assistants. Many assistants first came to Vacational Studies as students before returning as helpers or as UK Representatives. Their experience can help them understand the programme from both sides.

Houses & Community Building

For competitions and shared activities, we divide the school into four teams known as Houses. Their names come from schools we have used during more than 50 years of Vacational Studies Courses, preserving a connection with the different places that have formed part of our history.

The system also introduces international students to a familiar feature of British boarding school culture. The Houses provide:

Group identity: Each student becomes part of a smaller team within our Summer Courses.

  • Group identity: Each student becomes part of a smaller team within our Summer Courses.
  • Regular interaction: Shared events give students opportunities to build friendships and practise English through everyday conversations.
  • Team responsibility: Competitions encourage communication and teamwork as students work towards shared goals.
  • Leadership: Suitable roles allow students to support and represent their House, creating opportunities for personal growth.

Social Events to Build Memories

Each evening has its own organised event, giving the school something different to do after the afternoon programme. The schedule develops and changes every year, while a separate wet-weather plan allows us to move or replace outdoor activities when necessary.

Previous programmes have included:

  • Celebrations & themed events: Christmas dinner, folies bergère and the garden fête.
  • Games & challenges: Soap slope, orienteering and crazy games.
  • Music & performance: UV Disco, fashion shows and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
  • Outdoor & pool events: Campfire and pool parties.

Club: Time to Unwind

After the evening activity and hot chocolate, 'Club' is when our young people can dance and chat in a relaxed environment before bedtime. Informal conversations during Club give students further opportunities to use English naturally as they share experiences with other students.

Explore a summer programme that brings British culture, expert coaching, English learning, activities and residential life together. Apply for Vacational Studies 2027.

Summer Courses & Sport Coaching

Our regular programme includes three special options: MAD Dance & Fitness, Football Skills and Tennis Skills. These give young athletes and kids who enjoy dance opportunities to develop their skills during their summer in England. All three are included in the Course fee, so students can enjoy the benefits without an additional activity charge. 

MAD Dance & Fitness

We have an occasional programme of dance workshops along the lines of those at the former MA+D (Monaco Arts and Dances) School in Monaco, run by our former student, Stéphane Lobono. Sadly, MAD closed as a result of the pandemic. As a tribute to what Stéphane created, we still call the programme 'MAD'.

  • Several dance styles: The programme can include Salsa, Modern Jazz, Funk, Hip-Hop and Zumba, adding variety to the English and dance summer school experience.
  • A varied fitness element: Sessions combine dance with different forms of movement and exercise, giving students opportunities to practise coordination and discipline.
  • An alternative to competitive sport: Boys and girls can participate whether they regularly train in a sport or prefer music, rhythm and performance.

Football & Tennis Coaching

Our Football and Tennis Skills sessions give students the chance to build confidence and technique through guided coaching at Cheam School. Football focuses on team play, communication and structured training, while tennis places more emphasis on individual control, concentration and decision-making.

Explore football, tennis, dance and fitness as part of the Course fee. Apply for the 2027 programme.

Vacational Studies: Fun English Lessons For Summer

We have run residential Summer Courses in the UK since 1973, and our founder continues to lead Vacational Studies. Nearly all students attend following a personal recommendation, with some former students now choosing the same Course for the next generation of their families.

Our British Council accreditation covers areas such as teaching, facilities, safeguarding and student care. Staff receive safeguarding training and enhanced DBS checks, while the single-site Cheam School campus keeps lessons, accommodation, meals and most activities in one supervised setting.

Consider Vacational Studies for English teaching, residential support and a full summer activity programme.

FAQs About Our Summer School Sports

Is Vacational Studies a specialist English language camp?

Yes. Vacational Studies is a residential English summer school with an included sports and social programme. It suits students who want to combine language learning with activities rather than spend the full day studying in a classroom.

Does your summer school offer swimming?

Yes, swimming is part of our Sports and Social programme. Students use Cheam School’s open-air pool, alongside activities such as football, tennis and basketball.

Does your programme include intensive football or tennis training?

We offer football skills sessions led by a qualified coach and tennis skills led by experienced players at no extra charge. These form part of our wider English, sports and social programme rather than an intensive sports academy. It can help children develop athletic skills, make friends and build resilience.

What is the daily routine at the summer school?

Students follow a structured daily routine with English lessons, afternoon sports and activities, and evening social events. There is also time to relax with friends during Club before bedtime.