ACADEMIC SUMMER LONDON WESTMINSTER FOR STUDENTS AGED 7-17
Experience is not the opposite of Learning, it is Learning. In London.
ACADEMIC SUMMER LONDON WESTMINSTER FOR CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS AGED 7-17
British Summer Camps in the heart of London
The best London location. The best London summer. You are not near London, you are in it.
Academic Summer is based at DLD College Westminster directly opposite the House of Parliament, overlooking the River Thames. You can see Big Ben from the building! This is not a backdrop, this is your classroom.
We welcome teenagers aged 13-17 as residential boarders, with comfortable single ensuite rooms, giving you a private, secure base in the heart of London. We welcome day students from age 7.
Learning that uses London
Every learning connects to the city around you. Through project-based approach bringing together English, critical thinking, creativity and real subjects, London becomes the material. You do not just visit the city, you understand it.
This is CLIL: Content and Language Integrated Learning. Real English learned through real subjects, in the real world. It is not just English as a subject but English as the way you think, create and communicate. This really helps take your English to the next level as well as building your study skills and life skills.
London brings the world together
Students come from over 60 countries. This means every conversation is a cultural exchange. Every friendship is a global connection. Your English improves faster than any traditional classroom could achieve because you are using it all day, every day with your new friends from all over the world.
Come curious and leave confident. Take the memories of London with you.
Browse academic programme / dates and fees / leisure programme
LOCATION: WESTMINSTER LONDON SE1 7FX
The best summer school address in London
Academic Summer's host school, DLD College, enjoys a truly exceptional location, within a stroll from some of London's most iconic landmarks. The majestic London Eye, the historic Houses of Parliament, the vibrant Trafalgar Square and the regal Buckingham Palace are all within walking distance.
The Westminster area has immense historical and political significance. It is well-known for its famous landmarks and, most importantly, the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament, and the Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben.
This fantastic location provides a unique opportunity to visit London and immerse yourself in the heart of the city. The setting encourages exploration and a connection to the pulse of London life, making it an unforgettable experience.
YOUR HOME IN LONDON THIS SUMMER
DLD College, London
Ten years ago we chose DLD College as our London base. We have never looked back.
Purpose-built, modern and entirely under one roof so no commuting, no compromises and no safety concerns. Everything you need for an extraordinary summer is right here in Westminster.
Our campus features:
Modern classrooms, including dedicated spaces for Art and Drama
Well-equipped Science laboratories for hands-on learning
A spacious atrium and social area for you to relax and make friends
A modern dining room serving delicious home-made meals
On-site coffee shop known as the ‘Hungry Mule’
Single ensuite bedroom for everyone (Limited number of twin rooms)
Spaces to socialise on every boarding floor
Our camp counsellors live on site with you
WIFI throughout the campus to keep you connected with home.
ACADEMIC SUMMER LONDON CLASSROOM
Build Confidence, Skills and Knowledge in the Heart of London for students age 7-17
Engagers, Explorers, Pathfinders and Adventurers (click on tabs below for more info)
Pathfinders, Explorers and Engagers (Age 11–17)
Classes are grouped by age, so students learn alongside their peers and the content is age appropriate. The right challenge, for the right age, every time.
London is not just where you study but what you study. Every week connects a new theme to London, and history, art, science, media, culture and politics are explored through real places, real debates and real projects. London makes every experience unforgettable.
What you will develop:
- Critical thinking — forming your own views and defending them
- Communication skills — speaking and writing with clarity and confidence
- Study skills — how to research, analyse and present ideas
- Creative thinking — seeing problems differently and finding new solutions
- Global awareness — understanding the world through London's extraordinary diversity
Academic Summer London: The Facts
| Age | 11-17 (class placement is by age) |
| Class Size | Maximum 15 |
| English Level | Minimum level B1 on the CEFR |
| Hours of Lessons | 15 hours per week either in the morning or afternoon |
London Experience: Weekly Themes
Week 1: Time travellers and trendsetters
Theme: Identity, leadership and culture through time
Trips: Westminster, Tate Modern, Madame Tussauds, British Museum and Hastings
Subjects: History, Art, Drama, Citizenship and English
During the week you will:
- choose a Westminster statue and create a monologue
- craft as spoken word piece from modern art
- create your own wax figure bio
- enjoy storytelling from artefacts
- write a ‘Day in the life’ historical diary
- end the week with a gallery showcase
Week 2: Capital vibes
Theme: City life, subcultures and innovation
Trips: Big Bus Tour, Camden Market, Museum of London, London Eye, Natural History Museum and Cambridge
Subjects: Geography, Sociology, Science, Business and English
During the week you will:
- explore subcultures: fashion, food and music
- compare city vs university life
- write a ‘24 hour in London’ lifestyle blog
- create a marketing campaign for a London borough
- discover London's innovations and scientific discoveries
Week 3: Hidden voices and big ideas
Theme: Creativity, innovation and unseen stories
Trips: Greenwich, Battersea Power Station, Science Museum, London Dungeons, National Gallery and Brighton
Subjects: Science, Art, History, English and Drama
During the week you will:
- explore inventions and inventors
- discover London's hidden stories of power, protest and crime
- create an escape room game based on London's myths
- build a pitch for your own invention
- present ‘Hidden Hero’ from British and personal culture
Week 4: Royal realities
Theme: Power, image and modern monarchy
Trips: Notting Hill, British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Imperial War Museum and Oxford
Subjects: History, Citizenship, Politics, Art and English
During the week you will:
- create your own ‘Modern monarch’
- find out what it means to be British and debate identity and tradition
- write a newspaper article: maybe of a Royal scandal or a state event
- design a mural showing Britain then vs now
- explore Notting Hill diversity and take part in a photojournalist challenge
Week 5: London remix
Theme: City stories - past, present and future
Trips: Hampton Court, Westminster, Museum of London, Madam Tussauds, British Museum and Hastings
Subjects: English, History, Art and Media
During the week you will:
- build a podcast: ‘My London life’
- create a piece of writing looking at royal court secrets
- design a museum rebranding and look at how we can attract Gen Z
- revamp a wax figure or create one for 2126
- develop a digital story map of your week in London
Week 6: Culture clash and global voices
Theme: Cultural identity, global issues and personal voice
Trips: Big Bus Tour, Camden, Tate Modern, London Eye, Natural History Museum and Cambridge
Subjects: PSHE, Geography, Environmental Science, English and Media
During the week you will:
- create a cultural identity collage
- debate: Is London a truly global city?
- design a campaign around a global issue (eg: fast fashion or food waste
- perform a TED Talk: ‘One thing I’ve learned in London'
- develop a digital story map of your week in London
Academic Summer Camps London Westminster (Age 11-17): Daily Schedule
If you have lessons in the morning, your schedule will look like this:
| TIME | WHAT IS HAPPENING? |
|---|---|
| 7.30 | Wake up |
| 8.00 | Breakfast |
| 9.00 | Lesson 1 |
| 10.30 | Break |
| 11:00 | Lesson 2 |
| 12:45 | Lunch |
| 13.30 | Trip pods for notices |
| 14:00 | Afternoon trip |
| 18:00 | Free-time |
| 18.30 | Dinner |
| 19:30 | Evening activities |
| 22:00 | Back to boarding |
| 23:00 | Lights out |
If you have lessons in the afternoon, your schedule will look like this:
| TIME | WHAT IS HAPPENING? |
|---|---|
| 7.30 | Wake up |
| 7:45 | Breakfast |
| 8:30 | Trip pods for notices |
| 9.00 | Morning trip |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:30 | Lesson 1 |
| 16:00 | Break |
| 16:30 | Lesson 2 |
| 18:00 | Free-time |
| 18.30 | Dinner |
| 19:30 | Evening activities |
| 22:00 | Back to boarding |
| 23:00 | Lights out |
Summer Day Camp for Adventurers aged 7-10
Adventurers: The Facts
| Age | 7-10 |
| Class size | Maximum 12 |
| Level of English | Minimum level A2 on CEFR |
| Hours of learning | 15 hours of morning lessons plus afternoon trips |
Activities and Trips in London for students age 7-10
In the afternoons, London becomes the learning with their teachers. Adventurers head out into the city — curious, excited and always looked after. Trips bring the morning learning to life, and every day ends with tired, happy children who have seen, done and discovered something new.
Adventurers London Day Camp (Age 7-10): Daily Schedule
| TIME | WHAT IS HAPPENING? |
|---|---|
| 8.30 | Adventurers Arrive at DLD College |
| 8.45 | Lesson 1 |
| 9.45 | Break |
| 10.00 | Lesson 2 |
| 11.00 | Break |
| 11.15 | Lesson 3 |
| 12.15 | Lunch |
| 12.45 | Relax & Recharge |
| 13.30 | Trip/ Activity |
| 18.00 | Departure |
LET'S TALK
Every great summer begins with one conversation. Our friendly team is ready to help.
LONDON WESTMINSTER LEISURE PROGRAMME 2026
London is Where Your Learning Comes Alive
London Westminster Leisure Programme 2026 (see schedule)
London is on your doorstep and we make the most of every moment.
During the week, afternoons are spent exploring the city. From iconic landmarks such as Madame Tussauds and Buckingham Palace to world-class museums, vibrant markets and cultural hotspots, many are within walking distance of DLD College.
Evening activities back on campus give students time to relax, socialise and make friends from all over the world.
Every Saturday, we leave London behind for a full day out discovering the real England through destinations like Oxford, Cambridge and Hastings.
Sundays are for rest, exploration and enjoying the energy, atmosphere and everything London has to offer.
Fun, friendship and London.
DATES AND FEES
Dates and Fees 2026 for Experience London
LONDON WESTMINSTER
BOARDING STUDENTS
Age 13-17
Sunday 28 June to Sunday 12 July
Sunday 12 July to Sunday 26 July
Sunday 26 July to Sunday 09 August
£4,300 / per two-week camp
Includes tuition, teaching materials, accommodation, meals, insurance, airport transfers, trips and activities
LONDON WESTMINSTER
DAY STUDENTS
Age 7-17
Monday 29 June to Friday 7 August
£995 / per week
Includes Monday to Friday (8.15 to 18.00) - tuition, teaching materials, lunch, trips and activities
Do you have questions about booking a place, transfers, visas or insurance? GENERAL FAQ
Do you have questions about the Learning: ACADEMIC FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / EXPERIENCE LONDON
How does Experience London differ from Career Pathways?
Experience London is our immersive city programme that is project-based, cross-curricular and designed to bring London to life through themed learning and daily trips. It is perfect for students who want a rich cultural experience, to develop their English and study skills, and to explore London in a structured, fun and social environment. Experience London follows a similar structure to a traditional language programme — 15 hours of learning per week but delivered through CLIL, which brings real subjects, real thinking and real London into every lesson. We welcome both groups and individual students.
Career Pathways is a more intensive, professionally focused programme for students who want to go further. Specialist programmes include Get Ready for Medicine, Engineering, Entrepreneurship and Future Gen Study. They are ideal for students who want academic depth, professional development, Be a Leader and CPD qualifications. The leisure programme also includes a West End theatre visit and much more. Career Pathways is designed for individual students and is a higher investment reflecting the quality and specialist nature of the programme.
Not sure which is right? If you want a more academic challenge but no specific career focus yet, Future Gen Study is a great starting point. Contact our admissions team and we will help you choose and we are happy to discuss all the options: info@academiccamp.co.uk
What does a weekly theme look like?
Each week has a different theme that brings lessons and trips together and is project-based and cross curricular. For example, Week 1 in Time Travellers and Trendsetters we explore identity, leadership and culture through history, with trips to Westminster, the British Museum, Tate Modern and Hastings, and projects to compliment and make learning fun. Every week is different, so students who return for a second or third summer always have a completely new experience. You really experience London with Academic Summer from the best summer school address in London - Westminster!
What trips and excursions are included?
Every day students head out into London, with trips connecting directly to what they are studying in class that week. During the week students explore destinations including the British Museum, Tate Modern, Madame Tussauds, Camden Market, the London Eye, Battersea Power Station, Notting Hill and many more. Every Saturday is a full day trip further afield to places like Oxford, Cambridge, Hastings and Brighton. Sundays are for exploring London a bit more to places like Greenwich and a trip on the Hop on Hop off bus. London is not just where you stay it is what you study and live. The real London with Academic Summer Camps. See London Westminster Leisure Programme
How does the summer programme split between lessons and trips?
Students have 15 hours of lessons per week, either in the morning or afternoon. The opposite half of the day is spent out in London on trips. This means every single day includes both quality classroom time and a real London experience and the two are designed to connect, with each week built around a different London theme every week.
LET'S TALK
Every great summer begins with one conversation. Our friendly team is ready to help.
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