London walking tour
A guided walk past Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the South Bank.
English Summer School · In & around London · Ages 8–17
Summer, spoken fluently.
Sandbox English Summer School opens in summer 2028. We offer young people aged 8–17 a residential English programme with focused lessons, attentive care and memorable excursions, at a reasonable price.
15h
of English lessons every week
Small
classes, so every student is heard
2×
tailored excursions every week
24/7
staff on site and an emergency line
Who we work with
For parents, agents and group leaders
Whether you are sending one child or organising a group, we will shape the summer around what you need.
Parents
A safe, happy and productive summer for your child, with one clear point of contact before, during and after the course.
How we look after your childAgents
A responsive partner with a flexible programme and excursions tailored to what your families are looking for.
Information for agentsGroup leaders
A well-organised stay for your group, with lessons, activities and trips planned around your group's interests.
Information for groupsThe programme
One programme, tailored to every student
Every student joins the same residential programme: 15 hours of English lessons a week, a full activity programme and two excursions a week. On site, we group students by age and English level, so each student learns and socialises with the right peers.
How groups work
- A short placement test before arrival and a speaking check on the first day
- Students grouped by age and English level, in small classes
- Groups reviewed during the course, so students can move up when they are ready
- Activities and independence that suit each age group
- Stays of one to six weeks
What every week includes
- 15 hours of interactive English lessons
- Afternoon and evening activities every day
- Two excursions, each with free time and a packed lunch
- Residential accommodation and three meals a day
- Staff on site 24/7, first-aid trained, with a 24/7 emergency line
About us
Founded by Alexander Burns
Alexander has spent several summers delivering English summer programmes, with one aim: to make each one as enjoyable and rewarding as possible for every student.
He founded Sandbox English to offer a better experience at a reasonable price: small classes, engaging activities, great excursions and attentive care. As a small, founder-led school, we avoid the overheads of a large organisation and put our resources where students notice them.
Parents, agents and group leaders deal with Alexander directly, from the first consultation to the final day of the course.
Alexander is also our Designated Safeguarding Lead, so the person you speak to at your consultation is the person who leads safeguarding across the school.
Enjoyment first
Students learn best when they are having a great time.
A reasonable price
Low overheads keep fees fair, without cutting corners.
Safety & welfare
Looked after, day and night
Your child's safety and wellbeing come first. We will share our full safeguarding and welfare policies with parents, agents and group leaders before the course.
Our founder, Alexander Burns, is our Designated Safeguarding Lead. He is responsible for safeguarding across the school, and you can raise any concern with him directly.
Ask about our policies- Staff on site 24 hours a day throughout the course
- At least one member of staff for every 10 students
- A 24/7 emergency phone line for parents, agents and group leaders
- First-aid trained staff, with access to local medical services
- Safer recruitment, with background (DBS) checks for all staff
- Supervision planned for each age group, on site and on excursions
- Rooms separated by age and gender
- Daily time to call home, and phone-free lessons and activities
- Clear anti-bullying, online safety and code-of-conduct policies
A typical day
Structured, balanced and rewarding
Each day combines focused learning with activities and rest, so students are challenged without being overstretched.
- BreakfastA good start to the day
- English lessonsInteractive lessons in small classes
- LunchFreshly prepared
- Afternoon programmeSport, arts, drama or projects
- DinnerFollowed by free time and calls home
- Evening programmeQuizzes, talent shows, discos and film nights
- Lights outEarlier for younger students
Summer life
Something for everyone, every day
Afternoons and evenings are packed with activities, all in English and all with friends from around the world. Our activity leaders make sure quieter students feel just as included as confident ones.
Excursions
Two excursions a week, tailored to you
We choose excursions from a wide range of destinations based on what parents, agents and group leaders would like. Every trip is led by our staff and includes free time and a packed lunch. Popular options include:
Oxford tour
Historic colleges, the Radcliffe Camera and the city's famous dreaming spires.
Cambridge tour
King's College, the Backs and the riverside of one of the world's great university cities.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: the real sets, costumes and props from the films.
Madame Tussauds London
The world-famous wax museum, with film stars, sporting heroes and royalty.
Have somewhere else in mind? Let us know in your consultation and we will plan it in where we can.
Food
Good food, every day
Students get three freshly prepared meals a day, with a packed lunch on excursion days. Dietary needs are catered for. Just tell us at your consultation.
Locations
In London or around it: you choose
Both options are available. Choose London itself, or the area around London with its countryside and historic towns. Tell us what suits your students at your consultation and we will plan the summer around your choice.
In London
London
The UK's capital, home to world-famous landmarks, museums, parks and theatres.
Choose London
Around London
The area around London
Green countryside and historic towns, with London's landmarks within reach for excursions.
Choose the area around London
Wherever you choose, we will only use venues with secure residential accommodation, proper classrooms and space for sport and activities. Airport meet-and-greet and transfers can be arranged.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
When does Sandbox English Summer School start?
Our first summer is 2028. Book a consultation to register your interest. We will keep you updated as dates and venues are confirmed.
Why choose a new summer school?
Our first summer means you deal directly with the founder, who has several years' experience delivering summer programmes. Every student gets close attention, and the programme is shaped around your wishes rather than a fixed package.
Why don't you publish prices?
Length of stay, group size, excursions and travel arrangements all affect the cost, so we tailor every quote. Book a free consultation and we will send a clear, written quote with no obligation.
What happens in a consultation?
It's a relaxed video call, phone call or WhatsApp chat with Alexander. We will talk about the students, their English level and interests, and the excursions you would like. Then we will follow up with a tailored proposal and quote.
How long can students stay?
Between one and six weeks. We will help you choose the right length of stay at your consultation.
What level of English does my child need?
None at all. Students of every level, from beginners to advanced, are welcome and are placed in a group that suits them.
Who is responsible for safeguarding?
Our founder, Alexander Burns, is our Designated Safeguarding Lead. There is always at least one member of staff for every 10 students, and staff are on site 24/7. We will share our safeguarding policies with you before the course.
Where will the course take place?
In London or in the area around London, whichever you prefer. Tell us your choice at your consultation, and we will confirm your venue ahead of summer 2028.
Can you arrange airport transfers?
Yes. We can arrange meet-and-greet and transfers from the airport. Share your travel plans at your consultation.
Do students need a visa?
Many nationalities can come to the UK for a short course without a visa, but some will need a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Please check the latest requirements on GOV.UK.
Still have a question? Book a free consultation or email hello@sandboxenglish.co.uk.
Plan summer 2028 with us
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We will talk through your plans and send a tailored proposal and quote.