You want a head start — a clearer sense of how university study works before you reach that stage. Developing academic skills and study habits that support a successful transition to higher education.
What’s included: tuition, accommodation (residential option), meals, excursions, social programme, student report, certificate and student insurance. Transfer service available for an additional fee.
Cambridge
London
Arts & Crafts
Badminton
Ball Games
Basketball
Creative Writing
Cricket
Fashion Show
Fitness Class
Football
Karaoke
Photo Challenge
Quiz Night
Rounders
Secret Cinema
Tennis
Trashion Show
Yoga
20 Hours Tuition Per Week
Accommodation
Certificate
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
Course Materials
Excursion Programme
Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular Multi-Activity Programme
Graduation Party
Letter of Reference
Meals
Progress Report
Dukes Cambridge gives students the opportunity to explore academic subjects in greater depth before making decisions about their future studies, and through university-style seminars, projects and discussion — before university applications and subject choices become more important.
Students leave with greater confidence using English in an academic context and a clearer sense of their direction. They also leave with a detailed tutor reference letter that supports future university applications — written by a tutor who has worked closely with them throughout the programme.
Tripos Court
Auditorium
Laundry Service
Modern Dining Hall
Seminar Rooms
Student Common Room
Twin En Suite Rooms
Wifi
Is this programme for you?
Students arrive with different interests and ambitions, but many recognise themselves in at least one of these.
You want a head start — a clearer sense of how university study works before you reach that stage. Developing academic skills and study habits that support a successful transition to higher education.
You are curious about different subjects and want to go deeper into the ones that interest you, before you make choices about future study.
You are ready to manage more of your own time and learning in a structured, supportive environment that still looks after you.
Sound familiar? This programme was built for you
Studying in Cambridge provides students with an unparalleled student experience. Learn through a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and hands-on practical workshops, and benefit from lessons led by experienced and passionate tutors, plus the opportunity to focus on your future studies and career.
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Beyond the classroom
At our summer school, you build skills that will help you at university and in future careers. You learn your subject, and you also practise how to use it. You explain your ideas to a group. You question what you read and form your own opinion. You work with other students to solve problems. Classes are active: you listen, ask questions, discuss, and try things out for yourself.
Academic experience
On fieldwork days, tutors take students beyond the classroom — connecting theory to real-world settings through guided visits, practical experiments and exploration across Cambridge. On Industry Experience days, students step into professional scenarios: business simulations, medical workshops or creative briefs that show them how their subject connects to future careers.
Inside the classroom
Students work in small seminar groups of no more than 15 — analysing case studies, debating ideas and presenting their thinking. The pace is challenging. The support is constant. By the end of the first week, students have regular opportunities to contribute, discuss ideas and present their thinking with growing confidence.
Public Speaking & Presentations
In small teams, students research, develop and build a project linked to their chosen faculty. It’s collaborative, creative and designed to stretch — requiring them to negotiate ideas, divide responsibilities and present their work to an audience at the end of the week. The skills it builds — communication, teamwork, critical thinking — support success in higher education and future careers.
At the end of their experience, college students will receive a certificate of completion and a reference letter from their tutor that details their academic achievements during the two-week programme, character attributes and future aspirations, supporting their admission to the university of their choice or to their chosen career.
As part of their enriching two-week experience, students will enjoy two full-day excursions designed to complement their academic journey with cultural exploration and relaxation. These outings offer a well-balanced opportunity to engage with iconic British destinations, providing both stimulating and restorative experiences outside the classroom.
See famous landmarks, visit world-class museums and cultural attractions, take epic photos, shop some big-name stores, and soak up London's unforgettable energy.
Students will be able to take the day to explore the iconic city of Cambridge in detail, with a range of activities designed around discovery and recovery from an intense academic week.
Level up your summer with our optional extras, available at an additional cost with limited spaces, so add them to your package when you book.
Give your summer an unforgettable Cambridge highlight. Our Rowing Experience invites students aged 14–17 to step into one of the city’s most iconic traditions and learn to row with expert coaches at a real Cambridge boathouse. No experience is required, just curiosity, teamwork and a willingness to try something new.
Your session begins with a full safety briefing and hands-on training using indoor rowing machines, followed by a guided tour of the boathouse and a chance to handle real rowing equipment. Students then practise the rowing technique on land before taking to the water in a stable training boat designed for beginners. Under the guidance of qualified instructors, you’ll work together as a crew, build confidence stroke by stroke, and experience the thrill of rowing along the River Cam.
The experience concludes with a group debrief and photo opportunity, and every participant receives an exclusive Cambridge Rowing Experience hoodie, a perfect reminder of their time on the river.
A one-to-one consultation with a specialist from Oxbridge Applications, part of the Dukes Education family. The session is tailored to the individual student and their university plans, with guidance on relevant areas of the application process. Depending on the student’s needs, this may include course choice, application strategy, admissions tests or interview preparation. Designed for students considering Oxford, Cambridge or other highly competitive UK universities.
We’re proud to celebrate our students’ achievements in style with a graduation party. At the end of each two-week summer course the graduation ceremony offers moments of reflection and an opportunity to celebrate achievements, both personal and academic, and say goodbye for now to new friends. A certificate of completion will be presented to students during the event. We’ll also provide a report outlining all accomplishments while studying with us, along with helpful tips to guide learners in the right direction towards future success. This party offers the chance to dress up, have fun and celebrate the amazing friendships that have been formed during their stay.
At Dukes Cambridge, students will be allocated to one of our six accommodation blocks, which are all purpose-built with modern facilities. They are located a short walk from the school, with bedrooms being either single or twin rooms. The majority of the rooms have ensuite bathrooms, with a small number of shared facilities in the smaller accommodation blocks. During free-time, students have the option of socialising in the on-site common rooms or spending time in Cambridge city centre.
Dates and Fees
Whether your child boards with us or returns home each evening, your fee covers everything in their programme. See what’s included with each option below.
Residential
From £4,495
per 2-week English course · £4,995 per 2-week subject course
Day Programme
From £3,495
per 2-week English course · £3,995 per 2-week subject course
2027 dates
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis. Check availability before you plan.
Places can start to fill from spring — book early
| Residential Programme | Day Programme | |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ✓ | Not Included |
| Meals* | All meals | Lunch + Evening Meal |
| Tuition | ✓ | ✓ |
| Course materials | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sports, social activities and events | Daytime and evening | Daytime and evening |
| Standard excursions, including entry costs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weekly laundry | ✓ | Not Included |
| Graduation certificate and academic progress report | ✓ | ✓ |
| Student insurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flights | Not Included | Not Included |
| Airport and Train Transfers | Not Included | Not Included |
| *We will do our best to meet all dietary needs, for example vegetarian, vegan and Halal. | ||
Our transfer service varies across our different campus locations. Information on our transfer service can be found here.
No, Summer Boarding Courses is not affiliated with the University of Cambridge.
Our programmes take place in the city of Cambridge at independent school campuses nearby, but they are delivered solely by Summer Boarding Courses. Any references to Cambridge relate to the location and learning environment, rather than a formal partnership or endorsement from the University of Cambridge.
During their time at Dukes Cambridge students will be staying at one of six purpose-built student accommodation blocks, where students will be able to unwind in their cosy rooms, whilst enjoying all of the modern comforts of everyday student living. Tripos Court comes with communal social and study areas, on site laundry, communal kitchenettes, and is under a mile away on foot from Sancton Wood School, and within walking distance from the local shops and town centre.
The academic programme takes place at nearby Sancton Wood School, ranked as one of the UK’s Top 10 Independent Schools (Sunday Times, 2022). The recently developed school boasts an impressive campus which offers students the space for a stimulating learning environment with specialist facilities for science, art and drama. This family-orientated environment creates a homely feel which offers a calm and engaging place to learn. Students may also visit and learn at other Dukes Education facilities such as Cardiff Sixth Form College Cambridge and St. Andrews College Cambridge.
During their time at Dukes Cambridge students will be staying at one of six purpose-built student accommodation blocks, where students will be able to unwind in their cosy single rooms, whilst enjoying all of the modern comforts of everyday student living. Tripos Court comes with communal social and study areas, on site laundry, communal kitchenettes, and is under a mile away on foot from Sancton Wood School, and within walking distance from the local shops and town centre.
In order to submit your booking for Dukes Cambridge, click on the ‘Enrol’ tab in the right-hand corner of our home page and fill out our booking form.
Your dedicated Admissions Manager will then contact you via your preferred method of contact to confirm any outstanding details. This will be the perfect opportunity to ask any questions before a deposit is paid. Once your details are confirmed, you will be sent a booking confirmation email, which serves as formal confirmation of your child’s place.
The residential fee covers all lodging, meals*, lessons, academic supplies, sports activities, social events, all regular excursions, including entry costs, Wi-Fi, graduation certificates, academic progress reports, and travel insurance. *We will try to accommodate any dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, etc.
Airport transfers from/to London Heathrow Airport on Start/End Dates are available at an extra cost.
For day programmes, students do not receive accommodation or breakfast.
The quickest and easiest way to find out whether you need a Visa is to check via this link here.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. This applies now, after Brexit.
For those that do require a Visa, the application that you will need to apply for is the Standard Visitor Visa.
It is important to note that, depending on the country, applications can take around 20 working days (or 3-4 weeks) to process. You are advised to begin the application process as early as possible. Once the Visa is obtained, we will need to receive a scanned copy of the student’s passport and the Visa by e-mail. SBC International reserve the right to cancel a booking, if a copy of the Visa has not been received 4 weeks before the course arrival date.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact your local embassy who should be able to offer you the correct support and guidance.
Yes, if you would like to make any amendments to your booking then you can do so by contacting your Admissions Manager. All amendments requested are subject to availability.
At the end of the Dukes Cambridge programme, all students receive a certificate of attendance from their College Principal at their graduation ceremony.
Intermediate (B1+) or higher English language proficiency is necessary for admission to Dukes Cambridge.
We provide students with an online test to complete prior to arriving at Dukes Cambridge summer school. The outcomes will be used to validate their suitability for the programme. If a student doesn’t score at the required level on the test, we’ll hold an academic consultation to determine the best course of action.
As safeguarding and welfare is our number one priority, we always ensure that our staff-to-student ratio remains high throughout the summer. We have a manager at each campus who is responsible for the student’s welfare, safety, and pastoral needs.
Additionally, we have a team of College Mentors who are in charge of the day-to-day care of the students, who can be contacted if students require any assistance. All employees receive Safeguarding training before the summer, and each site has designated first aiders. This ensures that students receive the absolute best care possible.
Our team of welcoming and helpful employees is on hand to assist students every day, 24/7.
The safety and well-being of students is our number one priority. We have a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and procedures in place to which all employees, volunteers, visitors, and contractors are obligated to adhere to.
As part of this, students are accommodated in secure and comfortable accommodations during their stay. Cambridge is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities within the United Kingdom and provides a perfect backdrop to a safe and comfortable college experience.
Dukes Cambridge is composed of dedicated and experienced College Mentors and Accommodation Officers to ensure that students have the best possible experience during their college journey. All staff are given extensive training to create an environment where all students feel safe, secure, valued, and respected whilst studying with SBC. These friendly and caring staff are always available to provide high-quality pastoral support and remain on call 24 hours per day.
During excursions and local visits, all students with parental consent are allowed free time for up to 2 hours. Students must stay in groups of at least 3, during free-time. Staff will make students aware of the designated meeting place and time, with a designated member of staff who will be given a fixed location so that in the event of needing support, they know where to go.
Students with parental consent Can also sign out of the site campus during designated free-time for up to 2 hours and move freely between their accommodation and Santon Wood School.
All students will be given an SBC Gold Card which they must carry with them when offsite. Gold Cards have details of the emergency number to call in the event of a student becoming separated from their group.
Browse our most popular courses and ignite a spark at the UK’s number one multi-campus summer school (As Ranked by EL Gazette league tables 2018-2026 based on British Council Inspections).
We offer courses at a range of other campuses, including Oxford, Eton, Earlscliffe, so book today for a location that suits you. We also offer a range of summer day programmes for you to choose from.
We’re here to help you choose the ideal summer experience. Schedule a no-obligation call with a member of our friendly team to explore your options, ask questions, and receive expert guidance tailored to your child’s interests and goals.