If you are considering a UK summer school for your teenager, you probably have a lot of questions. At the International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT), we understand how important it is for both students and parents to feel informed, confident, and excited before summer begins.

Below are some of the most common questions families ask about ISSFT, our programmes in Oxford and St Andrews, student life, academics, accommodation, safety, and more.

What Is ISSFT?

The International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT) is a premium residential summer school for students aged 13–18 from around the world. Students study academic subjects in the mornings and participate in electives, sports, creative activities, excursions, and social events throughout the rest of the programme.

ISSFT takes place at two world-renowned university locations:

• University of Oxford
• University of St Andrews

Students experience life in authentic university environments while building confidence, independence, friendships, and English fluency.

What Ages Can Attend ISSFT?

ISSFT is designed for international students aged 13 to 18.

Students are grouped carefully by age and supported throughout the programme by trained residential and pastoral teams.

Where Does ISSFT Take Place?

ISSFT currently operates in two exceptional UK university destinations:

Oxford, England

Students study and live in one of the world’s most famous academic cities, surrounded by historic colleges, libraries, museums, cafés, and university culture.

St Andrews, Scotland

Known worldwide for academic excellence and as the home of golf, St Andrews offers a safe, scenic coastal environment with a strong university atmosphere.

What Do Students Study?

Students choose:

• One academic subject each weekday morning
• One elective subject each afternoon

Academic subjects may include:

✔︎ English Language
✔︎ Intensive English
✔︎ IELTS Preparation
✔︎ Global Leadership
✔︎ Global Entrepreneurship
✔︎ Introduction to Medicine
✔︎ Introduction to Law
✔︎ Academic English with Study Skills

Electives may include:

✔︎ Golf
✔︎ Tennis
✔︎ Theatre
✔︎ Photography & Digital Media
✔︎ Sports Leadership
✔︎ AI & Computer Science

Programmes vary slightly between campuses.

Do Students Need To Speak Fluent English?

No. ISSFT welcomes students with different English levels, from beginner to advanced. English Language classes are available at multiple levels, including for native and non-native speakers.

Because students live and study in an international environment where English is the shared language, many improve their confidence and fluency naturally throughout the programme.

What Is Included In The Programme Fee?

ISSFT is designed as a fully inclusive experience. Depending on the programme selected, fees typically include:

✔︎ Accommodation
✔︎ Academic and elective tuition
✔︎ Meals
✔︎ Activities and entertainment
✔︎ Excursions and trips
✔︎ Airport transfers within scheduled times
✔︎ Course materials
✔︎ Medical and travel insurance
✔︎ Academic reports and certificates
✔︎ 24/7 supervision and pastoral care
✔︎ Welcome pack and ISSFT clan t-shirt

What Is Student Accommodation Like?

Students stay in modern university accommodation with private en-suite bedrooms. Rooms include:

✔︎ Private bathroom
✔︎ Bed and study space
✔︎ Fresh linen and towels
✔︎ Secure residential environment

Students are separated by age and gender, and residential staff are available throughout the programme.

Are Students Supervised?

Yes. Student welfare and safeguarding are central to the ISSFT experience.

Students are supervised throughout the day across:

• Accommodation
• Academics
• Electives
• Activities
• Excursions
• Evening programmes

ISSFT also provides structured free time within supervised environments and trained pastoral teams are available 24/7.

What Happens Outside The Classroom?

ISSFT is much more than lessons.

Students participate in:

✔︎ Evening entertainment
✔︎ Sports tournaments
✔︎ Clan events
✔︎ Social activities
✔︎ Workshops
✔︎ UK cultural excursions
✔︎ Day trips and sightseeing

The programme is designed to help students build friendships, confidence, teamwork, independence, and communication skills.

Is ISSFT Good Preparation For University?

Many parents choose ISSFT because it gives students an early experience of university-style living and learning.

Students:

✔︎ Live in real university accommodation
✔︎ Eat in university dining halls
✔︎ Develop study and communication skills
✔︎ Experience independence in a supportive setting
✔︎ Meet students from around the world

ISSFT also helps students develop confidence, critical thinking, leadership, and English communication skills that support future academic success.

How International Is ISSFT?

ISSFT welcomes students from across the world and aims to create a genuinely international environment. Students meet peers from a wide variety of countries, cultures, and educational backgrounds. English is encouraged as the shared language throughout the programme.

This international atmosphere is one of the reasons many students leave with lifelong friendships and increased global confidence.

What Makes ISSFT Different From Other Summer Schools?

Families often choose ISSFT because of its combination of:

✔︎ Prestigious university settings
✔︎ Premium accommodation
✔︎ Academic and elective balance
✔︎ Strong pastoral care
✔︎ International community
✔︎ Fully immersive English-speaking environment
✔︎ Structured activities and excursions
✔︎ Small-group learning and personalised support

ISSFT focuses on delivering a balanced experience where students can learn, grow, explore, and enjoy an unforgettable summer in the UK.

How Do Parents Stay Updated?

ISSFT provides parents with access to a secure online portal for programme information and communication.

Students are also encouraged to maintain healthy communication with home while fully engaging in the summer school experience.

How Can Students Apply?

Applications can be submitted online through the ISSFT portal.

ISSFT Official Website

Apply Online for ISSFT 2026

Whether students dream of studying in Oxford, exploring the Scottish coastline in St Andrews, improving their English, developing leadership skills, or simply making friends from around the world, ISSFT offers an inspiring and memorable summer experience designed to help teenagers grow in confidence both academically and personally.