Why ISSFT? Our goal is to provide a world education, see our students grow in confidence and succeed in all aspects of their life
Teachers that inspire
Our teachers know how to get the best out of each student with their own unique and engaging educational style
Rich cultural heritage
Whatever campus students choose, they can experience spectacular scenery and historic cities steeped in culture
Social life and leisure time
Our programme of cultural, social and sporting activities allows each student to explore their wider interests and hone their social skills
Inspirational settings
With unparalleled historical surroundings, inspirational landmarks and modern shops and cafes, our University of St. Andrews (Scottish Summer School) and our University of Oxford (English Summer School) campuses provide the perfect summer destination for aspiring students
Our values
- To inspire and to be inspired
- To have fun in all that we do
- To genuinely care
- To create opportunity
- To achieve quality through continuous development
- To prepare our students for the future
What makes an ISSFT student? ISSFT students are typical teenagers with a passion for music, fashion, sport, and technology — all brought to life with energy and curiosity.
At ISSFT, our students are driven, curious, and full of potential. Many choose to attend our summer school to challenge themselves academically, while others are encouraged by parents who value meaningful, forward-thinking opportunities. They are motivated by a desire to grow — not just in the classroom, but as individuals with big goals and broad horizons.
Our community includes top-performing students with ambitious academic plans, standout athletes committed to excellence, and creative thinkers with a passion for the arts. Some arrive with a clear vision for the future — aspiring doctors, engineers, writers, or entrepreneurs. Others come to explore their interests, build confidence, and discover what excites them.
What unites them all is a shared enthusiasm for learning, growth, and adventure. These are students who enjoy thinking independently, thrive in globally minded settings, and are eager to meet like-minded peers from around the world. At ISSFT, they find a place that encourages academic excellence, celebrates individual talents, and inspires a lasting love of discovery — in every subject, on every playing field, and across every culture.
Welcoming
We welcome students from all walks of life, each with their own unique strengths, interests, and perspectives. Some are passionate scholars, others gifted athletes or creative thinkers — but every student brings something special. At ISSFT, we believe in nurturing individuality. By joining a diverse, inspiring community, our students gain the confidence to explore who they are, push their boundaries, and grow in ways that are both unexpected and deeply meaningful.
Creative and cultured
Our students bring a wide range of talents, passions, and life experiences. Some are natural performers, excelling in art, theatre, or drama. Others are standout athletes, driven by discipline, teamwork, and a love of sport — a core strength of the ISSFT experience. Many have lived around the world and thrive in international settings, while for others, ISSFT is their first step into independence and a more global perspective.
What unites them all is potential — and a desire to grow. Whether they're looking to push themselves further, explore new interests, or sharpen their strengths, ISSFT offers a dynamic environment where confidence is built, talent is recognised, and every student is challenged to rise to their best.
Personal Growth
At ISSFT, our students often surprise themselves — stepping outside their comfort zones, embracing new challenges, and discovering strengths they didn’t know they had. In the process, they come to understand that personal growth is a lifelong journey — and that learning happens not just in the classroom, but in every conversation, every team effort, every creative risk.
The impact of a summer at ISSFT lasts well beyond the final day. Students leave with lasting friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a deeper, more confident sense of who they are — and what they’re capable of achieving in the future.
Learn more about our school
The international framework of our UK Summer School programme gives our students the opportunity to learn about other cultures, make new friends from all over the world and become part of our international family.
ISSFT was born from our enthusiasm for the international school and Baccalaureate system. We are passionate about working with young people of different cultures, to spark their imagination and inspire them for the future.
our history How our vision to create an international school experience in Scotland became a reality
2014
ISSFT was born out of our passion for international school experiences that bring young people together. Director and Founder, Carey-Jean Rowe, grew up in Kenya, South Africa, USA and Mexico and was determined to offer a world-class education in her home country of Scotland, UK.
2015
Our first summer school operated out of a 16th Century Castle in Ayrshire, Scotland. During this time, our focus was on Golf, English and Youth Leadership and we became an accredited member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
2016
We launched our first summer courses at the University of Stirling, Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Forty minutes from Edinburgh and situated at the foot of Scotland’s Highlands, it is considered one of the most beautiful, safe and well-equipped facilities in the world. During this time, we were also accredited by the British Accreditation Council.
2017
As word of mouth about our summer programmes spread, we expanded our curriculum to offer new and exciting courses such as Law, Coding and Theatre. Our school grew to over 150 students for 70 nationalities.
2018
By 2018, we had over 90 different nationalities and over 200 students enrolled in our summer courses. We were also placing boarders into some of the UK’s leading boarding schools.
2019
By 2019, we had received awards for the 'Most Inclusive Student Summer Education Programme', 'Best Summer Enrichment Programme' and 'Best International Summer School.' Our Directors were also invited to the British parliament in Westminster, London, as part of the British Parliamentary Review into Education Services.
2020
A year like no other. Due to Covid-19, we were unable to physically run our summer courses. However, via a series of online videos and workshops we were able to bring our students together in a virtual setting where we celebrated our shared values of international community, collaboration and kindness.
2021
In 2021 we launched our Virtual Learning Courses. Although the world is still dealing with the Pandemic, the ISSFT team remains committed to bringing our international students together with a shared goal of making the world a better place through the power of education.
2022
After 2 years affected by the COVID 19 pandemic, ISSFT opens it's doors to a second campus at the University of Oxford. This year was our busiest, with students from over 90 different countries, studying over 20 different classes and taking part in over 450 hours of extra curricular activities, events and cultural excursions.
2024
In 2024 we ran at IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON.
2025
In 2025, we successfully opened at Worcester College, University of Oxford.
2026
Delighted to relocate to our Scottish summer programme to the University of St Andrews
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