When can I book?

We will be opening bookings for 2027 during the week of the 8th September. From that date, you will be able to book online here. At the same time we will publish further details of the course programme, prices ,travel plans and activities.

How will I develop my English knowledge?

You will work in small groups to build confidence understanding. You will also practice using English in the real world. This will include classroom sessions with qualified native speakers, plus additional workshops and challenges that reinforce your learning.

What are these Additional Challenges?

These will explore particular themes including: Sport & performing arts; history & culture; Science & technology; and democracy & society. You will work in international teams, alongisde local young people from the UK.

Is the course suitable for those with no English knowledge?

No, you will need a minimum level of English to take part in the course. However, our experience is that anyone who is aged 12-18 and has undertaken regular schooling in their home country will be able to manage the programme just fine. If you are concerned about this, please ask.

Where will I live during the course?

For most of the course you will live at Bootham school in the centre of York. We will stay in the school's boarding houses where you will share a room with between 1 and 3 other participants. It is fine to share with a friend, simply let us know when you sign up who you would like to share with and we will arrange this. In London we will stay in a youth hostel run by the YHA (part of Hostelling International). Again participants will stay in shared rooms, but only with other members of our group with boys and girls in separate accommodation throughout.

Can you cater for special diets and those with additional needs?

Almost always, yes. Our team have lots of experience supporting a range of personal needs and we will always work with participants to make reasonable adjustments which help them take part. In very complex cases, we may need to assess the suitability of the course, but will always do what we can, acting in line with UK law.

I am interested in bringing a group of young people on the programme, is the possible?

Yes absolutely, we welcome this and would be very happy to work with you on the details. For example, we can provide bespoke solutions for travel and and very happy for a member of your staff to accompany the group if you wish.

How do you ensure that young people are properly looked after during the programme?

We address this in a number of ways and are always happy to discuss the details should you have questions: All those leading our residential programmes undergo enhance police record checks via the DBS and undertake regular professional training in safeguarding and child protection and additional training/qualifications where required for specific activities (e.g. lifeguard training); all activities are risk assessed in advance and dynamically to ensure that young people are not placed in harm's way; and, in a residential context, we ensure a minimum ratio of 1 adult to 15 young people for those aged under 16 and 1 to 20 for those who are older than this. We work with parents, group leaders and young people to properly understand personal needs and circumstances and will always explore additional measures where required. Further information is available in our Safeguarding and Health & Satey Policies listed here

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