More than 200 international pupils experience life at Sedbergh this summer
More than 200 young people from around the world have arrived at Sedbergh this month as the School’s International Summer School gets underway, bringing together pupils from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond.
For families considering Sedbergh Senior School, the programme offers a glimpse of one of the School’s defining strengths: a genuinely international boarding community where pupils learn from one another as much as they learn in the classroom.
An international community from day one
Over the next four weeks, children aged 8–16 will live and learn together on campus, improving their English while experiencing British boarding school life. Alongside language lessons, pupils take part in sport, outdoor adventure, creative activities and cultural visits, using English naturally throughout the day.
The result is a vibrant community where friendships form quickly across cultures, helping young people develop confidence, communication skills and a broader understanding of the world around them.
Experiencing life at Sedbergh
The International Summer School reflects the same qualities that define a Sedbergh education throughout the year. Pupils experience the School’s full boarding environment, pastoral care, outstanding facilities and spectacular setting in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.
Learning extends far beyond the classroom through climbing, archery, swimming, ceramics, dance, music, baking, fencing, team challenges and outdoor adventure. Every activity is designed around Sedbergh Courses’ GOLD philosophy of Growth, Originality, Leadership and Determination, encouraging pupils to develop confidence, resilience and independence.
A pathway to full boarding
For many families, the International Summer School is the first step towards joining Sedbergh Senior School. Each year, pupils return for a term, an academic year or as full-time boarders, having already experienced the School’s distinctive seven-day community.
Their arrival also enriches the experience of existing pupils, strengthening Sedbergh’s international outlook and creating a community where young people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds learn to live, study and grow together.
Learning that lasts beyond the summer
Gemma Newton, Summer School Course Director, said:
“There is something incredibly special about seeing young people from all over the world come together at Sedbergh. Within just a few days, friendships form, confidence grows and the campus becomes a vibrant international community.
“Our International Summer School offers so much more than English lessons. It gives pupils the opportunity to experience everything that makes Sedbergh special, from our beautiful surroundings and exceptional boarding environment to the warmth of our community and the breadth of opportunities available each day.”
As another international summer begins, Sedbergh once again becomes a place where cultures meet, friendships are formed and young people discover what it means to belong to a full boarding community. For many, the experience will last far beyond four weeks, becoming the beginning of their journey at Sedbergh Senior School.