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22 April 2025

English beyond the classroom – what makes our course special?

If you’re not sure where to send your child this coming summer, because you’re looking for an English summer camp which ticks all the boxes, we might have just the programme you’re looking for.

We recently interviewed our amazing centre manager, Joshua Kingdom (we call him Josh), who, this coming summer 2025, will have been with Bucksmore for 17 successive years! 

That possibly tells you all you need to know about how Bucksmore is committed to taking care of our students AND our staff, but in the interview, Josh pointed out some of his top ‘insider reasons’ why he loves the Bucksmore Summer Camp in Brighton, and what kind of international students really enjoy learning English in the UK, but also feel a part of something bigger and more exciting.

A Campus That Feels Like Family

At Bucksmore Brighton, we have the rare privilege of taking over the entire campus for the summer – and that makes a world of difference.

As Centre Manager Josh Kingdom explains:

“One of the main benefits of this particular centre is that it’s a campus all to itself. So we get to be our own family, and create our own environment.”

Set on 23 acres of beautiful parkland and woodland, the campus offers a safe, inspiring space for students to explore. The grounds are expansive, giving young learners the freedom to roam, play, learn, and connect – with no need to share the space with other schools or groups. Whether it’s morning lessons in state-of-the-art classrooms or evening games on the lawns, students can enjoy every corner of this purpose-built environment.

Modern accommodation is located right on site, with counsellors living alongside students to provide constant care and support. And with spacious social areas, a dining hall, and indoor and outdoor activity spaces, there’s always room to come together as a community.

A Safe Place to Grow – Near the City, Not in It

Bucksmore Brighton is uniquely placed to offer the best of both worlds: the excitement and culture of a UK seaside city, with the calm and safety of a residential campus away from the city centre. It’s a location that gives students room to grow – with full support every step of the way.

As Centre Manager Josh Kingdom explains:

“One of the most important features of our centre is that it’s not directly in the city centre. That means children are safe at all times and always under our care. But Brighton is still just a short journey away, and we can organise supervised events so they can experience everything that makes this city unique.”

From beach outings to cultural excursions, students get to explore Brighton in a safe, structured way—led by trusted staff who know them well. It’s all part of creating an environment where students can gain independence while still feeling completely secure.

Total Welfare and Support Systems 

At Bucksmore, student welfare isn’t an afterthought – it’s the heart of everything we do.

Our support systems start before students even arrive on site. From the moment they land at the airport, trained Bucksmore staff are ready to welcome them and accompany them to campus. It’s that personal care that sets the tone for the entire experience.

Once on site, we use a digital welfare system that allows any staff member – whether they’re a teacher, house parent, or activity leader – to raise a concern or flag an observation about a child’s well-being. These alerts are immediately shared with both the Brighton team and our central office in London, triggering a clear and responsive support process.

“The most important thing,” Josh says, “is that a child’s concern is our concern – no matter how small it may seem. Every step we take is about making sure each child is not just safe, but truly happy.”

This goes far beyond safeguarding checklists. We care about each student’s personal journey. That’s why we create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and understood – not just protected, but genuinely cared for. 

The benefit of our approach is that it means your child will feel comfortable telling staff literally anything that is worrying them. They don’t have to worry that their concern is ‘not serious enough’, or that they are asking a ‘silly question’. 

Students on last year's summer English programme in good spirits, smiling with the teacher.

A Cultural Mix That Creates Lifelong Connections

Bucksmore Brighton is more than an English course – it’s a cultural exchange, a global adventure, and the beginning of lifelong friendships.

Our students come from all over the world, and our programmes are designed to celebrate that diversity. We deliberately mix nationalities across classrooms, activity groups, and accommodation. That way, students are encouraged to use English at all times – and to connect with cultures and ideas far beyond their own.

“Not only do they improve their English,” Josh says, “but they come home knowing phrases from other languages, traditions from other cultures, and stories from friends they never imagined they’d meet.”

Shared dorm rooms and mixed nationality classes mean students are constantly exposed to different ways of thinking, learning, and living. Whether they’re kayaking with a student from Spain, collaborating on a group project with a peer from Japan, or swapping traditions at dinner with a new friend from Brazil – the result is an atmosphere of curiosity, openness, and true international connection.

And because our courses are tailored by both age and ability, every student is challenged at just the right level – academically, socially, and emotionally.

These are the experiences that stick. This is where global citizens begin.

Designed for ambitious kids who want more

This isn’t your standard summer school – and it’s not designed for the average learner. 

Bucksmore Brighton is built for ambitious young people who want more from their English experience.

It’s perfect for students who are tired of repetitive grammar exercises and predictable speaking drills. Here, learning is dynamic, personal, and engaging – shaped around each student’s interests and passions.

“This is designed specifically for the kind of student who is super ambitious,” says Centre Manager Josh Kingdom. “Someone who’s ready to move beyond the standard classroom and really show what they can do with their English.”

Our learners are curious, driven, and open to the world. They want to challenge themselves, make meaningful friendships, and experience the UK in a way that goes far deeper than sightseeing.

If you’re someone who wants to:

  • Push your English beyond grammar and into real-world communication
  • Join a vibrant, international community of students
  • Explore your passions through exciting projects and cultural experiences
  • Grow in confidence, independence, and global awareness

…then we think Bucksmore’s English Foundation programme in Brighton is exactly where you’re meant to be. It’s definitely not just another summer camp.

Hear more from Josh!

You can follow Josh talking about Bucksmore in Brighton on our Instagram or TikTok!

Find out more about our course options

At Bucksmore Brighton, we offer a diverse range of Summer English programmes tailored to meet the varied interests and ambitions of our students. 

English Plus Programmes:

Our English Plus courses integrate intensive English language instruction with specialised subjects, allowing students to enhance their language skills while exploring new fields. 

Specialised Summer Camps:

We also offer specialised camps that blend English learning with engaging activities:​

These programmes are designed for students eager to immerse themselves in English while pursuing their passions, providing a comprehensive and enriching summer experience.

If you’d like to schedule a conversation with us about your son or daughter’s summer programme, please contact us directly. Thank you.