23 October 2025
Written by our Head of Operations and Designated Safeguarding Lead, Charlotte Conway
Looking for a safe, enriching 2026 summer school experience in the UK for your child aged 11–17? Bucksmore offers award-winning English language and academic programmes with exceptional student welfare, 24/7 supervision, and a welcoming international community. Trusted by parents and travel agents worldwide.
At Bucksmore, your child’s safety, happiness, and wellbeing are our top priorities. We know that sending your child to study away from home is a big decision — one that requires trust, reassurance, and confidence in our care. That’s why we place student welfare at the heart of everything we do:
A Summer School Culture of Care and Community
From the moment students arrive, they become part of the Bucksmore family. “We foster a warm, inclusive summer school environment where international students feel supported, safe, and valued while studying in the UK. Our welfare teams are on hand 24 hours a day to make sure each child feels safe, settled, and confident throughout their time studying English in the UK.
Our approach is proactive — not just responding to issues, but anticipating students’ needs and creating a culture of kindness, respect, and belonging.
“My child’s impressions on the first day of her arrival, she was nervous and tired. She felt a little lost socially, but because it was her first day, this has completely changed over the days. She feels completely integrated and very comfortable with the program.”
This is made evident from the moment the students arrive at the airport, meeting the smile of a friendly staff member, to the first activities at the centres. These activities have been specifically chosen to embrace getting to know each other, to start building friendships with other students, and to allow them to feel comfortable in their new environment.
We are proud of our high numbers of nationalities and the mix of cultures our students represent. At centres that offer twin rooms, we accommodate students from different countries but of the same age together, which encourages students to make new friends and fully embrace the Bucksmore Summer School life!
Experienced and Trained Summer School Staff
Every member of our team, from teachers and activity leaders to accommodation staff, is carefully selected and trained in safeguarding and child protection to ensure a safe study abroad experience in the UK for our international students. Staff receive regular training in first aid, supervision standards, and mental health awareness, ensuring they are equipped to identify and respond to any welfare concerns promptly and sensitively.
Our UK summer school maintains excellent staff-to-student ratios, with trained professionals ensuring personalised care and attention for every child. We have an onsite residential ratio of 1 staff member for every 10 students which is always maintained and applies to all programmes. At times this ratio can go to as little as 1:7! When on excursion we keep to 1:15 ratio for students on courses for 13 years and over, and 1:10 for under 13s. When on excursions, the Activity Manager is never with a group and is surplus to the ratios stated. Onsite activities never exceed a 1:20 ratio. Bucksmore also ensures that there is a minimum of 2 management available at any point during the day. You can find our class capacities on our website.
Supervision and Safety
Students attending our UK boarding summer school programmes are supervised 24/7 — during English/subject lessons, meals, excursions, and residential activities. We follow strict procedures for attendance, curfews, and permissions for free time, so you can have peace of mind knowing your child is safe wherever they are on campus or on trips.
All parents are required to give permission for their child to be able to participate in supervised free time. This means that for all students aged 13 or above, if they aren’t given permission, they must always be with a staff member. Students aged 12 and under are not given the option to have supervised free time.
“I truly appreciate the care and support that you provided to my daughter during this time.” – Valued Parent Feedback, 2025
Attendance is always checked at the beginning of an activity or lesson, as well as a morning registration either just before or after breakfast. During excursions, each staff member in charge of their group will constantly be counting heads at every stop on a walking tour, when arriving at a new location, and when leaving it. We understand that this can at times be cumbersome, but students’ safety and wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do.
MyConcern Reporting Tool
Using a safeguarding reporting tool like MyConcern helps us keep your child safe and well cared for. It allows our staff to record and manage any concerns quickly and securely, so nothing important is missed. The system helps us spot patterns early and take action before small issues become bigger problems. It also ensures that all information is handled confidentially and only shared with the right people. By using MyConcern, we can communicate more effectively, respond faster, and make sure every child receives the support they need. Ultimately, it’s part of our commitment to keeping your child safe and protected at all times.
Our Safeguarding Policy
Bucksmore’s Safeguarding Policy follows UK government guidelines and industry best practice. It ensures that:
- Every student is protected from harm, abuse, or neglect,
- Concerns are dealt with swiftly and confidentially,
- Safeguarding leads are available 24/7 to respond to any issues,
- All staff have undergone enhanced background checks before employment.
We also teach students about personal safety and wellbeing, helping them understand how to take care of themselves and others in a supportive, age-appropriate way. Our experienced welfare teams are also always available for students to talk to — whether they’re feeling homesick, have a concern, or simply need a friendly chat.
Open Communication with Parents
“Your team’s dedication to my daughter’s well-being is greatly appreciated.” – Valued Parent Feedback, 2025
We believe strong communication builds trust. Parents are kept informed throughout their child’s stay — from pre-arrival information and travel updates to onsite updates via our Central Management teams. If there’s ever a concern, our onsite team will contact you directly and work together with you to ensure your child’s wellbeing.
Mobile Phones
At Bucksmore we recognise that mobile phones, including smart phones, are an important part of everyday life for our students, parents/guardians and staff. Parents/guardians in the international community want their child(ren) to have access to a mobile phone for communication home. This helps with safeguarding and student protection especially when away from their home country. Bucksmore supports this approach wholeheartedly.
We however limit phone access to encourage participation and connection between students. We have dedicated mobile use time, one in the morning and one on the evening which is a time for students to be able to contact home. All other times we ask students to put away their phones, unless they’re used as a tool in lessons or activities which our staff will advise on.
Our Promise to You
When you choose Bucksmore, you’re choosing a programme that values not just academic excellence, but emotional and social wellbeing too. Every child is seen, supported, and cared for as an individual.
Your child’s safety and happiness are at the core of what we do — because we know that a happy, confident student is one who can thrive and grow.
Interested in learning more about our welfare policies or talking to our team?
📧 Contact us | 🌐 Visit our Safeguarding Page
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