13 January 2026
Written by our Head of Operations, Charlotte Conway
What You Need to Know About How We Accommodate Dietary Needs and Allergies
Choosing the right summer school for your child involves more than academics and the social programme. For many parents, a key concern is how well a summer school manages dietary needs and food allergies. Bucksmore Education understands this and has clear procedures in place to support students with allergies, intolerances, and special diets throughout their programme with us.
Dietary Needs at Bucksmore Education
We are happy to confirm that our host colleges cater to a wide range of dietary needs, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of our international students. These include:
- Food allergies (such as nuts, gluten, dairy, or eggs)
- Vegetarian and vegan diets
- Religious and cultural dietary requirements
- Medical diets and food intolerances
By receiving this information before a student’s arrival, we ensure our students can be supported safely and appropriately from the start of their course.
How Bucksmore Manages Food Allergies
Parents are asked to declare all allergies and medical conditions during the application and pre-arrival process. This information is shared with centre staff and catering teams so that suitable meals can be planned in advance.
For students with severe or complex allergies, Bucksmore recommends direct communication with our admissions team which allows for personalised planning, risk reduction, and clear procedures to be put in place.
Meal Provision and Catering Support
All Bucksmore courses include three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with packed lunches provided on excursion days). Menus are designed to be nutritious, balanced, and suitable for international students. We do like to advise students that the food may be different to what they have back home!
Vegetarian options are available at every meal, and alternative meals can be prepared for students with confirmed dietary requirements, provided these have been communicated ahead of arrival.
If you would like to see our sample menus, these are available on each centre webpage:
- OIC Brighton
- St. Catharine’s, Cambridge
- d’Overbroeck’s, Oxford
- St. Hilda’s College, Oxford
- King’s College London
Support During the Programme
Bucksmore Education has on-site residential staff and centre managers who oversee student welfare throughout the course. If a student experiences any issues with meals or dietary provision, staff are available to address concerns quickly and liaise with catering teams as needed.
For students with serious allergies, families may also provide:
- Allergy management plans
- Emergency medication (such as EpiPens)
- Clear guidance on food avoidance and safety measures
Why Advance Notice Matters
The most important step in managing dietary requirements and allergies at Bucksmore is early and accurate communication. Providing detailed information before arrival allows staff to plan meals properly and minimise risks.
Parents are encouraged to:
- Declare all dietary needs during registration
- Be specific about allergy severity
- Contact Bucksmore directly for complex medical needs
Bucksmore Education takes student wellbeing seriously and has systems in place to manage dietary requirements and food allergies responsibly. Through advance planning, experienced catering teams, and on-site support, students can focus on learning and enjoying their experience with confidence.
For families considering a Bucksmore programme, get in touch with our friendly admissions team to find out more about our wide range of courses for your child today!
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