Summer schools are no longer just about filling time between academic terms. For learners of all ages, from children to adults, summer programmes offer a chance to explore new ideas, build skills, and grow in confidence—all within a shorter, more intensive format. In this context, small group teaching isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

Why Small Groups Matter in Summer Settings

Summer schools typically compress weeks’ worth of learning into just a few highly focused sessions. That makes clarity and engagement incredibly important. In a small group setting, instructors can spend more time supporting individual learners, keeping lessons interactive and relevant—even when working on challenging material or creative projects.

This is especially valuable in summer programmes where students may have varying levels of prior experience and motivation. Smaller groups help teachers tailor lessons, spot potential struggles early, and push students further when they’re ready.

Oxford Royale exemplifies the strengths of small group learning in summer settings, offering a model of academic delivery that aligns precisely with the needs of short-term, intensive education. With expert tutors from top universities and intentionally small class sizes, the programme ensures each student receives focused support and meaningful academic engagement.

In an environment where time is compressed and outcomes matter, this structure allows instructors to adapt lessons in real time, address individual learning needs, and maintain a high level of participation. Whether reinforcing core concepts or challenging students to stretch further, Oxford Royale provides a setting where academic growth is both achievable and accelerated.

Key Strengths:

• Small class sizes support personalised learning and active participation
• Expert-led instruction adapts to a wide range of abilities and goals
• Focused, interactive sessions maximise outcomes within the short summer timeframe

What students say: Absolutely great academic program, taught in the inspiring environment of the historic colleges of Oxford. Unparalleled learning experience and support, meeting students from all around the world (Oxford Royale)

This review underscores the quality of teaching within small, expert-led classes staffed by knowledgeable educators, which reinforces the academic-focused strengths of Oxford Royale.

A Space Where Everyone Has a Voice

One of the greatest strengths of small group teaching in summer schools is that everyone participates. Unlike in large lecture-style classes, learners in a smaller group have more opportunities to ask questions, express ideas, and take part in discussions.

This is particularly important in short-term programmes, where there’s limited time to “warm up.” In small classes, students quickly build confidence because they feel seen, heard, and valued from the very beginning.

Oxbridge Academic Programs fosters a learning environment where every student has the chance to be heard. With the freedom to choose both a Major and a Minor from a broad selection of subjects, students are encouraged to explore topics they’re passionate about—naturally leading to more engaged, vocal participation. The programme’s combination of academic courses, workshops, and extracurricular activities gives students multiple settings in which to share their ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with peers. This variety, along with a diverse, international student body, helps create a dynamic classroom culture where every voice matters.

Key Strengths:

• Dual subject choice encourages students to actively engage with topics they care about
• Workshops and discussions create multiple platforms for student expression
• International student mix promotes inclusive dialogue and peer-to-peer learning

What students say: The tutors were very supportive, and the classes were small and deeply engaging. I had so many chances to ask questions, discuss ideas freely, and present my thoughts. It truly felt like my opinions mattered. (Oxbridge Academic Programs)

This feedback highlights the academic strengths of the program—especially the emphasis on small, interactive classes and the encouragement for students to speak up confidently on topics that matter to them.

Flexible, Responsive Teaching

In summer schools, students often arrive with different academic backgrounds, learning styles, and cultural perspectives. In small groups, teachers can quickly adapt their teaching—providing extra support when needed or going deeper into topics that spark curiosity.

This kind of flexibility enables truly student-centred instruction, where the pace, content, and approach can shift in real time to meet the group’s needs.

Summer Boarding Courses (SBC) exemplifies flexible, responsive teaching through a wide range of academic and enrichment pathways designed to meet learners where they are. With students from over 100 countries and a broad age span, SBC’s teaching team adapts content, language level, and delivery style to ensure lessons are engaging and accessible to all. Whether teaching foundation-level English or specialised topics like Future Doctors or Global Leadership, educators adjust pacing and structure to support each group effectively.

This responsive teaching model ensures students feel supported, challenged, and confident in their learning journey.

Key Strengths:

• Multi-level course offerings tailored to varied academic levels
• Skilled teachers who adapt pace and materials in real time
• Small groups that allow for personalised instruction and feedback

What parents say: “My son has attended the SBC summer courses twice, and it was an outstanding experience. The programme combines academic rigor with fun activities… The dedicated and inspiring staff… gave personalized attention… The diverse curriculum not only boosted my son’s knowledge but also his confidence and independence.” (SBC)

This feedback highlights how SBC’s adaptive teaching approach, personal attention, and strong academic structure lead to both educational and personal growth.

Teacher as Mentor, Not Just Instructor

In summer schools, the teaching staff often play more than one role. They’re not just tutors—they’re mentors, supporters, and even cultural guides. Small class sizes enable teachers to get to know their students individually and establish trust quickly.

This dynamic is particularly valuable in short-term summer settings where creating strong student–teacher relationships early on helps students settle in, open up, and make the most of their experience.

Immerse Education exemplifies a mentoring-first approach in its summer schools. Every participant is placed into a mentor group of around 10 students, led by a dedicated university-aged mentor who provides personal support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the programme. These mentors live on-site, which means they are readily available to help students adjust, stay engaged, and feel supported both academically and personally. Combined with small, seminar-style classes of just 7 to 10 students, this structure enables tutors and mentors to build strong, trusting relationships with each student—fostering confidence, a sense of belonging, and meaningful personal growth.

Main Strengths:

• Mentor groups consist of about 10 students for personalised attention
• Mentors live on-site and offer 24/7 support and guidance
• Small academic classes (7–10 students) ensure tutors can engage deeply with each learner

What students say: The group of mentors we had was all very interesting and fun. They also gave us a unique look into the lives of Oxbridge students and how to apply to Oxbridge colleges. It was very insightful and inspiring to chat with them.(Immerse Education)

This review highlights the programme’s strong focus on mentoring, personal guidance, and connection with real university students—demonstrating how mentors go beyond traditional teaching to guide and inspire learners in meaningful ways.

This integrated mentorship model helps students settle in quickly, engage more deeply in learning, and develop both academically and personally.

Fast-Tracked Confidence Building

Summer programmes move quickly, and small-group teaching is one of the most effective ways to help students gain confidence quickly. Whether it’s giving a short presentation, trying out a new language, or working through complex ideas, students in small classes get more chances to practise—and more supportive feedback when they do.

This frequent interaction leads to rapid growth in both ability and self-assurance, especially important in a course that may only last two or three weeks.

Bucksmore Education is a standout example of how summer schools can fast-track student confidence through focused academic and personal development. With programmes lasting just one to three weeks, students are immersed in small, supportive classes where they are encouraged to contribute actively, take initiative, and push their boundaries—whether in language learning, STEM projects, or university-level seminars.

Courses such as Career Preparation, English Plus, and University Preparation are designed not only to enhance subject knowledge, but to build essential skills like public speaking, group collaboration, and critical thinking. Through structured feedback, expert mentorship, and practical tasks, students gain visible progress and self-assurance in a short time—leaving them better prepared for school, university, and beyond.

Key Strengths:

• Short, intensive course formats that accelerate growth in both knowledge and confidence
• Interactive teaching styles that emphasise student voice, leadership, and participation
• Academic and professional preparation that builds real-world competence and self-belief

What students say: Everything at Bucksmore is amazing: the people, the subjects, the courses. I’m really looking forward to coming back! (Bucksmore)

This endorsement reflects Bucksmore’s strength in nurturing confidence: caring staff, engaging academic content, and an environment that inspires students to take initiative and return for more.

More Engagement, Less Passivity

One of the challenges of summer learning—especially for younger learners or those joining from different time zones—is keeping energy and attention levels high. Small group formats naturally encourage active participation, making it harder to “fade into the background.”

From group discussions to hands-on workshops, learners in small classes stay more engaged because they are actively involved, not just observers. This boosts retention, motivation, and enjoyment—key goals of any summer programme.

ISSOS Cambridge effectively embodies these principles as its programme structure is deliberately designed to promote active participation and sustained attention. With small class sizes and a balanced combination of academic and elective subjects, students are consistently encouraged to engage, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their learning environment.

ISSOS also recognises the challenges of maintaining focus in a diverse, fast-paced summer setting. Through interactive classes, hands-on workshops, evening programmes, and cultural excursions, students remain stimulated and involved throughout the day. Whether in a debate seminar or creative arts elective, learners are positioned as active participants—not passive observers.

Key Strengths:

• Small-group instruction supports continuous engagement and individual involvement
• Electives and evening events keep learning varied, dynamic, and energising
• International student body enriches discussions and promotes cultural awareness through shared experiences

What parents say: This program helped my daughter into a mature, confident young lady and … we were shocked how more self-assured and mature my son became. All the academic programs they have chosen have helped them to be leaders after the summer. (ISSOS)

This feedback highlights ISSOS’s strengths in empowering students to actively participate, build confidence through interactive learning, and benefit from a supportive academic environment that values each voice.

A Lasting Impact

Great summer schools thrive on diversity and inclusion. Small group teaching enables tutors to adapt to different learning styles, confidence levels, and language abilities—creating a space where every student feels supported and no one is left behind. Free from the pressure of grades, students focus on collaboration over competition through group projects, discussions, and creative problem-solving. The result is a safer and more welcoming environment that fosters both academic and interpersonal skills.

Though short in duration, the impact of these programmes is often long-lasting. Many students describe their summer experiences as transformative—not just for what they learned, but for the confidence, independence, and friendships they gained. As one parent reflected after ISSOS: “This program helped my daughter into a mature, confident young lady… all the academic programs they have chosen have helped them to be leaders after the summer.”

Conclusion: Small Groups, Big Outcomes

Summer schools are special because they bring together motivated learners and expert teachers in exciting, intensive environments. When small-group teaching is part of the equation, the result is a high-quality experience where students feel engaged, understood, and empowered.