General Information and FAQs

What happens at WSA Summer School?
WSA is a thriving independent co-educational boarding school situated in the heart of the Lake District.

Summer School takes place over a three-and-a-half-week period during the summer months and is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their English language skills. Lessons are undertaken each morning followed by a chosen workshop, such as photography, Information Technology, drama, grammar or poetry.

Studies conclude with lunch, followed by afternoon activities as chosen by the students', and an evening activity for everybody to enjoy.

What’s so special about Windermere St Anne’s?
The school was established in 1863. It has strong worldwide links all over the world, with overseas connections through its Round Square status and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

These attributes offer the ideal environment to host international students and to teach English as a foreign language. Added to this is our unrivalled location, with attractive facilities situated at the heart of the Lake District National Park, overlooking Lake Windermere and the Langdale fells.

We are confident that the school will provide each student with a safe but stimulating environment from which to learn, explore and have fun.

This program is offered on an all-inclusive basis so that parents and students do not have to worry about hidden costs and added 'extras'.     

How do you improve existing English language skills?
At the start of the course each student undertakes a placement test, ensuring they are grouped by ability which removes unnecessary complications for our teachers. Our well qualified TEFEL teachers adopt a variety of teaching methods, appropriate to the standard of the class and individuals, to get the best from our students.

Considerable emphasis is placed on communication and teachers will encourage students continually to gain confidence and to speak as much English as possible.

We encourage students to speak English at all times, and efforts are made to mix international students with local English speaking students.

What about travel arrangements?
A free collection and drop-off service from Manchester Airport at the beginning and end of the course, and staff from WSA meet students on arrival.

If students are concerned about travelling on their own or making changes before they arrive at Manchester, please arrange for airline staff to be available to help them with any worries or concerns.

If students need to arrive after the course start date or depart early, we will arrange for escorted taxi transfers at an additional cost.

If you wish to plan a holiday in the Windermere area, we can put parents in touch with agencies who arrange accommodation locally.

How soon should I book a place?
Obviously, we have to operate a ‘first come, first served’ policy and we prefer to restrict numbers based on spoken language, so to include a good mix of nationalities.

As a result, places will usually be fully booked by Easter so it makes sense to apply in good time. Simply complete and return the booking form to us. Upon acceptance, we will send you important information and ask you for a deposit.

How big are the classes?
No more than twelve students per class, to ensure each child receives personal attention and is able to make the most of this valuable study time.

Can I stay in contact with my child?
Many students bring mobile phones for this purpose, but we will also furnish you with school contact numbers and email addresses – students will have lots of opportunities to send and receive emails and we find this is a good way to stay in touch with loved ones.

An emergency contact number will be given in your information packs when you register in case of any emergency.