What made Summer 2026 so memorable?
This summer, 385 students aged 14–17 from 58 countries joined Reach Cambridge for an academic summer programme combining university-style study, Cambridge college life, international friendships and experiences beyond the classroom.
For many students, it was their first time travelling or living away from home. For two, four or six weeks, they lived in University of Cambridge colleges, studied a subject they were passionate about, explored Cambridge with new friends and experienced life in one of the world’s most famous university cities.
Summer 2026 at a glance
- 385 students
- 58 countries
- 3 programmes
- 20+ academic subjects
- 2, 4 or 6-week programmes
- 4 hours of academic study each day
After as little as two weeks, those same students were saying goodbye through hugs, tears, last-minute photos and promises to stay in touch across the globe.
What is a UK academic summer programme for teenagers?
For students considering an academic summer programme in the UK, Reach Cambridge combines academic study with residential university life and a full programme of social and cultural activities.
Students aged 14–17 choose from more than 20 academic subjects and spend four hours each day studying alongside students from around the world. Outside the classroom, they have time to explore Cambridge, take part in activities and visit destinations across the UK.
The result is an experience that goes beyond a traditional summer school. Students can develop academically while becoming more independent, meeting people from different cultures and getting a taste of university-style life.
For students who want to experience Reach Cambridge before committing to a full programme, our Taster options offer a shorter introduction to life at Reach, giving them a chance to experience the academics, activities and Cambridge environment for themselves.
Meeting friends from around the world
The first few days were full of introductions, new classrooms, confusing corridors and plenty of names to remember.
It didn’t take long for those unfamiliar faces to become the people students ate breakfast with, walked into Cambridge with, sat next to in class and spent their evenings laughing with.
Meeting people from around the world was one of the things students mentioned most when reflecting on their summer.
Caden, from the USA/Japan, loved connecting with people from “different cultures and backgrounds”, while Terezinha, from Portugal, summed it up rather simply:
“The best part was meeting the people.”
Those friendships quickly became part of everything else. Cambridge was explored together, Sports Day became a day of cheering each other on, and students inspired each other in the classroom.
Studying at a Cambridge summer school
Learning is at the heart of the Reach Cambridge experience.
For some, it was a chance to explore an existing passion. For others, it was an opportunity to discover something completely new and get a glimpse of what studying their interests at university might look like.
Prince from the USA described his experience positively, particularly highlighting the academic side: “The classes are extremely helpful and contain so much information connected to my interests.”
The academic experience is also closely connected to the setting. Students study in a university environment, live in University of Cambridge colleges and spend their summer surrounded by the history and atmosphere of Cambridge.
As Maxwell from China put it: “it’s an extremely fun and great learning experience.”
A very Cambridge summer
Once lessons finished, Cambridge became the backdrop for everything else. Students explored the city with their friends, took part in the Instravaganza scavenger hunt, discovered new favourite spots and, naturally, went punting along the River Cam.
For Anastasia from Greece, punting was a highlight: “Punting was especially memorable because we learned interesting facts about Cambridge while seeing the amazing views.”
There were also opportunities to explore further afield, with excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle, Oxford, London and Hampton Court Palace.
Back in Cambridge, Sports Day brought out some serious competitive spirit, while a Ghanaian drumming workshop with Abass Dodoo gave everyone the chance to try something completely different.
More than an academic summer school
Some of the biggest changes during the summer weren’t things that could easily be captured in a photograph.
They happened when students became confident enough to speak up in class, navigate Cambridge independently, perform in front of their friends or try something that had initially made them nervous.
Throughout the summer, students debated at the Cambridge Union, took part in the Talent Show and shared their cultures and talents during the World Showcase.
Tarun from the USA/India summed up the experience as “super engaging and busy”, particularly highlighting “the independence we had and the classes.”
For many students, this combination of academic challenge, independence and international friendships is what makes a UK pre-university summer programme so memorable.
The hardest part: goodbye
And then, far too quickly, it was time to go home. Suitcases appeared in corridors. Last trips into Cambridge were squeezed in. Phones filled up with final photographs.
The final evening brought everyone together for a departure party, complete with BBQ food, music, karaoke, dancing, sports, awards and a slideshow of memories from the summer.
The students who had arrived as strangers were now the people they didn’t want to leave behind. That feeling came through again and again in the summer feedback.
Camilla from Italy described her experience as “everything I hoped for and even more”, Sara from Brazil called hers “life-changing”, and Zoe from Greece simply told us: “I had the best time of my life.”
What made Summer 2026 unforgettable?
That’s what Summer 2026 was really about: Learning something new. Trying something different. Becoming more independent. Meeting people from around the world.
And making memories that are going to be very difficult to explain when someone asks, “So, how was your summer?”
Ready for Summer 2027?
Summer 2026 may be over, but the next Reach Cambridge summer is already taking shape. Applications for Summer 2027 are now open.
If you’re looking for a UK residential summer school for international students aged 14–17 that combines academic study, Cambridge college life, international friendships and experiences beyond the classroom, we’d love to welcome you.
Already part of the Reach Cambridge community? We’d love to see you again. Alumni can make use of our returner opportunities, and our Refer-a-Friend discount means you can bring someone new into the Reach community too.
The next summer story could be yours.
