Reach Cambridge has been successfully running summer schools and study programs in Cambridge since 2005. It is a private company that specialises in study courses and is entirely independent of the University of Cambridge. Broadly speaking, our staff divides into three departments - academic, supervisory and senior staff. Our teaching body is made up of Fellows, Professors, researchers, post-graduates, and specialists in their field; many of our academic staff are working or studying at high-level academic institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford or London universities.
The supervisory department is made up mainly of Cambridge University students with an intimate knowledge of the city, the University and its workings. The senior staff bring together many years of experience in international schools, Cambridge University and the European education system.
At Reach Cambridge, the safety and welfare of students is our number one priority, and our experienced staff team work together to ensure that our students have the opportunity to grow in confidence and enjoy their independence in a safe and supervised environment. Parents can be understandably cautious about sending their children abroad for a study program, and so a member of our senior staff would be more than willing to answer any questions and allay any concerns over the phone. If you would like to speak to a member of the senior staff, please use our contact form, email us at admissions@reachcambridge.com or phone us on +44 8708 031 732.
What experience does Reach Cambridge have in running academic programs?
Our focus has remained on Cambridge throughout the years, so we have an in-depth knowledge of the city and a great relationship with the university's colleges. Many of our supervisory and teaching staff return year on year, committed to offering our students the experience of a lifetime within a safe, positive and inspiring environment.
The senior staff team has extensive knowledge of the education world and travel industry, as well as many years of invaluable first-hand experience of the University of Cambridge and British education systems. This, combined with years of promoting further education to the international community, makes Reach Cambridge a superior choice for a residential study program.
In addition to our many years of experience, Reach Cambridge is accredited by the British Accreditation Council who provide a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education in the UK. This is a testimony to the high standards we set ourselves regarding the planning, preparation and procedures we follow to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our students and staff.
What does your Latin motto mean?
What is Reach Cambridge's mission?
Our team is dedicated to offering our students the international experience of a lifetime within a safe, positive and inspiring community.
Why Reach Cambridge?
- Academic Excellence: Learn from leading scholars and experts; engage with dynamic classes, lectures and workshops.
- Inspiring Surroundings: Live, learn and grow in the historic and world-famous University City of Cambridge.
- Excursions & Activities: Explore the UK with culturally enriching excursions and engage in fun, inclusive activities.
- International Experience: Meet people from all over the world, learn about different cultures and make friends for life.
- The Perfect Balance: Manage your own free time and balance it with your studies. Grow in confidence, understanding and independence.
What is not included in the price?
The main exclusions are as follows:
- Flights - These should be booked independently
- Some meals – Weekdays are half board (2 meals a day). This allows students more freedom to explore Cambridge city centre and sample the many food options on offer for their third meal. On weekend excursion days we provide breakfast only.
- Spending money – Students should bring an allowance for shopping, free time etc.
- Visas - Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information.
Can parents visit?
How much spending money do I need?
Which Reach Cambridge academic course should I choose?
During the summer programs, we also have a range of Taster course subjects to supplement the academic courses. If you want to work on a project that makes a difference, whilst gaining Community Outreach hours, then the Community Outreach course is for you. You can find out more about all our Taster courses here.
Are Reach Cambridge programs like summer camp?
Will I have fun?
What about medical insurance?
Please read the Policy Information on the Insurance page carefully, paying particular attention to what is covered and any exclusions. You are responsible for ensuring that the Policy is suitable for your needs, and you may wish to take out additional insurance as required.
Please note that this cover applies to individuals, and not to those students who are attending as part of a school group or are enrolled on a bespoke course. We strongly recommend that these groups make their own arrangements for comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
How safe are the dormitories?
Upon arrival, students are given a welcome talk, which further outlines the key aspects of health and safety to be aware of, and adhere to, during their time on the program. In addition, all students are encourage to take sensible actions to help such as locking their bedrooms and keeping their windows closed when they are not in their bedrooms.
What happens if I break one of the rules?
Students must attend all classes; you must report to your supervisor at curfew; you cannot leave your dormitory after curfew; you may not possess or consume alcohol or drugs; you must treat other students, staff and the public with respect.
The consequences for breaking one of the rules vary depending on the circumstances. However, particularly in the case of alcohol or drug related misconduct, the penalty can be severe: should a student violate any of the rules and regulations of the program, Reach Cambridge have the right to dismiss and repatriate them at their own expense without refund of the program fee (see our Terms & Conditions for more information)
What supervisory staff do you have?
At Reach Cambridge, the safety and welfare of our students is our number one priority. Our experienced senior staff work together with our supervisors and teachers to ensure that our students have the opportunity to grow in confidence and enjoy their independence in a safe and supervised environment. Many of our staff are first-aid trained and we have dedicated welfare staff, all of whom operate under clear procedures and guidelines to ensure that we can provide the students with the highest level of care and support.
All Reach Cambridge activities and excursions are supervised, and Reach Cambridge senior staff and supervisors live on-site alongside the students and are available 24 hours a day. Many of our supervisors are current undergraduates and are the students' first point of contact to attend to their questions or concerns. Upon arrival, students are given a welcome talk, which outlines curfew times, program structure and safety procedures. All students are given emergency cards with the contact details of the Reach staff and the students' accommodation. Students must carry these emergency cards at all times.
Are there laundry facilities?
What clothes should I bring and how much luggage?
Do I need to bring a mobile/cell phone?
What if I get sick?
What about food?
How do you decide which students are put on which floors / staircases?
Are boys and girls housed separately?
Do I get to choose the person I share a room with?
Should you wish to discuss upgrading to a single room with a private bathroom, please get in touch via admissions@reachcambridge.com
Where will I live?
Students are accommodated in same-sex dormitories of single or shared rooms. All students have access to shared bathroom facilities. Students are grouped on their corridor or staircase with others of the same gender and a similar age, but a diverse mixture of courses and nationalities, allowing them to make friends from across the world!
The rooms are not en-suite however there are plenty of bathroom facilities on each corridor or staircase.
Reach Cambridge staff are resident on site in case of emergencies and to give support to the students 24 hours a day, alongside the College porters and housekeeping staff.
Will my religious commitments be catered for?
Do I need to bring a friend?
Where do students come from?
We take great pride in the truly international environment that we have at Reach Cambridge. In the past, countries represented have included: USA, Canada, Singapore, Haiti, China, Switzerland, Pakistan, Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Ghana, Qatar, France, Greece, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Lebanon, India, Jordan, Romania, England, Germany, Guatemala, Australia plus many more.
Do you cater for students with disabilities?
Reach Cambridge, in conjunction with the colleges, will make best efforts to accommodate the specific needs of students. However, given the nature and age of most campuses, buildings are not always adapted to accommodate students with mobility issues.
Reach Cambridge undertakes to refer students for independent specialist diagnostic testing where appropriate. When confirmed by independent specialist assessment, Reach Cambridge also undertakes to provide specialist support, where agreed, appropriate and possible.
In all cases, please get in touch before application so we can discuss what might reasonably be done to accommodate your needs. You can email us on admissions@reachcambridge.com or call us on +44 8708 031 732.
Will I receive a certificate at the end of the program?
What is the average class size?
Who are the faculty?
Can I get credit if I am not taking one of the Reach credit programs?
How much time is spent working? Is there much homework?
We have designed the courses to allow plenty of time for class discussion and interaction. Homework is kept to a minimum, although work that is set is expected to be completed to a high standard.
Do I have to attend excursions?
Do I have to attend activities?
What activities are offered?
What happens at the weekends?
What do I do in my free time?
What is a typical day like?
After dinner, students attend an evening lecture, after which they are free to enjoy the evening entertainment organised by the supervisors, spend time socialising or catch up on homework (if desired). Evening curfew is when all students must be on their staircases or corridors to sign in with their supervisors. At the weekends, students enjoy excursions; in the past these have included Shakespeare's birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Oxford, Brighton and more!
Do we visit other Colleges / Universities on the program?
Who makes my travel arrangements?
Travellers from some countries will require a visa in order to visit the UK. If a visa is required, Reach Cambridge programs last less than six months, so our students are eligible to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. Reach Cambridge is accredited by the British Accreditation Council, which means that we can supply you with a letter to support your Standard Visitor visa application. For further information, please visit this link from the UKVI website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration).
You can also read our visa guidelines found here: Visa Guidelines.
Please note that from 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. You can check when you can apply for an ETA here.
We strongly urge you to check with your local embassy before travelling, read the information in our visa guidelines and click on the website links provided.
How do I get from the airport to the program?
What is the payment schedule?
What is your cancellation policy?
To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post) addressed to Reach Cambridge Ltd, The Guildhall, Cambridge CB2 3QJ, or via email to admissions@reachcambridge.com.
In addition, the following cancellation charges are applicable:
- More than 200 days before the date of the course: no cancellation charge. However, Reach Cambridge will retain your deposit.
- 200-100 days before the course start date: 50% of the program balance. Reach Cambridge will also retain your deposit.
- Under 100 days before the course start date: 100% of the program balance. Reach Cambridge will also retain your deposit.
For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions here.
How do I know if I have been accepted?
What do I need to include in my personal statement?
Does Reach Cambridge offer any scholarships or financial assistance?
Please note that scholarship prizes are only awarded to a very small number of students who write truly exceptional essays, and that you must also supply a school letter of recommendation highlighting your suitability for the scholarship.
Details for the Scholarship Essay Competition can be found here.
We have great early-bird discounts available, as well as a refer-a-friend discount whereby both students can save £100. We also offer fantastic sibling discounts! For further information, please get in touch - email admissions@reachcambridge.com or phone us on +44 8708 031 732.
What is the timetable for an average day at Reach?
In the afternoon, there are activities and optional taster courses. Activities are fun and inclusive and range from larger organised events such as our international celebration, the Reach Cambridge Olympics and talent show, as well as sport, drama, music, art and opportunities to explore and experience Cambridge during this time, such as punting and trips to local museums.
Our Taster Courses also run during the afternoons as well; these range from an Introduction to Architecture, to Young Leaders, and from AI & Cybersecurity to Creative Writing. For the full list, please visit www.reachcambridge.com/courses.
Dinner is usually in the college dining hall, followed by an evening lecture or workshop, where all students come together to be academically challenged and engage with new and dynamic subjects including Climate Change, Interview Skills, Positive Psychology and many more.
Twice per program, all students join together on exciting excursions to world-famous cultural sites within the UK such as London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and many more.
We will ask each student to write a personal statement to better understand (a) their motivation and objectives in attending the program and (b) their academic background and aspirations for the future. This will help ensure our course teachers can tailor the academic experience appropriately. If we feel it is necessary, we may also ask for a copy of a student's latest school transcript.
All courses are taught in English. In order to get the most out of the learning experience, students are advised to have a level of English conducive to understanding sophisticated academic language and to converse with other students and staff in English at all times. We do offer an English Language & Leadership course during our summer programs if you, or we, feel that this is more appropriate. Students taking our English Language course may be given a level test prior to the summer.
What is the age limit?
Can I choose different subjects?
If I choose the same subject across two combined programs, will the material covered be repeated?
- Sunday 6th July - Saturday 19th July 2025
- Sunday 20th July - Saturday 2nd August 2025
- Sunday 3rd August - Saturday 16th August 2025
- Sunday 6th July - Saturday 2nd August 2025
- Sunday 20th July - Saturday 16th August 2025
- Sunday 6th July - Saturday 16th August 2025
How will these programs prepare me for the future?
How to Apply?
The process is straightforward:
- Complete a simple application form.
- Payment of the deposit confirms your enrolment.
- All Reach students should also submit a personal statement through their online account and this should be received within 30 days of the date of application.
The Personal Statement, written by the student, should be between 500-1000 words and should state why the student wishes to attend Reach Cambridge. At least one paragraph should be dedicated to their chosen academic course as well as their academic background and aspirations for the future. This is to ensure that our tutors can tailor the academic experience appropriately. To these ends, a school transcript and/or English language test may be requested in due course and we will contact you in writing if this is the case. Please complete the Personal Statement on your online account.
BAC Accreditation
In order to achieve BAC accreditation, we have had to demonstrate that we meet the BAC's rigorous standards in four inspection areas:
- Management, Staffing and Administration
- Teaching, Learning and Assessment
- Participant Welfare
- Premises and Facilities
Education experts from the BAC inspectorate assessed the institution against our standards during a formal inspection visit. The Inspection team wrote a report for the independent Accreditation Committee who subsequently awarded accreditation, which is valid for four years. The inspection report and more information on the BAC can be found at https://www.the-bac.org/directory/12621/reach-cambridge
Travel to and from Reach Cambridge
Flights
Because Reach Cambridge students come from all over the world to form an international cohort, we’re unable to organise a formal ‘group fare’ from each hub. Instead, students should book their own flights (and let us know their flight details on the online form in their online account).
Your arrival options are:
1) Reach Cambridge Airport Transfer – this is for students flying in on their arrival day. A member of our team will meet you at arrivals and accompany you on our airport transfer to Cambridge. This service is available for flights landing at London Heathrow Airport. More information can be found below.
2) Self Travel – Arrive independently at Cambridge between 12pm - 3pm unless specified otherwise; details on specific arrival times/location will be emailed to you just before the start of your Program.
Your departure options are:
1) Reach Cambridge Airport Transfer – for those who choose to take advantage of our airport transfer service to London Heathrow airport. More information can be found below.
2) Self Departure – Depart independently from Cambridge. You must leave campus by 9.30am.
If you choose to make your own way from Heathrow, or are arriving from another airport, you will need to arrange your own transfers (we recommend booking a taxi transfer at www.airportlynx.co.uk).
Reach Airport Transfers
Why not simplify your travel plans and take advantage of our airport transfer service for London Heathrow airport? We will ensure that you are met in person and taken directly to your Cambridge campus in comfort.
It’s also the perfect chance to meet other Reach students at the airport and start making friends from the moment you arrive!
- Arrival Transfers
Heathrow (Terminals 2, 3, 4 & 5) |
10am |
1pm |
We recommend the latest flight arrival time for students to use this service is 11.30am.
We only provide supervision on arrival days for Heathrow from 07:30am, until the last bus for each given location. Please note - specific contact details of Reach staff will be shared nearer to the program start date.
- Departure Transfers
Heathrow (Terminals 2, 3, 4 & 5) |
7.30am |
We recommend the earliest flight departure time for students to use this service is 12pm.
As stated in our Terms & Conditions, students will only be guaranteed supervision by a Reach Cambridge staff member at the airports until 2pm. Please note that after this time, the students will be unaccompanied.
Prices & Booking Details
Journey | One Way | Return |
Cambridge - Heathrow | £95 | £190 |
How to Book
Reserving your place for an airport transfer is quick and simple. You can either add it upon application or at a later date through your online account. More information on deadlines and other details can be found on your online account travel section.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
What are the Terms and Conditions of attendance?
Do you offer online courses and tutoring?
Our online tuition is tailored to your specific learning objectives and schedule - available year-round and during the summer, visit our online tuition website - www.reachcambridgetutors.com.
Are you an English Language school?
What are your admission office opening hours?
If you ever have any questions, please contact us as follows:
- Phone: +44 8708 031 732
- Email: info@reachcambridge.com
- Mailing Address: The Guildhall, Cambridge CB2 3QJ
How long are your programs?
One benefit of attending a longer program (i.e 4 or 6 weeks) is the unique opportunity to experience more than one exceptional subject courses, since each course lasts a minimum of 2 weeks. You just need to indicate this on the application form via our website. If you would prefer, you are also able to choose the same subject for up to 4 weeks.
Can I visit a family friend or relative whilst in Cambridge?
Can I work whilst I attend the program?
What meals are provided?
On excursion days, we provide breakfast but students are given time to buy lunch during the excursion and dinner, usually on return in Cambridge.
We usually recommend about £200 per week spending money, depending of course on purchase of souvenirs etc.
Are you affiliated with the University of Cambridge?
How are you different to other summer schools in Cambridge or the UK?
According to our students, these are the main highlights of our programs:
- A great combination of academic excellence, extra-curricular activities and engaging excursions.
- Friendly, supportive, tight-knit and professional supervisor team.
- Engaging and challenging academic courses.
We also have many students who attend because of referrals from school counsellors and coordinators who we have built strong relationships with over the many successful years we have been running. We have excellent staff to student ratios both in class and on each program, which allows us to give all students a good level of attention on an individual basis whilst also fostering a safe, supportive and positive international community. We also have longstanding relationships with colleges and staff within Cambridge, and an in-depth knowledge of our city and surrounding area.
To find out more about the Reach Experience, please click here.
Do you have any testimonials or independent parents/students/recommendations?
As well as many years of experience and great student experiences mentioned in our testimonials, we are also accredited by the British Accreditation Council who provide a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education in the UK. You are able to read our accreditation report via our website.
To read a range of reviews please take a look at https://www.goabroad.com/providers/reach-cambridge and https://www.gooverseas.com/organization/reach-cambridge-reviews.
Do you formally assess or grade the academic courses?
You can also choose to enhance your program with one or more taster courses. Each taster course is made of of five hours of teaching spread out over a few afternoons and offers a perfectly distilled and dynamic overview of a variety of exciting subjects. You can choose up to two taster courses per 2-week program.
For more information and our full list of courses and taster courses, please visit www.reachcambridge.com/courses.
We are proud of the international nature of our cohorts; however, English levels are measured differently in each country (a breakdown of English levels such as IELTS or CAE can be found here: https://www.britishcouncil.es/en/english/levels).
If you are in any doubt about whether your English level is appropriate for our academic courses and/or our English language courses, we would encourage you to reach out to our experienced admissions team. You can also read more about our English Language & Leadership course by locating it on the courses page alongside our other academic courses.
We are proud of the international nature of our cohorts; however, English levels are measured differently in each country (a breakdown of English levels such as IELTS or CAE can be found here: https://www.britishcouncil.es/en/english/levels).
If you are in any doubt about whether your English level is appropriate for our academic courses and/or our English language courses, we would encourage you to reach out to our experienced admissions team. You can also read more about our English Language & Leadership course by locating it on the courses page alongside our other academic courses.
Can I combine two different programs?
One benefit of attending a longer program (i.e 4 or 6 weeks) is the unique opportunity to experience more than one exceptional subject courses, since each course lasts a minimum of 2 weeks. You just need to indicate this on the application form via our website. If you would prefer, you are also able to choose the same subject for up to 4 weeks.
Do the courses change each year?
What is the SAT preparation course?
How many hours of classes/tuition are there each week?
Can I study more than one subject?
Are younger and older students in the same class together? How does that work?
We will also ask each student to write a personal statement to better understand (a) their motivation and objectives in attending the program and (b) their academic background and aspirations for the future. This will help ensure our course teachers can tailor the academic experience appropriately. If we feel it is necessary, we may also ask for a copy of a student's latest school transcript.
Can you provide further details on particular courses?
What are the taster courses?
Do I need any special equipment for my course (i.e a calculator or laptop etc)?
Can I request to share a room with a friend or sibling?
Is there internet access?
Which college will my child be staying at and what's the address?
What happens once I have applied?
Further instructions on how to proceed next are in the emails sent from the admissions team once you apply and after you have paid your deposit.
What's the wait time between submitting your application and having your place confirmed?
Can you help me understand the admissions terminology?
- Your ‘Application form’ is the initial form completed on our website
- ‘Enrolment’ means your place is confirmed once a deposit is paid
- You 'Personal Statement' is used to better understand (a) your motivation and objectives in attending the program and (b) your academic background and aspirations for the future
- Your ‘Online application’ is your whole application page including travel information, insurance, etc.
- Your ‘Online account’ is your user dashboard for which you have an individual login
We have a refer-a-friend discount running throughout the year which is a £100 discount for both students who attend a summer program in the same year.
We also offer great sibling discounts!
Discounts are not applied until the deposit is paid so it's best to pay the deposit as soon as possible.
Will I keep my discount if I am having trouble paying the deposit in time?
How do I cancel my application?
What if I cannot attend?
What are your bank details in order to make a wire transfer?
Can I change to a different course than originally booked?
Can you help me login
I have forgotten my password
Can I bring a friend or a sibling with me?
What is the difference between a Cambridge College and Cambridge University?
Do you work with agents?
Do you have job vacancies?
How will Reach Cambridge prepare me for college/university?
Although we are not directly affiliated with the University of Cambridge or any other university, we are lucky enough to offer our students to chance to live and learn in the inspiring environment of the University of Cambridge. Many of our teaching staff are academics working in top UK universities.
Will I receive more information prior to my arrival in Cambridge?
Is it safe and will my children be well looked after?
Parents can be understandably cautious about sending their children abroad for a study program, and so a member of our senior staff team would be more than willing to answer any questions and allay any concerns over the phone. If you would like to speak to a member of the senior staff, please use our contact form, email us at info@reachcambridge.com or phone us (+44 8708 031 732). We have a clear set of regulations for students and staff and detailed preparations regarding medical support. Risk assessments have been carried out on the campuses.
Staff are:
- Trained in first aid and safe organization of activities.
- Subject to a rigorous DBS (Disclosures and Barring Service) check as per the legal requirements for working with young people in the UK.
- Experienced at working with young people. As current undergraduates and recent graduates, they also have a perfect idea of the pressures and strains on young people living in a new university environment.
- In addition, Reach Cambridge is regularly inspected by the British Accreditation Council.
Who are the faculty/staff?
Our academic teaching body is made up of Fellows, Professors, researchers, post-graduates, and specialists in their field; many of our academic staff are working or studying at high-level academic institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford or London universities.
Supervisors (the equivalent of a camp counsellor) live on site with the students and are in charge of all activities and events, as well as the welfare of the students. The supervisory team is primarily made up of university students, many from the University of Cambridge, who have first-hand knowledge of university life.
What happens if I have trouble getting a visa?
For airport transfers, where should I meet a Reach representative when I land?
What Travel Insurance do I need?
Please read the Policy Information on the Insurance page carefully, paying particular attention to what is covered and any exclusions. You are responsible for ensuring that the Policy is suitable for your needs, and you may wish to take out additional insurance as required.
Please note that this cover applies to individuals, and not to those students who are attending as part of a school group or are enrolled on a bespoke course. We strongly recommend that these groups make their own arrangements for comprehensive medical and travel insurance.