Useful Info

With over 15 years experience providing academic excellence to young people all over the world, we are delighted to be able to use this expertise to offer one-to-one tutoring and online courses for students aged 13-24. Wherever you are in the world and whatever your goal, prepare for your future with our expert tutors.

Our online tuition is tailored to your specific learning objectives and schedule - available year-round and during the summer, visit our online tuition website to learn more.

The health and safety of our students is, and always has been, our number one priority.

In providing our residential programs in 2021 we will be following the guidance of Public Health England and will adapt our arrangements accordingly. Please read our Covid-19 response here.

If you would like to discuss this with in more detail, don't hesitate to contact us here.

Reach Cambridge is proudly accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) for Independent Further and Higher Education as a Short Course Provider.

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 their website.

Applications are made online at www.reachcambridge.com.
The process is straightforward:

1. Complete a simple application form.
2. Payment of the deposit holds your place on the program.

 
Once this is done, we ask students to submit both a short personal statement, which will also help indicate to us your level of English, and a copy of your latest school transcript to help us assess the teaching level of the subject courses. Completion of further sections, including medical information and insurance details, as well as the full balance payment, is required by the application deadline.

Your experiences on a Reach Cambridge program will help you prepare for the future in more ways than can possibly be listed here. We recommend you read or watch some of our testimonials to hear from our students about how a Reach Cambridge summer school has helped them. Alternatively you can read some of our ‘where are they now’ blog posts or our ‘Hear from past students’ reports from students who have reflected on how a Reach Cambridge program prepared them for the future. Living away from home in a supervised environment with people from all over the world is a key stepping-stone for many of our students, and this experience is complemented with workshops on key skills that will be essential for whatever you decide to do in the future, whether in your career or further education.

We offer 2 and 4 week programs during the summer:

Two week programs:

• 4th July - 17th July 2021
• 18th July - 31st July 2021
• 1st August - 14th August 2021

Four week programs:

• 4th July - 17th July 2021
• 18th July - 14th August 2021

Although a small amount of material may appear across programs, syllabi for the same subjects in each program are significantly different. If you decide to study one subject throughout your time with us, you will be learning about something new every day.

Students who join us for two weeks in the summer can choose one subject to study in-depth. For those students joining us for four weeks, they have the option to choose two subject courses (2 x 2 weeks) or the same subject for all four weeks.

All Reach Cambridge programs are open to students aged between 14-18 years old.

All Reach Cambridge programs are open to students aged between 14-18 years old. 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 English as Second Language courses during our summer programs if you, or we, feel that this is more appropriate. Your personal statement will help indicate to us your level of English.
We will also ask for a copy of your latest school transcript to help us assess the teaching level of the courses.

A typical Summer Program

WEEKDAY			EXCURSION DAY
Time	Activity		Time	Activity
Breakfast			Breakfast
9-1pm	Academic Tuition		Full day excursion
1pm	Lunch-free time		Past excursions have included: London Brighton Oxford Stratford-Upon-Avon Warwick Castle
2.30pm	Workshop/activities
Dinner
7pm	Evening lecture		Dinner	Own arrangements
8pm	Evening activities		8pm	Evening activities
Evening curfew			Evening curfew

Please note, these are meant as a rough guide only and are subject to change.

The cost for each two-week program is £4495 and for each four-week program is £8495. Our add-on ''Taster Courses'' are priced at £395.

We have great early-bird discounts available, as well as a refer-a-friend discount whereby both students can save £100. For further information, please get in touch - use our contact form, email us at info@reachcambridge.com or phone us (+44 8708 031 732).

Reach Cambridge runs a yearly Scholarship Essay Competition, which is designed for academically excellent students who would otherwise not be able to attend our programs.
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 letter of recommendation from your school highlighting your suitability for the scholarship.
Details for the Scholarship Essay Competition can be found here: https://www.reachcambridge.com/scholarship-essay-competition

Your personal statement is an opportunity to find out more about you. We would love to know why you would like to come to Reach Cambridge and what has motivated you to choose your particular subject course. This personal statement will need to be uploaded to your online account, where more details on length and content can also be found. 

You will need to get a copy of your recent transcript from your school and you can then upload this onto your online application account.
If your teacher or guidance counsellor wants to send us the school transcript directly, the easiest thing to do is ask them to scan it and email it to marie@reachcambridge.com

Your school transcript is a recent school report or assessment.

By English law, the contract may be cancelled by the parent or student within fourteen days of reserving your place on the program by paying your deposit. If a contract is so cancelled, Reach Cambridge will reimburse any deposit paid within fourteen days of receiving notice of such cancellation.

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, 23 King Street, Cambridge CB1 1AH, or via email to: info@reachcambridge.com.

To download a copy of our cancellation form, please click here.

Please note, however, there is no obligation to use this form.

There is no cancellation charge for cancellations received with more than 200 days before the start date of the course, but Reach Cambridge is entitled to retain a deposit if one has already been paid. The charge for cancellations received between 200 days – 100 days before the course start date is 50% of the total program price and the full program price will be charged with less than 100 days to go before the course start date. Students who cancel for medical reasons may be financially protected if they have purchased appropriate trip cancellation insurance.

The final payment deadline for summer program fees is March 31st. Late enrolments may be accepted after these dates, but after these deadlines places cannot be held for students that have not paid their balance.

If you have opted for our airport transfer service from Gatwick or Heathrow, we will be able to meet you at the airport and take you to Cambridge. If you are traveling independently, it is your responsibility to organise transport from the airport to the campus in Cambridge. We can advise you of appropriate taxi firms.

As per our Terms & Conditions, obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the student and parent or guardian, not Reach Cambridge.

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 (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration).

You can also read our visa guidelines found here: Visa Guidelines.

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.

Students make their own travel arrangements. You are welcome to take advantage of our airport transfer service for travel between Gatwick or Heathrow and Cambridge. For more information, please visit our travel page.

A Reach Cambridge program is about preparing you for the future and for some of our students, this means looking into university options in the UK and beyond. On a Reach program, students are able to glimpse university life outside of Cambridge on weekend excursions to places like Oxford and London.

During the summer programs, a typical weekday would begin with breakfast and morning classes. Lessons finish in time for lunch, at which point students are free to explore the city of Cambridge or the campus grounds. Depending on the program, the afternoon is spent enjoying activities and workshops laid on by the supervisors, or further classes.

After dinner, students attend an evening lecture, after which they are free to enjoy the evening entertainment organized by the supervisors, spend time socializing or catch up on homework (if desired). Curfew is typically at 10.30pm at which point 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!

Your time out of class is structured so that there is always something you can be doing – be it sport, art or a plethora of other activities. All of these activities are supervised. On the other hand, in providing a university experience, we also encourage independence in our students. Students may choose to stroll into Cambridge and relax in one of the tea rooms, explore the famous sites around the city centre or go shopping in the city’s market place and retail district.

There are activities, excursions and free time on offer at the weekends (though these can also occur during the weekdays too). No visit to the UK is complete without a trip to London, and there are also excursions to places of cultural and historic interest; in the past these have included London, Brighton, Oxford and Shakespeare’s birthplace - Stratford-upon-Avon. All students are expected to attend these amazing excursions.

The aim of the activities schedule is to help you make the most out of the campus facilities and the Reach Cambridge community. Activities during the day vary from team sports such as Football (Soccer!), ultimate Frisbee and basketball to arts-based activities such as painting, photography or drama. Evening activities tend to focus more on the social side of things with talent shows, world fairs, quiz shows and film nights. The evening is also typically the time that we schedule university lectures and workshops. These can be equally sociable with discussion during and particularly after the presentation.

Lectures and some afternoon and evening activities are compulsory for all students. In general, students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Cambridge by engaging in as many activities as possible with other students. We offer a wide variety of activities including sport, art, drama and big events such as a talent show and an international world fair so there is something for everyone!

All students should attend excursions - not only are they an exciting way to explore some of Britain's most famous sites but they are a great way to make new friends.

While the structure of the subject courses depends on the program, in every program we maintain a good balance between work and play – activities run every day of the week, alongside excursions away from campus.
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. 

A Reach Cambridge program is great preparation for your future. For many of our students, this means going on to study at Universities all over the world. During the program, you gain  an awareness of what university study entails in particular subjects, how to interact with other students and academics and how to manage your time responsibly. Preparing for the future is as much about learning to manage your new independence responsibly as it is about experiencing a new environment.

For all subjects, you will receive a Reach Cambridge certificate at the end of the program with an overview of the course and some suggested further reading so the learning journey can extend beyond the summer. This may or may not be sufficient to earn you a Credit (check with your school in advance), but could certainly be included in application to university .

Reach Cambridge combines the world-class knowledge and ‘critical-thinking’ teaching style of Cambridge academics and the exceptional classroom experience of our teachers, with the most recent pedagogical techniques tailored to young people. The majority of our teachers are academics, lecturers and PhD students from Cambridge University or other top academic institutions.

All students receive a certificate of attendance no matter which program they have attended. If you are taking a Credit class, you will receive your final grade directly from the school board.

Reach Cambridge aims to provide a suitable environment to meet each student’s individual needs taking into account the resources available and the physical restraints we work within. All students have the opportunity to define their own special needs, difficulties and disabilities at registration.
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 use our contact form, email us at info@reachcambridge.com or phone us (+44 8708 031 732).

Our programs are open to all international students; in 2017 we welcomed students from 50 different countries. Although students taking different subject courses will be engaged in different ways at points during the day, we bring students from all courses together on a daily basis for activities, excursions, lectures and workshops.
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.

There is no need to bring a friend. In fact, sometimes students find it easier to make new friends when they attend alone. If you would like to attend with a friend or a relative, it is always nice to have a familiar face around the campus. Either way, the social activities, the structure of the program and the free time you have will make it incredibly easy to make friends.

Reach Cambridge welcomes students of all faiths. We make the effort to cater for individual needs, and the most expedient course is for students to advise us of their specific needs ahead of time. We prefer that students attend religious services out of class times and so schedule classes and compulsory activities so as to avoid conflict. This is not always possible and although we discourage students from missing class, it is permitted under these circumstances. Where Kosher or Halal food is not available (for instance, in the college dining halls), there is often enough of a selection of other foods for a student to get by (such as vegetarian food). Alternatively, students can purchase their own meals from the wide range of shops and restaurants in Cambridge.

All students reside in one of the 31 colleges that make up the University of Cambridge or in our Reach Cambridge headquarters, 'Reach Hall'. Reach Hall is a beautiful, grand Victorian property in central Cambridge which was previously University of Cambridge graduate accommodation. Reach Cambridge students experience a real taste of student living in one of the world’s most famous and historic university cities!
In the University colleges and Reach Hall, 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 corridors 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!
Reach Cambridge staff are resident on-site in case of emergencies and to give support to the students 24 hours a day.

Many visitors to Cambridge remark that they have seen the Colleges and Faculties but are yet to see the University. In fact they have seen the University – it is the collective name for all departments, accommodation, “Colleges”, libraries and lecture halls spread around the city. There are 31 Colleges that accommodate Cambridge’s 15,000 students. You can find more information about Cambridge here.

All students will be accommodated in either a single or shared room. Single rooms are only guaranteed by paying for the Single Room Guarantee; please note that this does not constitute a room upgrade - all rooms are standard student accommodation with shared bathrooms.

All students will be accommodated in either a single room or shared room. Reach Cambridge cannot guarantee any shared rooming requests but we will do our best to accommodate them where possible. Only requests submitted via the student's online account in the rooming request section will be considered; phone call and email requests to Reach Cambridge staff are not considered valid.

Yes. We assign girls and boys to separate staircases or floors, each with a resident supervisor. These supervisors are available 24 hours a day. There is a curfew and at this time, students must sign in with their supervisor and remain on their floor until 7am the following morning.

We match students together on corridors and in rooms based on their age, the course they are taking, and we will also take into account any requests to share with friends made before the program. Each corridor will comprise a mixture of nationalities, creating a culturally diverse environment.

Half board is included in the program price, with either breakfast & lunch or breakfast & dinner each day, apart from the Weekend Excursion days, where it will be Bed and Breakfast.  Students will have the opportunity to eat together on campus, as well as to explore Cambridge city centre with its wide variety of restaurants, cafes and tea rooms.
Vegetarian options are available. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary requirements before the program so we can ensure that we can cater for you.

Should a student need to see a doctor there are a number of local GP surgeries close to the accommodation. For any more serious situations, Addenbrooke's Hospital – one of the top hospitals in the UK – is also within easy reach. Supervisors and senior staff are first aid trained and are available 24hrs a day to make sure any students that get sick are taken care of and kept comfortable. We encourage all students to take out full medical insurance and travel insurance prior to their arrival on the program.

You do not have to bring a laptop to the program, unless you are studying the Computer Science and Maths course for which a laptop is required. Students are welcome to bring laptops if they feel they will help with their academic work. If you choose not to bring a laptop then you may use one of the Reach Cambridge computers to contact home during office hours. Please note that neither Reach Cambridge or the College can be held responsible for lost, stolen or broken laptops.

Students are required to have a cell phone for use in case of emergency. Every student will be allocated an Emergency Card with a list of emergency contact numbers, which they are expected to carry at all times. Some students choose to buy a ‘pay-as-you-go’ cell phone upon arrival in Cambridge, and many bring their own cell phone from home. Cell phones are not to be used during class time or during the lectures and workshops. The Reach Cambridge office telephone is manned by staff during the day and evenings, and parents are welcome to leave messages which will be passed on swiftly to students.

We recommend that you bring casual clothing and comfortable footwear for regular use, sports clothing (optional), at least one dressier outfit for special occasions like the Departure Party, a hat, and a waterproof coat. Clothes should be appropriate for an academic environment. We recommend that students flying to the UK check their luggage allowance with their airline before departing. We will include further details of what to bring in a Welcome Pack sent out to students prior to the program.

Yes. All students have access to washing machines on-site.

Our foremost concern at Reach Cambridge is to ensure the safety, security and health of all students. 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.
All supervisors 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

Our inspiring team of teachers work closely with our Director of Curriculum to provide the highest quality subject courses. Many of our teachers are working or studying at high-level academic institutions such as the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford or London. They usually are Professors, researchers and postgraduates, all of whom are specialists in their field. We also draw upon practising professionals to share their expertise and experiences. Here at Reach, our teachers have significant autonomy in creating their courses so that they can utilise their expertise fully.

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.

One of the aims on a Reach Cambridge program is to encourage independence. There are not very many rules, but the ones we do have are strictly enforced. Students will sign up to the rules and regulations on application, but the main rules are as follows:
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 Terms & Conditions).

All of the accommodation is in the centre of Cambridge, a small and very safe city. Reach Cambridge staff are on hand 24 hours a day and live alongside the students on-site at all times. All of the supervisory staff are first-aid trained.
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.

Students must fill in a medical insurance form via their online account once they have applied, with full details of their Health Insurance Carrier. Please make sure that your policy covers you abroad.

Yes! With so many like-minded students around you, a committed staff and a superior schedule of classes, activities, lectures, workshops and excursions, your time in Cambridge will be full of fun. That is not to say that there will not be challenges – settling into a different culture anywhere in the world can sometimes be difficult. However, with our attentive staff and the friends you will inevitably make almost immediately, these challenges can be easily overcome. Discover even more about our programs! Take a look at our videos testimonials, see the nice things people have said about us, read our blog, and check out our gallery.

Yes and no. In that our programs are all about building a thriving community, Reach Cambridge is similar to summer camps. However there are many differences – not least that we encourage students to reach out of the Reach Cambridge community as well as reach into it. Explore the city of Cambridge in your lunchtimes. Interact with the Cambridge students that are around you out of workshop and class time. Make the most of the extensive grounds and facilities that the Campus has to offer.

In all of our programs, students choose an academic course to study in the mornings. All of the programs include the main features at the heart of a Reach Cambridge program: academic sessions with researchers, fellows and lecturers from Cambridge and other prestigious universities, pre-college preparation, lectures, workshops, activities and excursions. So the good news is that whichever subject course you choose, you won't miss out on these key elements. We offer a range of Sciences, Social Sciences and the Arts & Humanities courses, from English Literature to Law, and from Physics & Engineering to Computer Science & Maths there is something for everyone!

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 courses and Taster courses here, and contact us if you need any further information.

This will vary from person to person. Students will need money primarily for their lunches, incidentals and souvenirs. Something in the region of GB£100 – £150 per week should be sufficient, although some students do enjoy the wide array of shops in Cambridge and on the trips to London!

It is important to note that, unlike many summer schools, the vast majority of items on Reach Cambridge are included: All excursions, lectures, theatre trips, workshops and tuition are included.
The main exclusions are as follows:

• Flights These should be booked independently
• Some meals – Weekdays are half board (One meal (either lunch or dinner) a day (students can either visit tea-rooms, cafés, or restaurants in Cambridge.)). This allows students more freedom to explore Cambridge city centre and sample the many food options on offer. On weekend excursion days we provide breakfast only.
• Spending money – Students should bring an allowance for shopping, free time etc.
• Insurance and Visas – Reach Cambridge strongly recommends that students take out comprehensive insurance ahead of their trip. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information.

Top 5 reasons our students will never forget their Reach Cambridge
experience…
1. Academic Excellence: Learn from leading scholars and experts; engage
    with dynamic classes, lectures and workshops.
2. Inspiring Surroundings: Live, learn and grow in the historic and world-
    famous University City of Cambridge.
3. Excursions & Activities: Explore the UK with culturally enriching
    excursions and engage in fun, inclusive activities.
4. International Experience: Meet people from all over the world, learn
    about different cultures and make friends for life.
5. The Perfect Balance: Manage your own free time and balance it with your
    studies. Grow in confidence, understanding and independence.

‘Sic Itur Ad Astra’ is a line from Virgil’s Aeneid and means ‘Thus Reach For The Stars,’ which is a sentiment we believe in at Reach Cambridge and pass on to our students.

Reach Cambridge has been providing academic residential study programs in the historic city of Cambridge since 2005. We have gone from strength to strength and welcomed thousands of students from around the world to our 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.

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, an 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 info@reachcambridge.com, phone us (+44 8708 031 732).