English Literature Summer School (In-Person)

If you are a keen reader, then you will know well that there are few pleasures like finding a new book or poem that you love, or discovering a fresh perspective that transforms your appreciation of an old favourite.

The English Literature Summer School will guide you to some fantastic work that you might not yet have encountered, while at the same time showing you how to apply the essential tools of literary criticism, from historicism to psychoanalysis.

See a more detailed outline for the course here.

This journey will be all the richer for being undertaken alongside your fellow students, with seminars, close reading, and debates all giving the opportunity for you to work together in a friendly and supportive environment to explore your reactions and understanding. Groups will be small (maximum 12 students), to give plenty of opportunities for personal engagement and connection.

The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and passion for literature – you can see our tutors page for some example profiles. Throughout this adventure, your tutor will act as guide, facilitator and mentor.

This course effectively bridges the gap between school and university level study of literature and is an excellent preparation for undergraduate programmes. As such, this Summer School is most suitable for students at the end of Y12 or Y13, but we also welcome GCSE students who are broad and confident readers and who would enjoy a challenge.

For full practical and booking details just scroll down past the reviews.

If you are a keen reader, then you will know well that there are few pleasures like finding a new book or poem that you love, or discovering a fresh perspective that transforms your appreciation of an old favourite.

The English Literature Summer School will guide you to some fantastic work that you might not yet have encountered, while at the same time showing you how to apply the essential tools of literary criticism, from historicism to psychoanalysis.

See a more detailed outline for the course here.

This journey will be all the richer for being undertaken alongside your fellow students, with seminars, close reading, and debates all giving the opportunity for you to work together in a friendly and supportive environment to explore your reactions and understanding. Groups will be small (maximum 12 students), to give plenty of opportunities for personal engagement and connection.

The tutors for this course are selected for their exceptional communication skills, outstanding academic record, and passion for literature – you can see our tutors page for some example profiles. Throughout this adventure, your tutor will act as guide, facilitator and mentor.

This course effectively bridges the gap between school and university level study of literature, and is an excellent preparation for undergraduate programmes. As such, this Summer School is most suitable for students at the end of Y12 or Y13, but we also welcome GCSE students who are broad and confident readers and who would enjoy a challenge.

For full practical and booking details just scroll down past the reviews.

‘This was such an amazing course! I think the thing that made it so enjoyable were the staff running it. Although challenging, the course opened my eyes to a whole different perspective on literature – and the speakers really helped  me to understand some of the harder texts. I would definitely recommend this course as it is worth every minute.’

‘I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone doing A-Level English or considering studying English at University. The week left me feeling inspired and wanting to learn more about the subject areas we covered, most of which are not even touched upon at school. The teachers encouraged us to discuss theories and philosophies of literature that piqued our interests, and several of these debates spilled over into lunchtime and even after class! The other students were really friendly and easy to get along with. I went home feeling equally uplifted and educated by my time here… Thank you to everyone for making the experience so enjoyable!’

‘The Debate Chamber Summer School was a fantastic experience and one well worth applying for. Not only was it made thoroughly enjoyable by the effort and expertise of the tutors, but will undoubtedly prove invaluable in the future when drawing on the variety skills learnt.’

‘This was such an amazing course! I think the thing that made it so enjoyable were the staff running it. Although challenging, the course opened my eyes to a whole different perspective on literature – and the speakers really helped  me to understand some of the harder texts. I would definitely recommend this course as it is worth every minute.’

Practical Details

Please note: this is the in-person version of this course – for the online event please see here.

The in-person English Literature Summer School is open to students aged 15 – 18, and will take place on the 5th – 9th August 2024. The course is five days in length (Mon – Fri), and teaching hours on each day will run from 10.30am till 4.30pm, with a lunch break.

The venue will be Woburn House, Bloomsbury, Central London (the closest tube is Russell Square). Please note that this event is non-residential, and accommodation must be arranged independently if required.

The cost for this five-day course is £745, and you can reserve your place with a 25% non-refundable deposit. The remainder of the payment is due eight weeks in advance of the course start date. Please see here for full booking terms and conditions.

If you have any questions, simply call us on 0800 810 1058 or email us at [email protected].

We offer a limited number of full and partial bursaries (of up to 80% of fees) to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you would like to apply for a bursary then please complete your bursary application here.