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Summer School Student Testimonial - find out about real student experiences at our summer school

The first time I came to Whitgift was in the summer of 2022.

I chose Whitgift Summer School because there are significantly more lessons per week than at other summer schools. However, it wasn't just the number of lessons that appealed to me, but also the variety of sports and artistic activities you can choose from in the afternoon. And my choice did not disappoint me! It was a wonderful 4 weeks in which I learnt a lot and made new friends.

After these 4 weeks, I realised that I wanted to come back and I promised some of the staff that I would. And I kept my promise, and it wasn't just me who was delighted when I came back to Whitgift in summer 2023.

The reason I came back was not only because I wanted to improve my language and keep my promise, but also to have the chance to meet new great people, see more of England and being able to repeat this experience. The people you meet here quickly become close friends that are very hard to let go of when it's "time to go home". 

But fortunately we live in the age of the internet and have the opportunity to stay in touch via WhatsApp, Instagram or other social media. Of course, you also have the opportunity to meet up again if you live further apart. I arranged to meet up with a friend who lives in Hamburg when I was on holiday with my family and spent a weekend with her.

Through Whitgift I have not only made new friends, but also developed myself further. I am much more independent, self-confident and also more goal-orientated. Because you are much more on your own at a boarding school than at home, you start to solve problems on your own, sort yourself out and plan your daily routine independently, depending on the school's set plan.

Finally, I would like to share my favourite memory with you. As there are so many favourite memories of Whitgift Summer School, I have chosen one, that I had already imagined before I travelled to Whitgift and that I always remember fondly afterwards: the arrival day of my second trip to Whitgift. Seeing everyone I knew from last year again, some of the students, but especially the staff! The house parents, teachers and of course the activity leaders with whom you spend a lot of time and bond during the activities and excursions. But I also have many great memories of the excursions, activities and lessons.

It was a wonderful experience that made me much more mature and grown up. It is an experience for life that I will always remember and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have such an experience!