Summer Academies and Activities

The Tennis Academy at Whitgift School is run by Whitgift’s very own tennis coach, with students being placed in the appropriate group that is based on their level. Students of all abilities and experience can enjoy this academy that seeks to develop and improve each player’s game.

We do this through:

• Fantastic coaching and teaching: Ex professional/international standard ex-players and qualified coaches providing a mix of coaching which helps all students
• State of the art facilities including 11 tennis courts
• Focusing on progressing students' development. Our main aim is to ensure that each and every player has the chance to play and push themselves during the week 

We will provide tennis rackets, but students are more than welcome to bring their own racket with them to the school.

We are delighted to bring back for the 2027 Summer School, the Golf Academy. During this academy, you will receive professional coaching at the golf facilities onsite and at our local golf course, Croham Hurst Golf Club.

All Whitgift Summer School students who attend the Golf Academy are supported through:

• Whitgift’s team of professional coaches
• A sustained focus on supporting and developing their skills  
• Encouraging them to form friendships for life

This academy has a fee of £220 per week.

Students are required to wear smart golf attire for the two days they are at Croham Hurst Golf Club. We also recommend wearing suitable golf shoes. All equipment will be provided, and we do not recommend students bring their clubs with them due to luggage and storage restrictions.

The Street Dance Academy at Whitgift School is led by our talented street dance instructor. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have years of dance behind you, everyone is welcome to join this academy, which is all about developing your style, confidence, and technique.

We do this through:

• Inspirational teaching and coaching: An experienced instructor deliver a dynamic mix of choreography, freestyle, and technique sessions to help every student shine.
• Top-class facilities: A spacious dance area with sound system, a stage and everything you need to move and groove.
• Focus on personal progress: Our main aim is to ensure every dancer gets the chance to learn new moves, express themselves, and push their boundaries throughout the week.

Each year, many Whitgift Summer School students take our Basketball Academy and it continues to be one of the most popular academies we have on our summer programme.  Our Basketball Academy has been designed by Whitgift's Head of Basketball. 

The main aim of our Basketball Academy is to give students of all levels the chance to develop their skills whilst playing this exciting, quick and physically demanding sport. The focus during the week is teamwork, which is arguably the most important aspect of Basketball. 

Whitgift School has one of the best youth football programmes in the United Kingdom and inspires students to develop a love for the game whatever their level or ability. At Whitgift Summer School, students will benefit from outstanding coaching and train on the same pitches that Calum Hudson-Odoi and Jamal Musiala first perfected their skills.

All Whitgift Summer School students who attend the Football Academy are supported through:

• Whitgift’s team of professional coaches
• A football programme that challenges students from different levels
• A sustained focus on supporting and developing their skills  
• Encouraging them to form friendships for life
• Exploring new and different footballing cultures

The Whitgift Summer School Football Academy is one of the most popular academies we have and many students return each year to take part in this exciting and dynamic programme.

Students are required to bring studded football boots in order to participate in this academy.

We are excited welcome back for 2027 the Design Technology Academy 

The Design Technology Academy at Whitgift Summer School is led and designed by one of Whitgift School's experienced DT teachers. Whether you’re a budding engineer, an inventive designer, or just curious about how things are made, this academy welcomes all abilities and backgrounds, aiming to inspire creativity and practical skills in every student.

We do this through:

• Expert teaching and hands-on learning: Qualified teachers guide students through exciting projects, from concept to creation, using a blend of traditional and modern techniques.
• State of the art workshops: Fully equipped DT labs with the latest tools and digital technology, providing the perfect environment to bring ideas to life.
• Focus on individual progress: Our main goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to design, build, and innovate, developing confidence and problem-solving skills throughout the week.

 All materials and equipment will be provided.

This academy has a fee of £100 per week.

Our Horse Riding Academy is open to students who have a passion for horse riding or who are simply interested in trying something new. 

Students who attend our Horse Riding Academy will discover what it is really like at an English stable, so not only can students ride horses, but they can improve their English in a truly authentic equestrian centre! Students spend four afternoons at Kingsmead Riding School, which is a ten minute drive from the school. We accompany the students to the riding school in our own minibus. 

Students must select the Horse Riding Academy at the time of booking and advise on the student's current riding level. Please note there is a £250 extra charge per week for the Horse Riding Academy.

What to bring it you're attending this academy:

If you have them please wear jodhpurs. Otherwise, please wear long straight trousers or strong leggings / jeggings (which do not have thick seams). Preferably not jeans or flared trousers. Riding boots, boots (such as wellingtons) or strong shoes with a small heel will be required. If you do not have any suitable footwear, boots can be borrowed from the riding school, but please make sure you have appropriate socks. Riding hats will be provided for all.

Before your arrival at the Summer School you will be sent the Horse Riding Code of Conduct, and a Student Rider form to complete and return.

Our Fencing Academy is for all levels from beginners who have never tried the sport, to boys and girls who are at an advanced level. 

Whitgift School has a fantastic reputation for Fencing, with many of our students competing to a very high level nationally in the UK. Part of this success is thanks to the professional coaches who teach Fencing here at the school. Students who attend our summer Fencing Academy can benefit from being trained by the Whitgift Fencing coaches. This academy will be using the sabre weapon.

Students must select Fencing at the time of booking and there is a £150 extra charge per week.  The maximum number of students who can take the Fencing academy is 12.