Frequently Asked Questions

There are no end of course tests or exams. 

There is no homework or prior learning as part of the Sevenoaks School Summer Programme.  

We ask that parents inform the school of any learning support needs before applying for the course. We do not offer 1:1 or class support, but our teaching staff are able to accommodate some mild learning difficulties. Please contact the team to discuss any individual needs.  

All students will get an end of course report covering their academic effort during the course, along with a pastoral report from the boarding team. We do not report on co-curricular activities owing to the short nature of the course.  

We offer a wide range of co-curricular activities each day between 15.30-17.00. Students should select two subjects in advance of the course, to complete one subject per week. There is a list of provisional activities on our website: Co-Curricular Overview – Summer Programmes 

Students will be sent the confirmed list of co-curricular activities around Easter via email. Students should choose their subjects based on their interests. Whilst we endeavour to provide all students with their first choice, this is subject to availability and demand.  

On arrivals day only, students can change their co-curricular activity by seeing the Centre Manager, and is only possible if there are places available in that subject. It is not possible to change after the first day. We do request that students select their co-curricular activities carefully when submitting their form ahead of joining Sevenoaks School Summer Programmes and contact the team in advance of submitting their form if they have any questions.  

All equipment will provided for all co-curricular activities. However, if students wish to bring their own tennis racket or golf clubs, they are welcome to do so, at the risk of the student only. The school takes no responsibility for lost or damaged equipment. For students participating in football, they must bring shin pads and may wish to bring studded boots, and for those choosing swimming, they will need to bring a costume, towel, goggles and swimming hat.  

Due to the short during of the co-curricular activities, a report on their progress will not be provided during their end of course report.  

All students are allocated to an excursion group with an allocated member of the Activity Leader team. They will remain under their supervision whilst making their way to and from the excursion, and during the supervised elements of each trip. Students are permitted some free time, though their Activity Leader will be present in the vicinity of the area, though not directly supervising them. This is limited to approximately 2 hours of each trip (excluding Thorpe Park and Bluewater where they are unsupervised other than regular check ins).  

No – we carefully allocate students based on age, gender and nationality to ensure a good mix to maximise their opportunity for social interactions. We do not permit any excursion group changes, but do welcome requests no later than 3 weeks in advance of the course for any friendship groups which we will endeavour to accommodate.  

Students can explore Sevenoaks, take a walk to Knole Park to see the deer, or visit The National Trust House. For all students, we ask that they inform the boarding staff before they leave campus and sign back in on their return, and request they carry their mobile phones in a zipped pocket at all times.  

For those aged 16 and over, there is the option to take the train to London in small groups of two or more—provided parents give written permission at least 72 hours in advance and the Director deems the students mature enough. 

Students will stay in one of the boarding houses situated on our campus – Sennocke House, Aisher, New House, International Centre.  

Boarding houses are allocated on age and gender, with girls and boys residing in separate boarding residences. Typically, the juniors aged 11-13 will be in one house, with the seniors aged 14-16 in another, though this is dependent on the student demographic year on year. 

We do not typically permit room requests, as we encourage students to take the opportunity to meet new friends from around the world.  

All boarding staff during the summer programmes are Sevenoaks staff. Each boarding house has 3 members of staff, with 2 on duty at any time. The houses are only supervised in the morning, after lessons, the evening, and overnight. Students cannot access the boarding house during the day.  

All of our boarding houses differ slightly, all with their own personalities! However, a typical boarding house will have a kitchen stocked with snacks for students in between meals, social areas for students to gather together during free time, games and social activities as well as a communal TV and games console for students to use with their new friends. 

Our boarding houses have a range of single, twin, trip and quad rooms. Students are allocated a room based on the same age and different nationality. We do not typically permit room requests, and cannot guarantee any room requests – please contact the team to discuss individual needs. 

A full packing list will be included in the Welcome Pack which will be issued in May via email 

Bring enough for one week (laundry is available daily):

• Underwear and socks (1 weeks’ worth) 
• 1 set of nightwear 
• 2–3 pairs of jeans/trousers/shorts/skirts/dresses 
• Enough T‑shirts for one week 
• Sports clothes (for 4 sessions/week, depending on chosen activities) 
• 1 warm jumper (British weather can be cool) 
• 1 waterproof jacket (for outdoor activities) 
• 1 swimming costume (full costume or board shorts; no bikinis) 
• 1 pair of trainers 
• Formal outfit for the Leavers’ Ball:
• Boys: trousers/chinos, shirt, tie
• Girls: dress or smart skirt/trousers & blouse (heels ≤ 4 cm)

Toiletries

• Shampoo & conditioner
• Shower gel
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Roll‑on deodorant
• Moisturiser
• Sunblock
• Prescribed medication (must be handed to House staff on arrival)
• Sanitary products for girls

Sports Kit

• Golf: golf shoes; clubs provided 
• Tennis: you may bring your own racket, but rackets are provided 
• Football: moulded boots & shin pads 
• Indoor trainers
• Shorts and T-shirt

Essentials 

• Passport or ID card (+ visa if applicable) [sevenoakss…amme.co.uk]
• £50 cash damage deposit
• Backpack
• Pens and pencils
• Towels
• UK plug adaptor
• Pocket money (£150–£250 per week recommended)
• Optional extras
• Laptop or tablet (helpful but not essential)
• Hair accessories, hairdryer

• Water bottle – one will be provided for them
• Small bag – one will be provided for them
• Forbidden items such as:
  • Tobacco, cigarettes, e‑cigarettes
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal drugs / “legal highs”
  • Blades, firearms, replica weapons
  • Corrosive/poisonous liquids
  • Flares, lighters, candles
  • Pepper spray
  • Explosives