+44 01635 44424 (Mon-Fri 8am to 6.30pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm) learn@thevici.com

‘The Real English Adventure’ 

From Learning to Living the Language

Every year, VICI Language Academy delivers a two-week residential English summer programme at its office in Newbury, Berkshire, for students aged 12 to 17.

The programme combines classroom-based English learning with a structured schedule of supervised cultural and educational activities.

It is designed to support students in developing their language skills through continuous exposure to English in both academic and real-life contexts.

Our goal is to support young people in developing greater ease and fluency in English, strengthening their confidence, and nurturing a long-term motivation to achieve bilingual proficiency.

 

TAILORED to YOUNG LEARNERS aged 12 to 17

Click to see more details about our 2025 UK Summer School dates and prices.

VICI Language Academy, Newbury, Berkshire – England

7th July – 20th July 2025

14 days – 13 nights

Supervised shared residential housing

Eligibility: Open to students aged 12–17 from all nationalities

Average 8 students per class

The total all-inclusive fee for the two-week residential programme is £2,250. Click to see what it includes.

Please note: Transport to and from Newbury is not included.

What Parents Say About Our Summer School

Celine Jouault

“My daughters will be going for the second time with this amazing organisation! Don’t hesitate for a second — they are competent and caring professionals!” 

Delphine Bride

“Thank you, Nathalie, to your team and to the host families for this exceptional stay you’ve made possible for our children. My daughter Céleste is thrilled and is also coming back with new friends.”

Susie Martelli

“Our children are coming back with stars in their eyes and a new confidence to speak English. They took care of our children as if they were their own.”

 

 

Summer Memories

Who is this programme for?

Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities, creating a rich and diverse learning environment. While their personal journeys may differ, they share a common goal: to improve and refine their English.

Some participants are already at an advanced level and seek real-life opportunities to apply the language in authentic settings. Others may need to consolidate the basics, strengthen their overall skills, and build confidence in everyday communication.

The programme is open to all motivated learners who are committed to developing their English in a supportive and immersive environment.

A group of teenage girls stood on a boardwalk in front of a blue ocean on a summers day

What’s included?

 

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Up to 100 hours of structured English language use, including lessons and supervised activities

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50 hours of structured English classes (25 hours per week)

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English language learning in small groups – generally 8 students per class, with a maximum of 12 for certain language-focused activities

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Shared residential accommodation with full-time supervision by trained VICI staff

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Organised cultural visits to London, Oxford, and Windsor

A young boy posing with a coffee in Starbucks, Windsor
A group of students working on a round table
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supervised baking workshop focusing on traditional British scones

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cricket introduction session with a qualified cricket coach held in a local park

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A supervised visit to a local horse racing event, subject to scheduling and availability

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An individual pre-programme consultation (online) with our Academy Director to discuss goals and expectations

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Certification awarded at the end of the programme

Using English to Learn, Live and Connect…

Living in English…

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Students use English as the primary language of communication throughout lessons, cultural activities, and daily routines.

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Daily English use in both structured and informal settings supports listening, speaking, and comprehension development.

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Group activities promote peer collaboration, encouraging communication in a range of everyday situations.

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The programme includes scheduled activities that introduce aspects of British culture and daily life.

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All students complete a pre-arrival level assessment and are encouraged to set personal goals.

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Learning Diaries are offered to students to reflect daily on their progress and record their language development throughout the programme.

Students in the VICI classroom
Two teenage students studying at a table

English in Action…

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Students are placed in groups by age and level, with an average of 8 students per class

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All lessons are delivered by qualified English language coaches experienced in working with young learners.

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Language development is supported through:

  • Daily English communication
  • Practical tasks and collaborative activities
  • Vocabulary, grammar and speaking / listening practice
  • Guided use of a Learning Diary

English Through Culture…

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Activities are designed to reinforce language learning and introduce elements of British life.

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The cultural schedule includes:

  • Visits to London, Oxford, and Windsor
  • A museum visit in Newbury
  • A cricket session in a local park
  • A scone-making workshop at a local bakery
  • A horse-racing afternoon
  • A town treasure hunt
  • Evening group games and projects
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All off-site activities are:

  • Risk assessed in advance
  • Supervised by trained staff
A group of young students smiling in front of the Bridge of Sighs, Oxford on a summers day

Residential Life and Student Support in Newbury

The English summer programme is held in Newbury, a welcoming town in Berkshire, England, located between London and Oxford.

Students stay in shared residential houses within walking distance of the Academy. All homes are supervised by trained VICI staff, who hold up-to-date safeguarding and first aid certifications. Activities are carefully planned within designated safe zones, ensuring a secure and supportive environment.

Newbury offers a quiet, secure setting that supports language immersion and provides consistent opportunities for students to engage with the English language and experience British culture.

A Map with towns highlighted

All residential and welfare arrangements are fully compliant with UK safeguarding standards for students under 18.

Welfare Measures Include:

  • Daily check-ins with staff
  • Curfews and overnight supervision
  • 24/7 on-site support from VICI staff
  • Emergency contact information provided to students and families
Looking inside a classroom at the VICI Academy
Looking inside a classroom at the VICI Academy
Newbury sign on a green field
Newbury sign on a green field

How will the students benefit?

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Total immersion: in an environment where English is the primary language of communication. Young people gain confidence and forget that they are learning a foreign language! This total immersion is one of the most effective ways to progress toward bilingualism.

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Daily practice: using English every day, routinely, to communicate with their coaches, peers, and in various situations, enhances their fluency in speaking English.

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New friendships: teenagers often make friends with local or international peers during their stay in England. They are encouraged to communicate in English, which greatly contributes to increasing their self-confidence.

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Discovering culture: getting to know British culture makes language learning more engaging. Young people become more interested in it as they better understand the culture that surrounds them.

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Personal achievement: when they return home after the programme, teenagers realise the progress they’ve made in English, resulting in increased confidence and motivation.

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Bilingualism goal: after experiencing a positive time in England, many teenagers set the goal of becoming bilingual. They understand that it’s a valuable skill that can open doors in their personal and professional lives – and most importantly, it’s achievable!

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Ongoing motivation: every year, we notice that our students are more likely to continue learning English outside of school, whether through additional lessons, reading, watching films, or practicing with native speakers.

“The Real English Adventure is a structured two-week programme that provides students with sustained exposure to English through both classroom learning and cultural activities. It is designed to support communication skills and increase familiarity with using English in everyday contexts.”

Nathalie Danon, Director, VICI Language Academy

What Students Say About Our Summer School

Ines Menestrier

“I had an incredible language stay, full of discoveries with VICI in England! I learned so much about the culture and I’ll keep wonderful memories of this experience! I highly recommend it. I also met some amazing people.
Thank you for this unforgettable stay.”

Lina Carchereux Michau

“This summer programme was an incredible and unforgettable experience. My English improved in just two weeks. I highly recommend this experience, which really helped me gain confidence in myself.”

Aglae Osthene

“I loved my experience with VICI. The lessons were engaging and perfectly suited to our level. I returned home with a better level of English and wonderful memories of the trip. Thank you, VICI!’

Register Your Interest

VICI Language Academy has been based in Newbury for over 20 years and provides English language programmes for young learners.

To enquire about availability for the summer programme for students aged 12–17, please contact the Academy team below, or fill out the form and someone will get back to you.

Receptionist service: +44 (0)1635 44424
Email: learn@thevici.com

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