‘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
Sofia proudly holding her VICI certificate!
Students at the VICI Academy
Proudly holding their certificates!
Noa receiving a referral prize
Mathiz enjoying a Starbucks!
Sofia at the VICI academy!
Tucking into a well-deserved pudding!
A lovely day at Windsor Castle!
Sofia proudly holding her VICI certificate!
Students at the VICI Academy
Pia sightseeing
Taking a class at VICI Academy
Proudly holding their certificates!
Students in front of the Bridge of Sighs, Oxford
Noa receiving a referral prize
Mathiz enjoying a Starbucks!
Sofia at the VICI academy!
Tucking into a well-deserved pudding!
Florence ordering profiteroles in a French brasserie!
A lovely day at Windsor Castle!
Sofia proudly holding her VICI certificate!
Students at the VICI Academy
Pia sightseeing
Taking a class at VICI Academy
Proudly holding their certificates!
Students in front of the Bridge of Sighs, Oxford
Noa receiving a referral prize
Mathiz enjoying a Starbucks!
Sofia at the VICI academy!
Tucking into a well-deserved pudding!
A lovely day at Windsor Castle!
Florence ordering profiteroles in a French brasserie!
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.
What’s included?
Up to 100 hours of structured English language use, including lessons and supervised activities
50 hours of structured English classes (25 hours per week)
English language learning in small groups – generally 8 students per class, with a maximum of 12 for certain language-focused activities
Shared residential accommodation with full-time supervision by trained VICI staff
Organised cultural visits to London, Oxford, and Windsor
A supervised baking workshop focusing on traditional British scones
A cricket introduction session with a qualified cricket coach held in a local park
A supervised visit to a local horse racing event, subject to scheduling and availability
An individual pre-programme consultation (online) with our Academy Director to discuss goals and expectations
Certification awarded at the end of the programme
Using English to Learn, Live and Connect…
Living in English…
Students use English as the primary language of communication throughout lessons, cultural activities, and daily routines.
Daily English use in both structured and informal settings supports listening, speaking, and comprehension development.
Group activities promote peer collaboration, encouraging communication in a range of everyday situations.
The programme includes scheduled activities that introduce aspects of British culture and daily life.
All students complete a pre-arrival level assessment and are encouraged to set personal goals.
Learning Diaries are offered to students to reflect daily on their progress and record their language development throughout the programme.
English in Action…
Students are placed in groups by age and level, with an average of 8 students per class
All lessons are delivered by qualified English language coaches experienced in working with young learners.
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…
Activities are designed to reinforce language learning and introduce elements of British life.
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
All off-site activities are:
- Risk assessed in advance
- Supervised by trained staff
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.
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
How will the students benefit?
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.
Daily practice: using English every day, routinely, to communicate with their coaches, peers, and in various situations, enhances their fluency in speaking English.
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.
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.
Personal achievement: when they return home after the programme, teenagers realise the progress they’ve made in English, resulting in increased confidence and motivation.
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!
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.
Key Features of the Immersion Programme
- The programme provides up to 100 hours of structured English language use, including both classroom-based learning and supervised cultural activities.
- English lessons are delivered by qualified language coaches employed year-round by VICI Language Academy. All staff involved in working with students under 18 hold appropriate background checks and safeguarding training.
- Students attend a 30-minute online consultation before arrival to review their English level and discuss individual learning objectives. This supports appropriate group placement and goal setting.
- Lessons and activities are delivered in small groups with a maximum of (on average) 8 students, grouped by age and language level.
- The activity programme includes:
- Outdoor language-based tasks in Newbury
- A supervised introduction to cricket
- Visits to London and Oxford with educational and cultural components
- A baking workshop focused on traditional British scones
- Students are accommodated in supervised shared housing located within walking distance of the Academy.
- A programme itinerary is provided to all students and families. It outlines the schedule of academic and leisure activities on a day-by-day basis.
Dates and Prices
Summer 2025 Dates
- Start date: 7 July 2025
- End date: 20 July 2025
- Duration: 14 days / 13 nights
- Location: VICI Language Academy, Newbury, Berkshire
Summer 2025 Dates
- Registration opens: 15 October 2024
- Registration closes: 15 June 2025
Programme Fee
- Total cost: £2,250
The fee includes:- Accommodation in supervised shared housing
- All meals
- English language learning in small groups
- Cultural and educational activities
- Full-day excursions and local outings
- Course materials and support
Please note: Travel to and from Newbury is not included in the programme fee.
Contact
For any questions regarding enrolment or residential arrangements, please contact: Josephine Clément, Residential Coordinator: jclement@thevici.com
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“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