The Young Learner
Specialists

15-17 years : Pre-University



Pre-University - a challenging programme to help you prepare for future university and career choices.

LEVELS


Winchester Levels

Upper-intermediate to proficiency
(CEFR B2 - C2)


DATES



4 July - 1 August 2025 (2, 3 or 4 weeks)

22.5 hours


WINCHESTER

Founded in 1382, Winchester College is one of Britain's leading independent schools with a reputation for academic excellence.

The peaceful, spacious campus offers a safe environment in state-of-the-art grounds. Outstanding facilities include the 14th century oak-panelled College Hall, a theatre, performance spaces, sports hall for basketball and badminton, a fitness centre, cricket pitches, tennis courts and extensive grounds for other outdoor sports and games.

College Grounds
Historic College
Headmaster's lawn
Aerial View

WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAMME?

  • A challenging programme to prepare more advanced students for future university and career choices
  • Deliver effective presentations in English with fluency and confidence
  • Masterclasses on the university application process
  • Free time in Winchester - discover the historic, vibrant city centre with your new international friends
  • Wide mix of nationalities including British teenagers - our resident English Student Hosts
  • Live and study in one of Europe's most beautiful, historic cities. An ideal, peaceful location for learning.


Isabella, Germany



I heard about Discovery Summer from a friend and she said it was so good that I decided to come. The campus is really impressive, the facilities are great and I cannot believe how much my spoken English has improved - I feel much more confident when I speak now. I definitely want to come again. My favourite excursion was to Bath - it was such an interesting place and I loved learning a bit more about British history and culture.

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Javier, Spain



I came back because last year was so good and I wanted to repeat the experience. I took my IELTS exam yesterday and hope to have scored well. There was a really good mix of nationalities and I've made new friends from Italy and Turkey. I knew the English Student Hosts from last year. It was great to be with them again!.

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Kristina, Russia



It was my first time with Discovery Summer and I'm happy to say that I got a wonderful experience here. All majors and minors were dedicated to help us with one of the most important choices in our life: our choice of future career. I'm planning to study International Relations at university, that's why I decided to do correspoinding majors (International Relations and Economics & Business Studies) in Winchester. Without any doubts I can say, that these classes helped me and I became sure of my choice. It's also necessary to mention that minors (Philosophy, Creative Writing, Debating) gave me an opportunity to practice some general skills.

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PRE-UNIVERSITY

Lots of opportunities to
experience British culture
and speak English with our
English Student Hosts! Free airport transfers from Heathrow and Gatwick

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

  • 22.5 hours' tuition per week divided between Majors (12hrs), Minors (6hrs), Masterclasses (3hrs) and end-of-week presentation (1.5hrs)
  • Select one Major and one Minor per week
  • Classes are practical - you learn by doing
  • Maximum class size: 16 international students*
  • Optional Exam: IELTS exam (at extra cost, subject to availability)
  • Specialist teachers bring complex subjects to life
*In exceptional cases, in order to place students at their correct level, maximum class size may be exceeded.

Majors

You select 1 Major + 1 Minor per week from the following (click a heading below for more details):




Minors

ELECTIVE MASTERCLASS

Develop analytical thinking skills, engage in discussions at a pre-university level in e.g. advanced leadership skills, financial analysis, inspirational architecture

Business Masterclass

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Teacher with students
Film Making
A.I.
IELTS

ACTIVITY PROGRAMME

  • Afternoons: Wide choice of afternoon activities designed for older teens including sports, fitness and wellbeing, art & design, speech and drama
  • Evenings: Exciting range of entertainment including off campus team challenges, talent shows, relaxed nights in houses
  • Special events: Ceilidh (traditional dancing), archery and formal dinners. Weekly discos at the University of Winchester
  • Excursions: 2 excursions per week e.g. Thorpe Park, Southampton, London, Oxford, Portsmouth
  • Free time in Winchester: Explore the sights, shops and cafes with your friends on 2-3 afternoons a week.
  • PLUS: Lots of opportunities to practise English with our English Student Hosts.
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Excursions
Archery
Disco
Volleyball
Oxford
Excursions
Punting
Shopping in Winchester

ACCOMMODATION AND SUPERVISION

  • Boarding houses are situated a short walk from the main campus
  • Comfortable bedrooms with 1 - 6 beds and shared bathrooms. Winchester is an historic, traditional school so do not expect 5-star accommodation!
  • Supervision on campus, some free time as appropriate for this age group
  • Resident house parents look after you throughout your stay
  • 3 meals a day taken in the 14th century oak-panelled College Hall. A healthy range of food to suit international students
  • Responsible students may go out in small groups on some afternoons to explore Winchester city centre
  • Restricted access to mobile phones. WiFi available.
  • Find out more about Welfare and Accommodation

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College Hall
Bedrooms
College Hall
Students with staff
Group photo

DATES & FEES 2025

Course No. Arrival Date Departure Date Weeks Fees
26 Fri 4 July Fri 18 July 2 £3900
27 Fri 4 July Fri 25 July 3 £5850
28 Fri 4 July Fri 1 Aug 4 £7800
29 Fri 11 July Fri 1 Aug 3 £5850
30 Fri 18 July Fri 1 Aug 2 £3900

Room size: 1-6 | Hours' tuition/week: 22.5 | Max. class size: 16

Click here to make a booking.

Included in the fees

  • All tuition and teaching materials
  • Student folder, academic report, DS certificate and course photo
  • DS reusable water bottle
  • Participation of resident English Student Hosts
  • Full board residential accommodation
  • Transport and entry fees on all excursions
  • Varied daily programme to cater for all interests and abilities
  • Close supervision by our resident staff
  • Personal laundry for machine washable clothes
  • Medical and Travel Insurance (see Terms & Conditions)
  • Airport transfers on published arrival/departure days for flights scheduled to arrive/depart between 09.00-16.00 from/to: Heathrow or Gatwick
  • For transfers on specific dates/times from/to Eurostar St. Pancras, please contact us.

NOT included in the fees

  • Transfers for those arriving/departing outside our free scheduled times on arrival/departure dates at the airports specified above
  • Optional IELTS exam (approx. £250)
  • Courier fee (e.g. for visa invitation letter), if required, £50.

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Useful documents to download in PDF format

LEVEL CHECK

The Pre-University programme is designed for students who already have at least Upper-Intermediate (B2) level of English.

If you are unsure of your level, complete our quick online level check test.

Our Head Office team will then advise you if this course is suitable for you.



NEXT STEPS

Any questions?



Our small dedicated Head Office team are here to help: