14 Study Abroad in England for High School Students
As a high school student, studying abroad can be an opportunity for you to step beyond the classroom and explore unique academic and cultural environments. These experiences can help you build confidence and expand your worldview, qualities that can help you stand out on future college and job applications. Early exposure to global learning can help you build cultural adaptability, independence, and academic curiosity.
Why choose a study abroad program in England?
England offers a blend of rigorous academics and vibrant cultural immersion, allowing you to learn from historic universities, explore museums, and engage with a multicultural society in a safe, structured environment. England’s seminar-style learning encourages critical thinking, while also promoting opportunities such as field research and industry visits to help you build practical skills and professional connections. Study abroad programs in England also come with opportunities to network with residents, peers, and instructors, helping you form relationships that can support your future college and career goals.
To help you with your search, we have curated a list of 14 study abroad programs in England for high school students.
1. Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway
Location: Various sites, including Oxford, London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo
Cost: Varies according to program; financial aid available
Dates: Two weeks during the summer
Application deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students, ages 15 – 18
Immerse Education’s Career Insights Pathway introduces high school students to professional industries through experiential learning in major global cities. Over the course of the two-week program, you will participate in interactive workshops, company visits, and hands-on projects that simulate real-world workplace settings. Industry mentors and professionals provide feedback and career advice as you explore sectors like business, journalism, medicine, law, or engineering. Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions will help you refine your goals and build confidence in presenting your work. The program concludes with a final presentation where you will share your findings and experiences with peers and professionals. You can find more details about the program and application here!
2. ESU Secondary School Exchange Scholarship
Location: Various British Boarding Schools across England, Scotland, and Wales
Cost: Tuition covered by merit-based scholarship; travel and other costs not specified
Application deadline: December 15
Dates: August – July
Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens
The English-Speaking Union’s Secondary School Exchange Scholarship is a merit-based program that lets you spend a gap year studying at a boarding school in the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers both academic study and opportunities to engage with British culture. This program serves as a bridge between high school and college, allowing you to explore different subjects and experience life in a UK school setting before starting higher education. You will attend schools such as Dollar Academy, Wells Cathedral School, Langley School, or Benenden School, where you will study alongside local students and take part in extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, and cultural events. The program begins with a summer orientation in the U.S., after which you will travel to the UK in late August or early September, live on campus at the assigned British schools, and return home the following July.
3. CETUSA England High School Study Abroad Program
Location: Study at a semi-private Sixth Form College and accommodation with a host family in England
Cost: $1,500 application fee + $5,000 commitment payment due 14 days after acceptance, remaining balance due 16 weeks before start (total amount not specified)
Application deadline: March 15 (tentatively)
Dates: Term: September – December | Semester: September – February | Academic Year: September – June
Eligibility: Students from the U.S. or Canada, ages 16 – 19 at the time of travel, who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and hold a minimum high school GPA of 2.75/4.0,
In this program, you will study at a British semi-private Sixth Form College while living with a local host family to experience full cultural immersion. The program is designed for students who want to explore academic and cultural environments in England for either a term, semester, or the whole academic year. You will start with an orientation session, which includes a 4-day Welcome Weekend in London, and engage in excursions to London or Dublin, depending on the season. Then, you will study at an English high school, earning credits for your participation. Upon successful completion, you earn a certificate useful for college applications.
4. Greenheart Travel: High School in England
Location: Various small and medium-sized towns across England and Greenheart partner schools in England
Cost: Academic Term: $15,660 | Semester: $17,510 | Academic Year: $26,990
Application deadline: Spring: September 15 | Fall: March 15
Dates: Term: September – December | Semester: September – February | Year: September – May
Eligibility: High school students from the U.S. or Canada, ages 16 and 17, who have a minimum GPA of 2.75/4.0; check other eligibility details here.
This British high school immersion program offers placements for a trimester, semester, or full academic year. You will attend classes in an English secondary school and live with a vetted host family during the program. Over the course of a few months, you will explore the culture of the small or medium-sized English town you are placed in, while connecting with peers and your host family. You can indicate your preferences for certain courses or fields you want to explore while in England; however, the host school typically sets the curriculum for you.
5. King’s College London Pre-University Summer School
Location: King’s College London, London, England
Cost: £3,195 ($4,172) for one week; up to £9,375 ($12,243) for multiple weeks
Application deadline: April 10
Dates: July 6 – 10 | July 13 – 17 | July 20 – 24 | July 27 – 31
Eligibility: Students, ages 16–17, about to start the final three years of high school
This program offers intensive academic courses in STEM and humanities, each lasting one week, with the option to extend attendance across multiple sessions. Here, you will participate in university-style seminars and live in campus accommodation. Extracurricular activities and excursions in London are also part of the experience. Each session offers a mix of STEM, business, medicine, and social science courses. All the courses are taught by King’s College faculty and emphasize creative problem-solving. You will also engage in discussion groups, role play, simulation games, and Q&A sessions with guest speakers during the program.
6. Educatius High School Study Abroad UK
Location: Select state and private schools, boarding schools in various cities, including London, Brighton, Liverpool, Cambridge, Bournemouth, and Leeds
Cost: Starting at $9,099
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: Programs last weeks, a term, a semester, or multiple years; dates vary
Eligibility: Students, ages 14–18
In this program, you have the option to study at one of over 30 UK high schools, including traditional boarding schools or day schools, depending on your preferences. You may live either with a host family or on a boarding school campus. This program focuses on cultural immersion along with academic achievement, preparing you for UK university admission and offering you the support of local Educatius staff. You will receive guidance from pre-arrival through program completion, including an orientation, resilience training sessions, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Schools open for consideration meet the required academic standards, each offering academic exposure as well as extracurricular activities like sports and clubs.
7. Nacel A-Level High School Study Abroad in England
Location: College in Dorset, South of England
Cost: Starting at $8,278
Application deadline: April 15
Dates: Term, semester, and school year programs available from September to June
Eligibility: Students, ages 16 – 19, with an intermediate level of English fluency (IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) or students who are native English speakers
In this program, you will enroll in a two-year A-Level or one-year AS-Level course at a college located in Dorset, England, near the seaside town of Weymouth. You will live with a British host family who provide half board on weekdays and full board on weekends, offering immersion in British family life. The college offers extensive academic and recreational facilities, including sports, theatre, café, and learning centers. Weekly tutorials will support your academic progress, and outdoor sports activities are also accessible. The program offers visa guidance, orientation, and local student support. The program is designed to help you prepare for British university admission.
8. International Student Exchange High School Study Abroad United Kingdom
Location: Various state (public) colleges and boarding schools in London, Malvern, Bournemouth, Brighton, and other cities in the UK
Cost: Not specified; application includes a $200 non-refundable fee with a deposit of up to $1,500 due upon acceptance
Application deadline: Rolling admissions, no fixed deadlines
Dates: Academic year begins mid-September and ends mid-June; course lengths range from 1 term (13 weeks) to multiple years
Eligibility: Students, ages 16–18, eligible for state schools | Students, ages 13 and up, eligible for boarding schools
This program offers U.S. students the opportunity to study at public state colleges or private boarding schools in the UK, while living either with local host families or in boarding accommodation. You will gain exposure to the British education system, engaging in academics ranging from core classes to electives such as languages, sciences, arts, and physical education. Upon arrival, you will attend a full cultural orientation to adjust to life in the UK. The program comes with homestay accommodation, tuition, medical insurance, airport transfers, and 24/7 emergency support. It focuses on helping you build cultural adaptability in a new academic and social environment. Transcripts from accredited schools can be transferred to the U.S. system.
9. Rookwood School’s International Boarding Programme
Location: Rookwood School, Hampshire, England
Cost: £7,764 ($10,124) + additional boarding costs; specifics available here
Application deadline: Rolling
Dates: Academic year starts in September; international boarders can choose a minimum program length of half a term
Eligibility: Students from around the world, ages 8–18
Rookwood School offers you the opportunity to join an international boarding program in England and experience daily life at a British secondary school. You will follow the UK high school curriculum appropriate for your grade, moving from GCSEs to A-Levels as you progress. While living in the boarding houses, you will have access to staff support and guidance in a structured residential setting. The program combines academic study with opportunities to explore the British culture and the surrounding community. You will be part of a student body made up of learners from different countries, getting a chance to interact with a diverse group of peers while adjusting to life in England.
10. Youth For Understanding (YFU) United Kingdom Program
Location: Various locations across the United Kingdom
Cost: Academic Year: $28,995 | Semester: $18,995 | Trimester: $16,095
Application deadline: Rolling
Dates: Academic Year: Mid-August – late June | Fall Trimester: Mid-August – late December | Spring Trimester: Early January – late March | Fall Semester: Mid-August – mid-January | Spring Semester: Early January – late June
Eligibility: High school students who meet the age requirements for the chosen term; English proficiency and strong academic performance are required
The Youth For Understanding (YFU) United Kingdom Program allows you to live and study in the UK while attending a private school as a British teenager. Before departure, you will take part in a three-day orientation in the U.S., followed by a short workshop in Ireland or the UK to learn about cultural differences and what to expect during your stay. Then, you will join a Sixth Form program, the UK equivalent of the final years of high school, preparing for university-level study. During the program, you can choose from three or four academic subjects and take additional courses, such as critical thinking, to complement your studies. The program combines academic learning with cultural experiences, offering you the chance to understand how British schools operate while living within the local community.
11. EF High School Study Abroad UK
Location: Private international boarding school campus, Oxford, England
Cost: Varies by program; merit-based scholarships available
Application deadline: Unspecified
Dates: Programs available from two weeks up to four years, with semester and year options
Eligibility: Students ages 12 – 19; requirements vary depending on the chosen program
This program allows you to study in the UK at EF’s private international boarding school campus located in Oxford, among other cities. You will live and learn alongside students from more than 75 nationalities. EF’s academic offerings include language-learning courses ranging from two weeks to full academic year opportunities, as well as university preparation programs. You can earn internationally recognized diplomas and certifications. The program focuses on immersive language acquisition and academic progress. EF programs are designed to offer exposure to a globally accredited curriculum and experienced teaching staff.
12. Leighton Park Summer School
Location: Summer School at Leighton Park, Reading, England
Cost: £2,995 ($3,905) for the two-week course
Application deadline: Rolling admissions
Dates: July 7 – 21 | July 21 – August 4 | August 4 – 18
Eligibility: International students, ages 8 – 17
The International Summer School at Leighton Park offers a short-term study abroad program that combines English language learning with academic workshops and cultural experiences. Each year, around 230 students from more than 20 countries participate, with a roughly 60:40 ratio of female to male students. You will receive approximately 30 hours of English instruction per course from qualified teachers, alongside a range of creative workshops, activities, and excursions. The program is designed to develop your language skills, academic abilities, and cultural understanding, helping prepare you for further study. You will also have opportunities to visit historically and culturally significant cities in the UK. In addition to classroom learning, you will take part in team-building exercises, sports, and multicultural events while connecting with students from diverse backgrounds.
13. Taunton School’s International Boarding & Study-Abroad Programme
Location: Taunton School, Taunton, England
Cost: ~£34,380 ($44,832)/year
Application deadline: Not specified
Dates: Academic year starts in September
Eligibility: Students of all ages; however, only students ages 14–18 qualify for the one-year GCSE/Pre-IB school or Sixth Form pathways.
At Taunton School, you can live and study in the UK as part of an international boarding community while exploring advanced academic pathways. You will follow the British secondary school curriculum appropriate for your grade level, with options including GCSEs, BTECs, the IB Diploma, or A-Levels. The programs are designed to prepare you for university study both in the UK and abroad. For instance, the one- or two-year GCSE/Pre-IB program allows you to combine academic courses with extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and clubs. You will take classes in core subjects like English (as a First or Second Language) and mathematics, alongside courses in science, business, social sciences, economics, technology, arts, or media studies, depending on your interests. This structure allows you to tailor your studies while experiencing life in a UK boarding school.
14. TASIS England Upper School
Location: TASIS England, Coldharbour Lane, England
Cost: £35,740 ($46,660)
Application deadline: Applications are accepted throughout the year
Program dates: Academic year; dates typically align with the UK school calendar.
Eligibility: High school students, ages 14–18
TASIS England Upper School is an international boarding and day school in London that is open to high school students from around the world. Here, you can choose one out of two academic programs: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or the American High School Diploma, which includes a variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Both programs are recognized by universities internationally, providing you with the opportunity to prepare for higher education. The school offers guidance to help you plan for admission to universities in the U.S., U.K., and other countries. You can also choose from a broad range of courses, including calculus, chemistry, art history, biology, computer science, physics, psychology, statistics, environmental science, economics, U.S. history, and several foreign languages, allowing you to tailor your studies to your academic interests.
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