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Summer Camps Vs Summer Schools

Summer School or Summer Camp? Why ISSOS Offers the Best of Both

Choosing how your son or daughter spends their summer is a big decision, and for many parents, the choice comes down to summer school or summer camp. That’s why we created a unique summer experience that combines the very best elements of a traditional summer camp with the academic and cultural benefits of a world-class summer school.

Group of ISSOS students and a teacher smiling and posing together outdoors on campus.
Four ISSOS students wearing sunglasses and clan shirts smiling for the camera.
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The Energy and Enjoyment of a Summer Camp...

ISSOS is full of the features that make summer camp such a valuable experience for young people:

  • A close-knit, supportive community atmosphere

  • A sense of independence in a safe and structured environment

  • Small group structure and activities that help build lasting friendships

  • A vibrant activities programme of evening events, cultural trips and team games (including our beloved Clans and Highland Games!)

  • Fun, creativity and the freedom to try something new

 

We’re proud to create a space where students feel part of something special and every day brings opportunities for laughter, discovery, and personal growth.

… Combined with the added educational value of a Summer School

What makes ISSOS truly stand out is the academic and personal development at the heart of our programme. Each student chooses one academic and one elective subject to focus on throughout the three-weeks, taught by qualified professionals who are working experts in their fields.

Subjects are designed to:​

  • Strengthen core academic skills

  • Inspire curiosity and intellectual confidence

  • Add meaningful value to school applications and future study

  • Explore creative passions

  • Develop new hobbies or build on existing interests

  • Experience a truly balanced programme that supports both minds and hearts

 

With academic options ranging from English Language, Business and Entrepreneurship, and Debating, to Creative Writing, IB Preparation, there’s something to suit every interest and ability.

Elective options offer things like Tennis, Theatre, Filmmaking, Art, Golf and more. Again, all designed for every ability.

Students in a classroom raising their hands while the teacher leads a discussion.
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ISSOS student cheering and raising arms while wearing a green clan t-shirt.
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A Safe, Supportive Environment for Growing Independence

At ISSOS, safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. All staff and counselors live on campus, providing 24/7 support and supervision. We operate on smaller campuses, with no more than 150 students per location, so that every student is known by name, and everyone feels part of the community.

ISSOS students are encouraged to explore their independence, within clear boundaries and with plenty of support from our team. This is often the first time many of our students have experienced life away from home, and we aim to make it a positive, confidence-building experience where they return home proud of how much they’ve grown.

Cultural Enrichment and Global Friendships

One of the most powerful aspects of ISSOS is the international community we build. Students from over 80 nationalities attend our programmes each summer, giving a truly global perspective.

Our cultural enrichment programme includes:

  • Guided trips to nearby cities and places of cultural interest

  • A calendar of exciting evening events and weekend activities

  • As many opportunities for students to meet new people on campus as possible

 

All of these experiences are carefully designed to help students mix, collaborate, and broaden their horizons - academically, socially, and personally.

Group of ISSOS students enjoying ice cream together outdoors.
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Why Parents Choose ISSOS

ISSOS is not just a place to keep your son or daughter busy over the summer. It’s a place for them to:​

  • Be inspired by passionate teachers and role models

  • Make friends from around the world

  • Gain valuable academic skills and confidence

  • Explore their independence in a secure, supportive setting

  • Have fun and create lifelong memories

 

If you’re looking for a programme that goes far beyond a traditional summer camp, offering both enrichment and enjoyment - ISSOS is the ideal choice.

Discover More About the ISSOS Experience

Explore our summer schools and see why so many families return to ISSOS year after year.

Yale

Welcome to the Ivy League. Join us at our Yale summer school and follow in the footsteps of some of history's greatest figures. With stunning gothic architecture and world class facilities, it’s an incredible place to spend the summer.

Yale University campus with gothic-style architecture

St Andrews

Our summer school in Scotland at one of the UK’s top universities in the renowned home of golf. With an idyllic coastal location, St Andrews is a truly special place for our students to spend their summer.

Historic stone buildings at the University of St Andrews campus.

Cambridge

Spend your summer in Cambridge at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. With winding medieval streets and the River Cam at its heart, our summer school students are surrounded by inspiration to learn and explore.

University of Cambridge during ISSOS summer school.
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