GENERAL

What is included in the price of the course?

• 13 nights’ residential campus accommodation with full board
• 30 hours of English Language tuition, materials, certificates and prizes
• Afternoon activities: art and design workshops, sports and performing arts
• 2 full-day and 2 half-day excursions
• 24/7 supervision by staff

 

If I have to cancel, can I get a refund?

If you’ve been accepted onto the summer programme, refunds are limited depending on the notice period
given. We do not refund the initial deposit. You may need to apply to your insurance provider for a refund.
Please refer to the Under 18s Terms and Conditions on the school website.

How many staff are available to look after students?

Staff to student ratios vary according to the activity undertaken and the age of the student at any time.
Typical staff supervision ratios are as follows:
Low risk activities:

• Low risk activities: 1:15 (e.g. lessons, arts and crafts, safe sports)
• Medium risk activities: 1:12 (e.g. ball games, swimming, group visits)
• High risk activities 1:10 (e.g. shopping centre visits)

 

Do I need to take out insurance for the summer residential programme?
Yes, you must have insurance to cover the following: travel delays and cancellations, medical and dental
treatment, cancellation of the programme due to illness, accident or family reasons.
The school can purchase a policy on your behalf on request.

Is it possible to study both art and sport in the afternoon?
It is recommended that students complete the whole art programme as it is designed for full attendance
during the two-week summer programme. All levels may attend.

What sports will I be able to do?
There is a range of planned sports activities that include basketball, football, tennis, cricket, swimming and
athletics. There will be casual games such as pool, badminton and table tennis, during the evening in free
time.

How do you ensure the safety of all students?
The safety of our students is our highest priority. We have policies in place to minimise risk and to keep all
of our students safe. All staff have had official background checks, are trained in child protection and
safeguarding and will respond to the social and emotional needs of students discretely.
All activities are risk assessed.

How is the day organised?
Every day is a busy day with an 8.00 am start except for Sundays when there is a more relaxed
programme.
In the morning there are 3 hours of English lessons. In the afternoon there are organised sports and arts
activities.
In the evening, there are organised games, events and competitions.

How much free time will I have?
You will have free time between lessons and meals, and also after activities.

Bedtime
Younger students are settled in their bedrooms by 10.00 pm at night and other students should have lights
out by 10.30 pm.

WHAT TO BRING

Can students bring phones or other personal electronic devices?
Yes, students are allowed to bring phones and iPads. However, we limit access to phones to certain times
of the day and students may use them outside lesson and activity time in ‘free time’. During free time,
students can make contact with their families. We ask families to also respect this ‘free time’ access and to
contact students accordingly.
Students are allowed to have their phones during day trips but are encouraged to use them at convenient
times only.

Do I need to bring any of my own sports equipment?
You only need to bring sports trainers to wear on the indoor courts and outside. You may bring your own
tennis racquet if preferred.
You are advised to bring a named water bottle.

Do I need to bring my own classroom materials?
You need to bring writing equipment, such as pens and pencils, and a notebook.

How safe are my valuables?
First, we recommend that students do not carry many valuables with them and limit cash to a reasonable
amount. All students have access to a personal safe in their bedroom with an access code. No padlocks
are required. Staff will keep passports safely for under-16s in safe storage until needed. All phones are
collected by staff during the day and returned to students during ‘free-time’.
MSE cannot be responsible for any valuables and money brought by students that are not kept in an
allocated safe.

Do I need to bring a laptop?
No, there are PCs available in classrooms for lessons as needed.

How much pocket money will I need during a two-week course?
There are no limits to the amount of pocket money you may bring. For snacks, drinks and souvenir
shopping, the recommended sum would be £100 for two weeks.
However, for more ambitious shoppers, especially if you plan to buy clothes and gifts, £200 would be an
ideal sum.
Parents may like to consider giving students a pre-paid debit card, such as Revolut.

CONTACT WITH FAMILY

When can I contact my family?
Students can contact their families in ‘free time’ – after meals and before bedtime. These times will be
confirmed on arrival.

Can my parents visit me during the summer camp?
Yes, they can visit in the afternoon when students are not out on visits. They should arrange any intended
visit with the Centre Manager in advance.

WELLBEING

What should I do if I have a problem or feel homesick?
If you feel sick, are homesick or have another problem, you should speak to a member of staff as soon as
possible. Staff will treat your problem confidentially and help you to resolve it. If necessary, we will contact
your parents to share this information. If it is a medical matter, please refer to the section below.

What happens if I am sick during the course?
Every non-EEA student must have private medical insurance before they begin the programme.
In the case of sickness, you must inform a senior member of staff who will make sure that you access the
local medical service at a clinic or at Accident and Emergency centre. Any student who is ill will be
supervised by a member of staff at all times until he/she is feeling better. Note that First Aid trained staff
are only allowed to administer basic First Aid and cannot give medication (other than those the student has bought with them).
Should you need to end your course early because of an illness, you will need to seek a reimbursement of
the programme fees through your holiday/travel insurance policy.

What if I have other special needs?
Many needs can be accommodated if we know about them in advance. We would have to carry out a risk
assessment in certain circumstances. But if you are dyslexic, dyspraxic or have a physical disability,
please contact us to discuss your needs. All details will be received in confidence.

MEALS AND DIET

How are meals organised?
All meals will be served in the dining room at designated times. There is a good choice of healthy
international food.

Do I need to bring additional snacks?
It is a good idea to bring some snacks as there is no shop on the campus for buying these.

I have special dietary requirements – what should I do?
We can cater for any dietary specifications (religious or health) provided we know in advance and before
you start the programmes. If you have a severe allergy, please make sure you let us know about this in
detail and bring an epi pen if you use one.
It may be advisable for students with special dietary needs to bring additional snacks.

What time is the meal on the first day?
Your first meal will be on the Sunday evening of your arrival day at approximately 18.00 – 19.00.
If you arrive after the mealtime, you should make sure that you have eaten a good meal during your journey
as only a cold supper will be available.
The last meal on departure day will be breakfast at 8.00 am.

TRAVEL

Unaccompanied Minor service
I want my child to travel alone – who will the airline hand my child over to?
Our staff will meet your child at the airport and carry proof of identity and an official ID letter from Mayfair
School to confirm the arrangement. We will need parents/guardians to provide us with the travel itinerary
no less than two weeks before the date of arrival when making a request for the airport transfer service.

What flight should I book?
Group transfers are much more economical than a private transfer.

Arrivals
You should aim to land at London Heathrow Airport between 9.00 am – 15.00 UK time so that you can be
included in a group transfer.
All transfers must be arranged before your arrival day. You can book the Airport Transfer Service when you
confirm your travel arrangements with us, no later than 2 weeks before the start date of the summer
programme.
Please be aware that the first transfer will not depart from Heathrow until approximately midday.

Departures
You will need to leave the summer camp by midday of the final Saturday. Our departure service runs
throughout the morning, so in order to avoid long waiting times at the airport, you should aim for a
departure flight between 10.00 – 18.00pm UK time. You should book a return transfer when confirming your
travel plans before your arrival in the UK.

When is the best time to arrive and depart?
Students should arrive on Sunday afternoon between 14.00 – 16.00 as rooms will not be accessible before
14.00
On the Saturday of your departure, you will need to vacate your room and leave the site by 12.00noon.

How long does the transfer from the airport to the summer camp take?
The coach journey from Heathrow to Taunton School takes 2hours 40 minutes.
The journey from Bristol Airport to Taunton School takes 50 minutes.

WHAT TO BRING

What should I bring with me?
A packing list will be sent to you once your booking is confirmed. Please make sure that you label any
medication you bring with you and provide clear instructions.

FACILITIES AND ACCOMMODATION

Is there internet access?
Yes –WiFi is available around the school and in the accommodation blocks.

Can I choose to share my accommodation with a friend?
We do our best to meet every student’s accommodation preference but cannot guarantee it.

Is bedding provided?
Bedding is provided and changed each week. You need to bring your own towels.

Will I have access to a safe?
Yes, there is a safe for every student in their bedroom.

VISITS AND EXCURSIONS

What will we see on the cultural excursions?
There are a number of different visits to places of interest, in both Somerset and Dorset, as follows:

• Half-day trip to Wells Cathedral; Wookey Hole (caves)
• Half-day trip fossil hunting; visiting the Jurassic coast
• Full day excursion to Bath and Lacock Abbey
• Full -day excursion Bristol or Exeter