Families searching for the ideal summer experience often look for programmes that blend creativity with meaningful learning. Camps focused on English immersion with academic and creative enrichment — including performing arts, STEM, robotics, and digital skills — place language development at the heart of the experience while using hands-on projects, drama, storytelling, and interactive activities to help students gain confidence and fluency in a natural, enjoyable way.
Using performing arts to illustrate the point, this article explores how these contrasting course models function differently, yet each plays a valuable role in supporting a learner’s development and their English.
For students with a passion for stage or screen, performing arts with English immersion programmes offer a more specialised path than general English-plus-activities courses. Schools like Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz and the performing arts track at Taunton School prioritise acting, filmmaking, dance or theatre training, while the international boarding environment ensures students are fully immersed in English both on and off the stage.
Together, these two contrasting pathways give parents the flexibility to choose what best supports their child’s goals, whether that is strengthening English through creative expression or pursuing high-level performing arts training in an English-speaking setting. Both options offer safe, inspiring environments where young people can build confidence, expand their skills and enjoy a memorable international summer.
But faced with a choice, parents often wonder… which way?
What if you don’t want to choose between language learning and artistic development? Many families worry they must prioritise one over the other, yet programmes like those at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz show that students can build strong communication skills while exploring drama and filmmaking in a meaningful way.
What if your child could gain confidence in English not through textbooks, but through performing, collaborating and creating with peers from around the world? Camps such as those at Chester College International School make language improvement feel natural and enjoyable by embedding it into everyday activities.
What if the right choice isn’t about choosing one emphasis over the other at all, but finding the programme that best fits your child’s personality and goals? Whether they thrive in structured English learning or in a performance-driven environment like the one at Taunton School, there is a pathway that allows them to grow academically, creatively and personally.
Here’s an At a Glance view of some of the very in-depth summer programs that answer
We want performing-arts excellence — but in an English-speaking environment.
Senior Performing Arts Summer Camp for Teens at Taunton School
Ages 13–17 | Taunton, UK | Enrolling Now | Fees £3,420 (2 weeks)
At a Glance
Immerse your teenager in a dynamic performing arts experience at Taunton School, where theatre, media, and film come to life through hands-on workshops, practical performance training, and engagement with industry professionals. Set on a 56-acre English boarding campus, this programme offers an inspiring environment for young performers to develop both artistic skill and confidence.
What This Course Offers
Extensive theatre workshops covering character development, movement, comedy, emotion, stagecraft, body language, and voice projection; opportunities to take part in short productions; insights from visiting theatre and film professionals; access to outstanding facilities including a theatre, dance studio, music school, and full sports amenities.
What Your Child Will Achieve
Skills:
Students deepen their abilities in acting, movement, voice, stage presence, and creative collaboration. Through practical rehearsal and production work, they build confidence in performance, storytelling, and communication — all within an English-speaking environment that naturally strengthens language fluency.
Accreditation:
Participants receive a full academic report and course certificate from Taunton School, recognising their engagement, progress, and achievements in the summer performing arts programme.
Personal Development:
Young performers gain independence, leadership, teamwork, and self-assurance as they train and live alongside international peers. The programme encourages creative risk-taking, discipline in rehearsal, and a deeper understanding of theatre and media, helping students return home more resilient, expressive, and inspired
Performing Arts Boarding School Camp at Institut auf dem Rosenberg
Ages 6–18 | St. Gallen, Switzerland | Enrolling Now | Fees CHF 7,350 (2 weeks)
At a Glance
Experience an exclusive creative summer at one of Switzerland’s most prestigious boarding schools, where young artists refine their talents in fashion design, fine arts, and performing arts. Set in a stunning Alpine environment, students receive personalised instruction, access state-of-the-art facilities, and develop their artistic voice in a world-class international setting.
Specialised courses in performing arts; hands-on creative workshops; personalised guidance from expert instructors; opportunities to study English or German at multiple proficiency levels; access to exceptional boarding school facilities; thoughtfully designed excursions and creative projects that enrich each student’s artistic journey.
What Your Child Will Achieve
Skills:
Students develop strong creative abilities across fashion, visual arts, and performance, gaining practical skills in design, artistic technique, stage expression, and creative problem-solving. Language learners strengthen their English communication through immersive classroom study and daily interaction with international peers.
Accreditation:
Participants receive a course certificate from Institut auf dem Rosenberg, recognising their achievements in their chosen creative disciplines and their progress in English or German language study.
Personal Development:
Young creative students gain confidence, independence, and cultural awareness as they collaborate with students from around the world. The programme nurtures imagination, self-expression, and resilience, helping participants return home with enhanced artistic identity, broadened perspectives, and a deeper sense of personal accomplishment
West End Theatre Workshops for Aspiring Performers
Ages 11–18 | London, UK | Enrolling Now | Fees £625 (1 week+)
At a Glance
Experience the thrill of musical theatre in the heart of London with an intensive West End summer school designed for aspiring performers. Students train in acting, singing, dance, and stage combat under the guidance of real West End professionals, while enjoying exclusive backstage access and unforgettable West End show experiences.
What This Course Offers
Daily classes across musical theatre disciplines; workshops and masterclasses with West End cast members; professional insights into auditions and rehearsal processes; backstage tours; tickets to live West End productions; and the chance to perform in front of a musical theatre agent for real industry feedback.
What Your Child Will Achieve
Skills:
Students build strong performance abilities across acting, vocal technique, dance, stage combat, and audition practice. They develop confidence, stage presence, and the discipline required for professional-level performance, all while training in an English-speaking artistic environment.
Accreditation:
Participants receive a course certificate recognising their engagement, skill development, and completion of the West End musical theatre training programme.
Personal Development:
Learners gain independence, resilience, and creative confidence as they train alongside like-minded performers. The programme encourages self-expression, teamwork, and ambition, offering a rare opportunity to experience authentic West End culture and return home inspired, motivated, and more assured in their talents.
Here’s an At a Glance view of some of the very in-depth summer programs that answer the need: We want English learning — but creative!
Languages and Performing Arts at Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz
Ages 10–16 | Switzerland | Enrolling Now | Fees CHF 5,200 (2 weeks)
At a Glance
Discover an exceptional summer experience in the Swiss Alps, where students combine high-quality English language learning with creative performing arts activities, including acting and filmmaking, all within a world-class international boarding school environment.
Small-group English lessons designed for focused progress, inspiring acting and filmmaking activities, an international student community, a safe and prestigious Alpine campus, and a dynamic blend of academic development and creative expression.
What Your Child Will Achieve
Skills:
Students strengthen their English communication skills through immersive study and campus life, while developing creativity in acting, storytelling, and filmmaking. They build confidence in presenting, collaborating, and expressing ideas in a supportive, international environment.
Accreditation:
Participants receive a course certificate recognising their engagement and progress in English language learning and their chosen performing arts activities within Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz’s accredited international summer programme.
Personal Development:
Learners grow in independence, cultural awareness, and self-assurance as they live and learn alongside peers from around the world. The programme encourages curiosity, creativity, and teamwork, helping students return home more confident, motivated, and ready for new challenges.
English Language Learning with Inlingua Cheltenham at Cheltenham Ladies’ College
Ages 11–17 | Cheltenham, UK | Enrolling Now | Fees from £1,380 (1–2 weeks)
At a Glance
Immerse your child in a high-quality English language programme set within the prestigious Cheltenham Ladies’ College. With 20 hours of English lessons each week, students build confidence across all language skills while enjoying a lively mix of recreational activities, cultural excursions, and creative workshops, including drama.
A structured English curriculum with five proficiency levels; 20 hours of weekly English tuition; engaging drama workshops and multi-activity sessions; exciting excursions to cultural landmarks such as Bath, Gloucester, and London; comfortable dormitory-style accommodation; and a welcoming campus environment that blends academic focus with social enrichment.
What Your Child Will Achieve
Skills:
Students strengthen speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills through immersive lessons and daily communication in an English-speaking setting. Drama workshops and group activities help build confidence, fluency, and expressive communication.
Accreditation:
Participants receive a course certificate from Inlingua Cheltenham, recognising their progress and engagement in the English language programme at Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
Personal Development:
Learners grow in independence, cultural understanding, and social confidence as they participate in excursions, activities, and residential life alongside international peers. The programme encourages teamwork, adaptability, and curiosity, ensuring students leave with enhanced language ability and memorable cultural experiences.
International Academic Summer Camp for Juniors at Taunton School
Ages 8–12 | Taunton, UK | Enrolling Now | Fees £3,420 (2 weeks)
At a Glance
Introduce your child to an inspiring British boarding-school experience where strong academic learning is complemented by creative performing arts opportunities. Set on Taunton School’s expansive 56-acre campus, young learners build confidence, language ability, and self-expression through engaging lessons and access to dedicated arts spaces, including a theatre, music school, art studios, and a dance studio.
A diverse academic programme designed for international juniors; small, supportive classes; creative performing arts sessions that encourage imagination and communication; access to specialist arts facilities; cultural excursions to explore British heritage; and a safe, welcoming boarding environment tailored to younger students.
What Your Child Will Achieve
Skills:
Children develop confidence in spoken English through classroom learning and expressive arts activities. They strengthen creativity, communication, and imaginative thinking through music, drama, and artistic exploration in well-equipped studio spaces.
Accreditation:
Participants receive an academic report and course certificate from Taunton School, mapping their progress across academic subjects and creative development.
Personal Development:
Young learners grow in independence, social awareness, and self-assurance as they live and learn alongside peers from around the world. The programme nurtures curiosity, creativity, teamwork, and cultural understanding—helping children return home more confident, expressive, and ready to embrace new learning opportunities.
Performing-Arts Excellence in an English-Speaking Environment
| Course + Provider | Ages | English Language | Type of Performing Arts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Performing Arts Summer Camp for Teens – Taunton School | 13–17 | Fully English-speaking UK boarding environment | Theatre, media, film, stagecraft, movement, voice |
| Performing Arts Boarding School Camp – Institut auf dem Rosenberg | 6–18 | English-medium international boarding school | Performing arts, stage expression, creative workshops |
| West End Theatre Workshops for Aspiring Performers – London | 11–18 | English-language instruction by West End professionals | Musical theatre, acting, singing, dance, stage combat |
English Learning — But Creative! (English Immersion with Performing Arts)
| Course + Provider | Ages | English Language | Type of Performing Arts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Languages & Performing Arts – Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz | 10–16 | English language classes + immersion boarding | Acting, filmmaking, creative storytelling |
| English Language Learning with Inlingua Cheltenham at Cheltenham Ladies’ College | 11–17 | 20 hours of English per week | Drama workshops, expressive performance activities |
| International Academic Summer Camp for Juniors – Taunton School | 8–12 | Academic English immersion | Drama, music, creative arts in specialist studios |
Many summer courses can sit comfortably in either category, offering English immersion with creative or sporting extras, or placing the spotlight on performing arts, football, or another passion while English develops naturally in the background. The key is to recognise which emphasis matters more for you or your child: is it a language-first experience with enriching activities, or a specialist programme supported by an English-speaking environment?
