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How can teenagers take short courses at Mill Hill School in England?

written by
Natasha Machado
22/12/2025
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5 min
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Mill Hill School has developed a unique summer course system that goes beyond traditional language teaching. These specialized programs work through an integrated methodology that combines academic learning, personal development, and cultural immersion for international students aged 13 to 17.

The operational structure of short courses

1. Initial assessment and grading system

The operation of the Mill Hill short courses begins even before the arrival of the students. Each participant undergoes a prior evaluation process that includes:

  • Online English proficiency test
  • Learning Objectives Quiz
  • Academic record analysis
  • Virtual interview with pedagogical coordinators

This approach ensures that each student is directed to the program that best suits their profile. The system works in a similar way to what we found in traditional boarding school programs, but adapted for short intensive periods.

2. Integrated teaching methodology

The short courses use their own methodology called “Integrated Learning Approach” that works through three fundamental pillars:

Formal learning (15 hours per week)

  • English classes in groups of a maximum of 12 students
  • Focus on practical communication and fluency
  • Use of modern educational technology
  • Ongoing assessment of progress

Specialized practical activities (7.5 hours per week) The options vary depending on the program chosen:

  • English Plus Sports: Diversified sports modalities
  • Intensive Academic: Applied sciences and mathematics
  • Creative Arts: Music, Theater, Dance, and Visual Arts

Cultural immersion (7.5 hours per week)

  • Weekly educational tours
  • Local community projects
  • Exchange with British students

How does the academic calendar work

Spring School (March/April)

The spring program runs for 1 to 2 weeks, offering a concentrated introduction to the British education system. This format is ideal for students who want to experience English school life before considering longer programs like high school in England.

Typical schedule:

  • Monday to Friday: 3 hours of English + 1.5 hours of specialized activities + 1.5 hours of creative arts
  • Saturdays: London tour (full day)
  • Sundays: Historic city tour (Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton)

Summer School (June/August)

The summer program works with greater flexibility, allowing for durations of 2 to 8 weeks. This time extension allows real deepening in language skills and the development of lasting international friendships.

Weekly distribution:

  • 20% of the time: Classroom activities
  • 30% of the time: Sporting and creative practices
  • 25% of the time: Excursions and cultural activities
  • 25% of the time: Socialization and supervised free time

Accommodation and supervision system

Operation of boarding houses

Mill Hill operates a residential system that operates 24 hours a day, with constant expert supervision. The student residences are organized as follows:

Separation by gender and age:

  • Boys and girls in completely separate wings
  • Division by age group
  • Single, double or triple rooms depending on availability

Home supervision:

  • Resident staff living in the same facilities
  • Ratio of 1 supervisor to every 8 students
  • Specialized coordinators in different nationalities

This structure works in a similar way to traditional boarding school systems, but with specific adaptations for short-term programs.

Structured daily routine

7:00 - 8:30am: Wake up and breakfast

9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: English classes in level classes

12:15 - 13:30: Lunch and free time

13:30 - 15:00: Specialized activities (sports/academic)

15:00 - 15:30: Afternoon snack

15:30 - 17:00: Creative Arts

17:00 - 18:30: Supervised free time

18:30 - 19:30: Dinner 19:30 - 21:00: Evening social activities

21:00 - 22:00: Personal time and preparation for sleep

How does the tour system work

Educational planning of outings

Excursions not only work as entertainment, but as a natural extension of classroom learning. The system operates through:

London tours (weekly):

  • Thematic museums connected to the curriculum
  • Historical monuments with expert guides
  • Practical communication activities in English
  • Photographic projects and travel journals

Visits to university cities:

  • Oxford and Cambridge for academic inspiration
  • Brighton for British maritime history
  • Winchester for medieval heritage

For families interested in exchanges for teenagers, these tours offer practical insight into the educational possibilities available in England.

Assessment and certification system

How does progress monitoring work

Mill Hill uses a continuous assessment system that works through multiple instruments:

Weekly review:

  • Oral and written proficiency tests
  • Participation in practical activities
  • Development of collaborative projects
  • Students' reflective self-assessment

Final certification:

  • Detailed academic report with CEFR level achieved
  • Official certificate of participation
  • Personalized recommendations for continuing studies
  • Digital portfolio with developed works

Sports program and athletic development

How do sports activities work

The Mill Hill sports program operates through a professional structure that offers more than 15 different sports. This variety allows students to explore new interests or enhance existing skills.

Available modalities:

  • Traditional English sports (cricket, rugby)
  • Olympic sports (swimming, athletics, tennis)
  • Team sports (soccer, basketball, volleyball)
  • Water activities (water polo, sailing)

For young athletes, this experience connects naturally with sports exchange programs more specialized, where they can develop specific talents in high-performance environments.

How does the mentoring system work

Personalized support for each student

Mill Hill operates an individual mentoring system that works through:

Academic Mentor:

  • Weekly follow-up meetings
  • Setting personalized learning goals
  • Support for specific difficulties
  • Guidance on next educational steps

Buddy system:

  • Pairing with local British students
  • Authentic cultural exchange
  • Practicing English in real contexts
  • Development of lasting friendships

Integrated educational technology

How digital tools work

Short courses use modern technology that works as a natural extension of learning:

Online learning platform:

  • 24-hour access to complementary materials
  • Personalized interactive exercises
  • Communication with teachers outside of class hours
  • Digital progress portfolio

Educational mobile apps:

  • Gamification of vocabulary learning
  • Weekly Cultural Challenges
  • Connecting with other international students
  • Interactive tour map

Preparing for future programs

How Mill Hill prepares students for next steps

The operation of short courses includes specific guidance for students interested in high school programs abroad or other long-term exchanges.

Academic orientation:

  • Information sessions on the British education system
  • Introducing university options in the United Kingdom
  • Workshops on the application process
  • Connecting with alumni at prestigious universities

Development of soft skills:

  • Leadership through group projects
  • Effective intercultural communication
  • Autonomy and personal responsibility
  • Resilience and adaptability

How does the enrollment process work

Streamlined application system

The registration process works in a simplified way through Be Easy:

  1. Initial consultation: Evaluation of the student's profile and objectives
  2. Program selection: Choose between Spring or Summer School
  3. Documentation: Preparation of necessary documents
  4. Application: Submission of the application for Mill Hill
  5. Confirmation: Receipt of a letter of acceptance
  6. Preparation: Pre-shipment and planning guidelines

This structure ensures that Brazilian families have easy access to this exclusive program, with specialized support at each stage.

Be Easy

Be Easy acts as an official partner of Mill Hill School, providing exclusive access to its renowned short courses for Brazilian families. Our specialized team accompanies the entire application process, offers personalized guidance and ensures that each student makes the most of this unique educational opportunity. Contact us to find out how your child can participate in England's most sought after summer programs.

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Natasha Machado
Founder e CEO, Be Easy