A Guide to Our Junior Summer Courses

For younger students, a summer course can be an opportunity to discover new subjects, meet people from around the world and experience residential life away from home in a structured environment.

At Atlas Summer Courses, our Junior programmes at Harrow are designed for students aged 9–12, with one-week courses combining interactive academic classes, residential accommodation, full-board meals and a wider programme of activities.

Students aged 9–10 and 11–12 can join our Harrow Juniors programmes. Students aged 12–14 can also explore our separate Harrow Scholars programmes, providing another option as they progress into the next age group.

Whether your child already has a favourite subject or simply wants to explore something new, here's what families need to know about our Junior summer courses.

What Are Atlas Summer Courses Junior Programmes?

Our Junior programmes are residential summer courses for students aged 9–12.

Courses take place at Harrow School, where students stay in standard shared accommodation and take part in a programme combining academic learning with the wider residential summer experience.

Each course lasts one week, with start dates running from early July to early August. Students who want a longer experience can apply for multiple courses.

Junior programmes include:

• interactive classes with a maximum of 15 students;
• full-board accommodation, including breakfast, lunch and dinner;
• standard shared rooms;
• a digital certificate awarded upon successful completion;
• travel and medical insurance; and
• scheduled Heathrow airport transfers between 8 AM and 3 PM.

Students and parents should check the current course information when applying for exact dates, subjects and availability.

Where Do Junior Students Stay?

Junior students stay at Harrow School.

The programme uses boarding accommodation at the school, giving students the experience of living alongside other young people during their summer course.

Accommodation for the Junior programme is provided in standard shared rooms.

Meals are full-board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included as part of the programme.

Atlas Summer Courses operates the programme independently. Attending an Atlas Summer Courses programme at Harrow does not mean that a student is enrolled at Harrow School.

Who Can Attend the Junior Programme?

Our Harrow Junior programmes are available for students aged:

9–10

and

11–12.

Students aged 12–14 can explore our Harrow Scholars programmes, which are designed for the next age group.

Keeping programmes organised around age allows the academic and residential experience to be structured appropriately for the students taking part.

How Long Are the Junior Courses?

Each Harrow Junior course lasts one week.

However, students do not necessarily have to limit their summer to a single week.

The application process allows students to apply for multiple courses, making a longer stay possible for families who want their child to explore more than one subject.

This can be particularly useful for students with several academic interests who do not yet want to specialise in one area.

What Is Included in a Junior Course?

Our Junior programme brings the academic and residential parts of the summer together within one course.

Students receive interactive teaching in classes of no more than 15 students, alongside accommodation and full-board meals.

Standard shared accommodation is included, as are travel and medical insurance and scheduled Heathrow airport transfers between 8 AM and 3 PM.

Students also receive a digital certificate when they successfully complete their programme.

This makes it important for parents to compare the complete programme rather than looking at teaching alone when deciding whether a residential summer course is right for their child.

What Is Teaching Like for Junior Students?

Junior teaching is designed to be interactive.

Classes have a maximum of 15 students, creating an environment where younger learners can participate rather than simply sit through large lectures.

At this age, students are still developing confidence in expressing their ideas. Interactive classes give them opportunities to ask questions, contribute to discussions and engage directly with the subject they have chosen.

The objective is not to reproduce a normal school timetable during the summer.

Instead, students have an opportunity to explore an academic interest alongside other young people who have chosen to spend part of their summer learning too.

Why Do Small Classes Matter for Younger Students?

A maximum class size of 15 gives students greater opportunity to become involved in lessons.

In a smaller group, there is more room for questions, discussion and interaction between students and their tutor.

This can be particularly valuable for younger learners.

Some children will arrive ready to contribute immediately. Others may need more time before they feel comfortable speaking in front of people they have only just met.

A smaller learning environment gives students space to find that confidence at their own pace.

What Subjects Can Junior Students Explore?

The exact subjects available can vary, so families should check the current Junior course listings before applying.

For many younger students, one of the advantages of summer study is simply having an opportunity to investigate an area they find interesting.

They do not need to have decided what they want to study at university.

They certainly do not need to have decided what career they want.

At 9–12, curiosity is enough.

A summer course can give students the opportunity to discover whether a subject they have heard about is something they actually enjoy exploring.

Do Students Need to Be Academically Advanced?

A Junior summer course should not be thought of as something reserved exclusively for children who are already experts in their chosen subject.

Students are there to learn.

What matters is that they are prepared to participate, engage with the programme and approach their subject with curiosity.

For parents, the more useful question may therefore be:

“Will my child enjoy exploring this subject?”

rather than:

“Does my child already know enough about it?”

What Is Residential Life Like?

For some Junior students, the programme may be one of their first experiences spending an extended period away from home.

Residential life therefore forms an important part of the week.

Students share their summer with other young people rather than simply arriving for lessons and going home afterwards.

They eat meals together, take part in the programme together and stay in shared accommodation.

This means the experience extends beyond what happens during academic classes.

What Accommodation Do Junior Students Have?

The Junior programme includes standard shared rooms.

Shared accommodation is different from the accommodation available on some Atlas programmes for older students, so families should check the details for the specific age group they are considering rather than assuming all Atlas programmes use the same room arrangements.

Parents with questions about individual accommodation requirements should discuss these with Atlas before booking.

Are Meals Included?

Yes.

Junior students receive full-board, which includes:

breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Meals are therefore included as part of the residential programme rather than being something families need to arrange separately each day.

What Is Harrow School?

Harrow School is a historic British boarding school in London.

Atlas Summer Courses uses Harrow as the location for its Junior and Scholars summer programmes.

There is an important distinction for families to understand:

Atlas Summer Courses operates its own independent summer programmes.

A student attending an Atlas programme hosted at Harrow is an Atlas Summer Courses participant, not a pupil enrolled at Harrow School.

The academic programme, admissions process and summer experience should therefore be understood as an Atlas Summer Courses programme hosted at the school.

Can Junior Students Make Friends From Other Countries?

Atlas Summer Courses welcomes students from different countries and backgrounds.

A residential programme naturally creates many opportunities for students to spend time together.

They meet during lessons.

They eat together.

They take part in activities.

And they share the wider experience of being away from their normal school and home environments.

For younger students, learning to introduce themselves, join a new group and communicate with people they have only just met can become an important part of the experience.

Of course, no programme can promise that every student will make lifelong friendships. But an international residential environment creates plenty of opportunities for students to meet and get to know one another.

Can a Junior Summer Course Help Build Confidence?

A summer programme cannot guarantee that a child will suddenly become more confident.

What it can do is provide opportunities to practise confidence.

That might mean:

asking a question in class;

introducing themselves to somebody new;

contributing to a group discussion;

trying an unfamiliar activity;

managing parts of their daily routine;

or asking a member of staff for help when they need it.

For adults, these can seem like small moments.

For a nine-, ten-, eleven- or twelve-year-old spending time away from home, they can be meaningful steps towards greater independence.

Can Junior Courses Help Students Become More Independent?

Residential study gives younger students opportunities to take greater responsibility for themselves within a structured environment.

They still have support and supervision.

But their parents are not beside them organising every moment of the day.

Students need to adapt to a timetable, look after their belongings, get ready for activities and become comfortable navigating a new routine.

Independence develops gradually, and every child will respond differently.

The purpose is not to force younger students to behave like adults. It is to give them age-appropriate opportunities to become more confident doing things for themselves.

What Support Is Available for Junior Students?

Younger students require a different level of pastoral support from older participants.

The residential programme therefore includes an On-Course team responsible for supporting students throughout their stay.

For parents, pastoral care is an important part of evaluating any residential programme.

Before your child travels, make sure you understand the relevant arrangements covering supervision, accommodation, free time, contacting home, illness and emergencies.

If your child has particular needs or there is anything the team should know before arrival, communicate this during the application and pre-arrival process.

What If My Child Has Never Stayed Away From Home Before?

That is likely to be a consideration for many families looking at residential programmes for younger students.

Some children adapt almost immediately.

Others need time.

A student can be excited about attending and still feel nervous when the day actually arrives. Those feelings are not contradictory.

Parents can help by talking through what the week will involve before departure.

Discuss practical things such as:

where they will sleep;

how meals work;

who they can speak to if they need help;

how long they will be away;

and what their daily routine may look like.

Knowing what to expect can make an unfamiliar experience feel more manageable.

What Activities Are Included Outside Lessons?

Academic classes are only one part of a residential summer programme.

Students also have opportunities to spend time with other participants through the wider programme of organised activities.

The exact activity and excursion schedule can vary between courses and dates, so families should refer to their current programme information rather than assuming that a particular trip or activity will always be included.

This is especially important when comparing current programmes with photographs, blogs or student stories from previous summers.

Past activities provide examples of previous experiences, but they should not be treated as a guaranteed future itinerary.

Can My Child Attend for More Than One Week?

Yes.

Although an individual Harrow Junior course lasts one week, the application form allows students to apply for multiple courses.

That gives families the option of arranging a longer stay.

For example, a student interested in more than one subject may be able to combine courses rather than having to choose only one.

Availability will depend on the courses and dates offered, so families should check the current options when applying.

Should My Child Choose More Than One Subject?

That depends on the student.

One child may be completely absorbed by a particular subject and want to concentrate on it.

Another may be curious about several areas and enjoy exploring different subjects across multiple courses.

At this age, students do not need to specialise.

Trying different subjects can be part of discovering what genuinely interests them.

If your child is considering a longer stay, look at the available course combinations and discuss which subjects they would actually be excited to study.

What Is the Difference Between Juniors and Scholars at Harrow?

Atlas currently offers two programme categories at Harrow.

Harrow Juniors Plus is available for students aged 9–10 and 11–12.

Harrow Scholars Plus is available for students aged 12–14.

Both programmes include interactive classes with a maximum of 15 students, full-board meals, standard shared accommodation, a certificate on completion, standard customer service, scheduled Heathrow airport transfers and included travel and medical insurance.

Families with a 12-year-old should therefore check the available programme options carefully when deciding which course is appropriate.

Are Airport Transfers Included?

Scheduled Heathrow airport transfers are included for the Junior programme between 8 AM and 3 PM.

Families should pay close attention to these times when arranging flights.

Arrival and departure arrangements are particularly important for younger students travelling internationally, so parents should check the current transfer instructions provided by Atlas before booking travel.

Is Insurance Included?

Yes.

The Junior programme includes travel and medical insurance.

Families should still read the applicable insurance information carefully so they understand the scope of the cover, relevant conditions and whether they require any additional insurance for their individual circumstances.

Do Junior Students Receive a Certificate?

Yes.

A digital certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the programme.

The certificate provides students with a record of their participation in Atlas Summer Courses.

It is an Atlas Summer Courses certificate and should not be described as a qualification or certificate issued by Harrow School.

What Does a Typical Junior Summer Experience Combine?

The programme brings together several different parts of the summer experience.

There is the academic side, with interactive classes of no more than 15 students.

There is the residential side, with shared accommodation and full-board meals.

There is the social side, as students meet and spend time with other participants.

And there is the experience of spending time away from home, adapting to a new routine and becoming more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.

For many families, it is this combination rather than any single feature that makes residential summer study appealing.

How Should Parents Choose a Junior Summer Course?

Start with the child rather than the destination.

Think about:

• what subjects genuinely interest them;
• whether they feel ready to spend time away from home;
• how comfortable they are meeting new people;
• whether they would enjoy shared accommodation;
• how they respond to structured routines;
• whether one week or multiple courses would suit them better; and
• what support they may need while away.

Then look at the practical details.

Check current dates, course availability, accommodation, travel arrangements, insurance and exactly what is included.

A good summer course should fit the individual child rather than simply look impressive on paper.

How Much Do the Harrow Junior Programmes Cost?

Based on the current programme information provided, Harrow Juniors Plus is priced at £2,595 for one week, with a £695 deposit.

The Harrow Scholars Plus programme for ages 12–14 is priced at £2,995 for one week, also with a £695 deposit.

Prices, dates and availability can change, so families should always check the current course page before applying rather than relying on an older article.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Junior Courses

What ages are Atlas Junior courses for?

Harrow Juniors programmes are available for students aged 9–12, with programme options for ages 9–10 and 11–12.

Where do Junior students stay?

Junior programmes are hosted at Harrow School, with students staying in standard shared accommodation.

How long is a Junior course?

Each course lasts one week.

Can my child stay for longer?

Yes. The application form allows students to apply for multiple courses.

How large are Junior classes?

Interactive classes have a maximum of 15 students.

Are meals included?

Yes. Junior students receive full-board, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Is accommodation included?

Yes. Standard shared accommodation is included.

Are airport transfers included?

Scheduled transfers from Heathrow between 8 AM and 3 PM are included.

Is insurance included?

Yes. Travel and medical insurance are included.

Do students receive a certificate?

Yes. A digital certificate is awarded upon successful completion.

Is Atlas Summer Courses part of Harrow School?

No. Atlas Summer Courses operates its own independent programmes. Using Harrow School as a programme venue does not mean students are enrolled at Harrow School.

What programme is available after Juniors?

Students aged 12–14 can explore the Harrow Scholars programme.

Why Choose an Academic Summer Course at 9–12?

There does not need to be a complicated reason.

A child might be fascinated by a particular subject.

They might want to try something they cannot study at school.

They may be excited about meeting students from other countries.

Perhaps they are ready to experience residential life for the first time.

Or they may simply want a summer that combines learning with something completely different from their normal routine.

At this age, summer study does not need to be about building a university application years in advance.

It can simply be about curiosity.

A First Step Into Residential Summer Study

For students aged 9–12, joining a residential programme can feel like a significant adventure.

There will be new classmates.

New teachers.

A new room.

A new routine.

And potentially a subject they have never studied in depth before.

The aim of the Junior programme is to bring these different experiences together within a structured summer environment.

Students have opportunities to learn, participate, meet other young people and become more comfortable doing things independently while still receiving age-appropriate support.

Ready to Explore Our Junior Courses?

Atlas Summer Courses Junior programmes at Harrow are available for students aged 9–12, with one-week courses combining interactive classes, full-board meals and standard shared residential accommodation.

For students aged 12–14, our Harrow Scholars programmes provide the next programme option.

Explore the current courses, dates and availability before deciding which experience is right for your child.

Apply now to begin your application.

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