“Imagine starting your summer speaking English by morning, then scoring goals or dancing under the same roof by afternoon—welcome to Exsportise, where language learning and passions meet.”
Here’s a deep-dive on Exsportise Summer Schools, based in Haywards Heath, UK — what makes them stand out, how their programmes work, what students say, plus what you’ll need and what it feels like living there. If you’re thinking to learn a second language (English) while doing something you love (sport, music, dance), this might be one of the best language schools in the UK for you.
Overview & History
- Founded: 1988 by Bram van Asselt, a former high-level hockey player and sports development officer. Exsportise
- Mission: To offer more than just sports or just language—to combine high quality professional coaching in sport/music/dance with English language learning, in a safe, friendly, residential environment. Exsportise+2Exsportise+2
- Reputation & Accreditations:
- British Council accredited for English language teaching in the UK. Exsportise+1
- Member of English UK & Young Learners English UK. Exsportise
- Has been described as “the only private language school specialising in sport and English ever to have become an EL Gazette Centre of Excellence.” Exsportise+1
School Setup & Facilities
- Location: Aberdeen House, South Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 4NG. haywards-heath.cylex-uk.co.uk+2Exsportise+2
- Type: Residential summer camps (boarding), fully residential with students and staff living on campus during the session. Exsportise+2Exsportise+2
- Facilities:
- Beautiful English boarding school campuses, with sports facilities, music/dance rooms, arts, etc. Exsportise+2Exsportise+2
- Classrooms equipped for interactive learning. Exsportise+1
- On-site supervision: house parents, medical staff, etc. Exsportise+1
- Very good staff-to-student and pastoral care ratios. One staff per ~4 students overall (for pastoral), and in classes max around 14. Exsportise+2campsinsider.com+2
Classes, Curriculum & Teaching Style
- Age Range: Students aged 9-17 years old. Exsportise+2campsinsider.com+2
- Duration of Courses: Usually per week sessions; multiple weeks. campsinsider.com+1
- Language Provision:
- English lessons: ~ 15 hours per week. Exsportise+2Exsportise+2
- Levels offered: from A1 (Beginner) up to C1 (Advanced). *They do not cater for complete zero English (no prior knowledge), nor already at C2/proficiency (top level). * Exsportise
- Teaching method: interactive, communicative, with emphasis on authentic, relevant topics. Teachers assess at arrival (placement test + interview) and monitor progress weekly. Exsportise+1
- Specialist Academies / Activities:
Students choose alongside English one specialist activity each week; options include:- Sports: football (including Arsenal Football Development), basketball, tennis, hockey, rugby, horse riding, golf, multi-sports. campsinsider.com+2Exsportise+2
- Arts / Performance: dance, music (vocal or instrumental) etc. Exsportise+1
- Class Size and Staff:
- Max ~14 students per English class. Exsportise+1
- Full supervision with staff living on site; staff include medical, house parents etc. Exsportise+1
- Assessment & Certification:
- Students get a course attendance certificate + academic report. Exsportise
- Optional extra test: Cambridge Assessment English Linguaskill (reading & listening) for those who want an external benchmark. Exsportise
Student Experience, Reviews & What Students Say
- Students come from 50-80+ nationalities each session: very multinational environment. Exsportise+1
- Testimonials emphasise:
- Improvement in English confidence and fluency, especially via doing something they love alongside the course. Exsportise+1
- Good balance between structured learning and fun through sport/music/dance + evening activities & excursions. Exsportise+1
- High levels of pastoral care; students feel safe and well looked after. campsinsider.com+1
- Ratings: On local directories (e.g. Cylex), Exsportise Haywards Heath has ~ 4.71 out of 5 from reviews. haywards-heath.cylex-uk.co.uk
Cultural & Lifestyle / Location
- Haywards Heath, West Sussex:
- Quiet, countryside-adjacent but within reach of bigger towns / transport links. Good for someone wanting immersion without constantly being in a busy city. campsinsider.com+1
- Cost of living outside London is lower; boarding includes meals and accommodation, so many costs are bundled in.
- Social life & Activities:
- Alongside specialist academies, there are recreational and evening activities, excursions etc. This means making international friends, practising English outside the classroom, having fun. Exsportise+2campsinsider.com+2
- Accommodation:
- Boarding houses on campus. Rooms shared (typically 2-4 beds; possibly more in some houses), with communal areas. Exsportise+1
- Staff live on site; pastoral care is central. Exsportise+1
What Makes Exsportise Stand Out (Compared to Other Language Schools)
- Dual-focus approach: Not just English + classroom. You’re doing something you love—sport/music/dance—and practising English naturally in those contexts.
- Strong sporting/arts partnership: For example, collaboration with Arsenal Football Development; professional coaches in many sports. campsinsider.com+1
- History & trust: Over 35 years of experience; thousands of students; recognised accreditations. Exsportise
- Small classes & good supervision: More chance to speak, personalised attention, and a safe, supported environment.
- Multinational mix: Makes practising English realistic; you’re not just with people from your own country.
Practical Details: Pricing, Visa & Support
- Price: Approximately £1,775 per week is quoted for some of their programs (for example, at Worth School). That tends to cover full board, English + one specialist activity. englischeinternate.com+1
- What’s included: Residential accommodation, meals, English lessons, specialist academy hours, supervision, many recreational/evening activities. Airport / Eurostar transfers typically offered. Exsportise+2campsinsider.com+2
- Visa Guidance / International Students Support:
- They are used to international students. Exsportise+1
- Should provide information during application regarding transfers, unaccompanied minors, medical & health forms. Exsportise+1
- Length of stay: You can enrol for one or more weeks. Multiple weeks are possible, depending on the offering. campsinsider.com+1
Possible Drawbacks / Things to Check
- Not for total beginners: If a student has no English at all, the programme may not be suitable. Exsportise
- Shared accommodation: While part of the fun, shared rooms may mean less privacy, especially if staying many weeks.
- Cost: Pricing is on the premium side. However, you need to compare with what’s included: supervision, specialist coaching, full residential etc.
Who Should Choose Exsportise & Who Might Prefer Something Else
Great for you if you:
- Are aged 9-17 and want to combine English improvements with sport/music/dance.
- Want immersive, residential experience with international peers.
- Like structured activity + fun, and want to build both language and social confidence.
Might prefer something else if you:
- Need total beginner English support.
- Want shorter / less intensive programmes or non-residential options.
- Have a tighter budget and want more basic accommodation or fewer extras.
Summary: Is It One of the Best Language Schools for You?
If your goal is to learn a second language (English) while also doing something you’re passionate about—sport, dance, music—and you want a safe, immersive, residential summer experience with international classmates, Exsportise is extremely strong. It offers many of the things that typically top the list: high-quality teaching, excellent accreditations, specialist coaching, small class sizes, and a supportive, fun environment.
