Independent Schools Cultural Alliance - ISCA – Summer Programs in the UK

Teachers

Bring Your Students to England for an Unforgettable International Experience

In July 2027, ISCA will host its 45th Summer Programme, and we would be delighted for you and your school to join us.

This page contains everything you need to introduce the programme to your students and families. However, if you would like to speak directly with us, please feel free to contact our Managing Director, Luke Liddle, at luke.liddle@iscaschools.com. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours.

We understand that organising an international trip for students can feel like a significant responsibility. Our team is here to support you at every stage so that the experience is smooth, rewarding and enjoyable for both you and your students.

Why Schools Join ISCA

Students gain an extraordinary opportunity to explore British history and culture while forming friendships with peers from around the world.

During the programme students:

  • Visit iconic historic sites across England
  • Experience life at a British boarding school
  • Participate in sports, workshops and team events
  • Build confidence and independence
  • Form international friendships
  • Participate in our brand-new ISCA Enrichment Programme

For teachers, ISCA provides a fully supported international trip that removes the complexity of organising it independently.

Many of our international group leaders return year after year because they see how meaningful the programme is for their students.

everything is taken care of, the travel, the accommodation and the fun

Your Role is Simple

Organising an international trip can feel overwhelming, which is why ISCA has simplified the process.

Your role involves just three steps.

  • Step 1 – Recruit a group of students
  • Share the programme with students and families at your school.
  • Step 2 – Travel with your students
  • Accompany your group to England for the three-week programme.
  • Step 3 – Enjoy the experience
  • Once in the UK, ISCA manages the programme while you support your students and enjoy the journey.

ISCA Organises Everything

Our team handles the planning, logistics and delivery of the entire programme.

ISCA manages:

  • Flights and travel coordination
  • Airport transfers in the UK
  • Accommodation at a leading British boarding school
  • All meals during the programme
  • Private coach transport
  • Entry to historic and cultural sites
  • Sports and campus activities
  • Evening events and entertainment

Teachers never have to manage the logistics themselves.

Our team also supports the booking process, promotional materials and communication with parents, ensuring that teachers feel fully supported from the moment they decide to participate.

Once the programme begins, the ISCA staff manage the daily schedule and operations so that teachers can simply accompany their students and enjoy the experience.

Teacher Benefits

Teachers who accompany ISCA groups receive:

✔ All travel and accommodation covered
✔ All meals during the programme
✔ A stipend payment for organising the group
✔ Full logistical and administrative support
✔ Opportunities to explore England during campus days

Explore England During the Programme

While students follow the structured ISCA programme, teachers also have opportunities to enjoy their time in England.

Every third day, when students remain on campus participating in activities, international group leaders have the option to explore independently between 9:30am and 5:30pm while ISCA staff supervise the students.

This allows teachers to experience many of the remarkable cultural and historical attractions located nearby.

  • Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
  • Buckingham Palace
  • Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
  • Jane Austen’s House
  • RHS Gardens at Wisley

The students learn independence and responsibility…they grow so much that they do leave as different kids

ISCA 2027 Timeline

To help teachers plan the year ahead, the programme follows a clear timeline.

  • 16 October 2026
    Submit your expected group numbers to ISCA.
  • 31 October 2026
    Parents pay the 30% deposit via the ISCA website.
  • 31 March 2027
    Final 70% balance payment due.
  • June 2027
    eTickets issued to all groups.
  • 11 July 2027
    Groups depart for the United Kingdom.
  • 1 August 2027
    Programme concludes and groups return home.

Preparing for the Programme

To help teachers prepare for the summer, ISCA hosts two online preparation sessions before the programme begins.

These sessions provide the opportunity to:

  • Meet the ISCA leadership team
  • Connect with fellow international group leaders
  • Review travel logistics and programme details
  • Ask questions and share advice

These sessions help ensure that every teacher arrives in the UK feeling confident and well prepared.

For more information about the preparation sessions, please contact Luke Liddle at luke.liddle@iscaschools.com.

Financial Support for Teachers

We understand that teachers are committing part of their summer to accompany students on this international programme.

In recognition of your time and effort organising and leading the group, ISCA provides:

  • All travel, accommodation and meals covered during the programme
  • A stipend payment to thank you for organising and accompanying your group

This allows teachers to enjoy the experience without personal financial burden.

Insurance and Financial Protection

ISCA carries both Public Liability and Employer’s Liability Insurance.

Parents are strongly encouraged to arrange additional travel insurance independently to cover:

  • Trip cancellation
  • Trip interruption
  • Medical emergencies
  • Loss of baggage

ISCA is also a member of Protected Trust Services (PTS). All parent payments are held in a secure trust account, ensuring that funds are fully protected in the unlikely event of company or supplier failure.

Join the ISCA Programme

For 45 years, ISCA has worked with schools around the world to deliver an unforgettable cultural experience for middle school students.

If you are interested in bringing a group of students to England next summer, we would be delighted to speak with you.

Please contact Luke Liddle, Managing Director, to arrange an introductory call and learn more about the programme.

Email: luke.liddle@iscaschools.com

We look forward to welcoming you and your students to ISCA.

The best cultural experience that a middle school student can have

Useful information

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The Programme

Below are examples of our policies. We will publish up to date policies in May 2027. 

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