Useful Info

Our focus has remained on Cambridge throughout the years, so we have an in-depth knowledge of the city and a great relationship with the university's colleges. Many of our supervisory and teaching staff return year on year, committed to offering our students the experience of a lifetime within a safe, positive and inspiring environment.

The senior staff team has extensive knowledge of the education world and travel industry, as well as many years of invaluable first-hand experience of the University of Cambridge and British education systems. This, combined with years of promoting further education to the international community, makes Reach Cambridge a superior choice for a residential study program.

In addition to our many years of experience, Reach Cambridge is accredited by the British Accreditation Council who provide a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education in the UK. This is a testimony to the high standards we set ourselves regarding the planning, preparation and procedures we follow to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our students and staff.

Our team is dedicated to offering our students the international experience of a lifetime within a safe, positive and inspiring community.

1. Academic Excellence: Learn from leading scholars and experts; engage with dynamic classes, lectures and workshops.
2. Inspiring Surroundings: Live, learn and grow in the historic and world-famous University City of Cambridge.
3. Excursions & Activities: Explore the UK with culturally enriching excursions and engage in fun, inclusive activities.
4. International Experience: Meet people from all over the world, learn about different cultures and make friends for life.
5. The Perfect Balance: Manage your own free time and balance it with your studies. Grow in confidence, understanding and independence.

The main exclusions are as follows:

• Flights - These should be booked independently
• Some meals – Weekdays are half board (2 meals a day). This allows students more freedom to explore Cambridge city centre and sample the many food options on offer for their third meal. On weekend excursion days we provide breakfast only.
• Spending money – Students should bring an allowance for shopping, free time etc.
• Visas - Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information.

During the summer programs, we also have a range of Taster course subjects to supplement the academic courses. If you want to work on a project that makes a difference, whilst gaining Community Outreach hours, then the Community Outreach course is for you. You can find out more about all our Taster courses here.

Please read the Policy Information on the Insurance page carefully, paying particular attention to what is covered and any exclusions. You are responsible for ensuring that the Policy is suitable for your needs, and you may wish to take out additional insurance as required.

Please note that this cover applies to individuals, and not to those students who are attending as part of a school group or are enrolled on a bespoke course. We strongly recommend that these groups make their own arrangements for comprehensive medical and travel insurance.

Upon arrival, students are given a welcome talk, which further outlines the key aspects of health and safety to be aware of, and adhere to, during their time on the program. In addition, all students are encourage to take sensible actions to help such as locking their bedrooms and keeping their windows closed when they are not in their bedrooms.

Students must attend all classes; you must report to your supervisor at curfew; you cannot leave your dormitory after curfew; you may not possess or consume alcohol or drugs; you must treat other students, staff and the public with respect.

The consequences for breaking one of the rules vary depending on the circumstances. However, particularly in the case of alcohol or drug related misconduct, the penalty can be severe: should a student violate any of the rules and regulations of the program, Reach Cambridge have the right to dismiss and repatriate them at their own expense without refund of the program fee (see our Terms & Conditions for more information)

At Reach Cambridge, the safety and welfare of our students is our number one priority. Our experienced senior staff work together with our supervisors and teachers to ensure that our students have the opportunity to grow in confidence and enjoy their independence in a safe and supervised environment. Many of our staff are first-aid trained and we have dedicated welfare staff, all of whom operate under clear procedures and guidelines to ensure that we can provide the students with the highest level of care and support.

All Reach Cambridge activities and excursions are supervised, and Reach Cambridge senior staff and supervisors live on-site alongside the students and are available 24 hours a day. Many of our supervisors are current undergraduates and are the students' first point of contact to attend to their questions or concerns. Upon arrival, students are given a welcome talk, which outlines curfew times, program structure and safety procedures. All students are given emergency cards with the contact details of the Reach staff and the students' accommodation. Students must carry these emergency cards at all times.

Students are accommodated in same-sex dormitories of single or shared rooms. All students have access to shared bathroom facilities. Students are grouped on their corridor or staircase with others of the same gender and a similar age, but a diverse mixture of courses and nationalities, allowing them to make friends from across the world!

The rooms are not en-suite however there are plenty of bathroom facilities on each corridor or staircase.

Reach Cambridge staff are resident on site in case of emergencies and to give support to the students 24 hours a day, alongside the College porters and housekeeping staff.

Reach Cambridge, in conjunction with the colleges, will make best efforts to accommodate the specific needs of students. However, given the nature and age of most campuses, buildings are not always adapted to accommodate students with mobility issues.

Reach Cambridge undertakes to refer students for independent specialist diagnostic testing where appropriate. When confirmed by independent specialist assessment, Reach Cambridge also undertakes to provide specialist support, where agreed, appropriate and possible.

In all cases, please get in touch before application so we can discuss what might reasonably be done to accommodate your needs. You can email us on admissions@reachcambridge.com or call us on +44 8708 031 732.

We have designed the courses to allow plenty of time for class discussion and interaction. Homework is kept to a minimum, although work that is set is expected to be completed to a high standard.

After dinner, students attend an evening lecture, after which they are free to enjoy the evening entertainment organised by the supervisors, spend time socialising or catch up on homework (if desired). Evening curfew is when all students must be on their staircases or corridors to sign in with their supervisors. At the weekends, students enjoy excursions; in the past these have included Shakespeare's birthplace Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Oxford, Brighton and more!

To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform us of your decision to cancel this contract by a clear statement (e.g. a letter sent by post) addressed to Reach Cambridge Ltd, The Guildhall, Cambridge CB2 3QJ, or via email to admissions@reachcambridge.com.

In addition, the following cancellation charges are applicable:

• More than 200 days before the date of the course: no cancellation charge. However, Reach Cambridge will retain your deposit.
• 200-100 days before the course start date: 50% of the program balance. Reach Cambridge will also retain your deposit.
• Under 100 days before the course start date: 100% of the program balance. Reach Cambridge will also retain your deposit.

For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions here.

Please note that scholarship prizes are only awarded to a very small number of students who write truly exceptional essays, and that you must also supply a school letter of recommendation highlighting your suitability for the scholarship.

Details for the Scholarship Essay Competition can be found here.

In the afternoon, there are activities and optional taster courses. Activities are fun and inclusive and range from larger organised events such as our international celebration, the Reach Cambridge Olympics and talent show, as well as sport, drama, music, art and opportunities to explore and experience Cambridge during this time, such as punting and trips to local museums.

Our Taster Courses also run during the afternoons as well; these range from an Introduction to Architecture, to Young Leaders, and from AI & Cybersecurity to Creative Writing. For the full list, please visit www.reachcambridge.com/courses.

Dinner is usually in the college dining hall, followed by an evening lecture or workshop, where all students come together to be academically challenged and engage with new and dynamic subjects including Climate Change, Interview Skills, Positive Psychology and many more.

Twice per program, all students join together on exciting excursions to world-famous cultural sites within the UK such as London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford and many more.

The process is straightforward:

1. Complete a simple application form.
2. Payment of the deposit confirms your enrolment.
3. All Reach students should also submit a personal statement through their online account and this should be received within 30 days of the date of application.

The Personal Statement, written by the student, should be between 500-1000 words and should state why the student wishes to attend Reach Cambridge. At least one paragraph should be dedicated to their chosen academic course as well as their academic background and aspirations for the future. This is to ensure that our tutors can tailor the academic experience appropriately. To these ends, a school transcript and/or English language test may be requested in due course and we will contact you in writing if this is the case. Please complete the Personal Statement on your online account.

In order to achieve BAC accreditation, we have had to demonstrate that we meet the BAC's rigorous standards in four inspection areas:

• Management, Staffing and Administration
• Teaching, Learning and Assessment
• Participant Welfare
• Premises and Facilities

Education experts from the BAC inspectorate assessed the institution against our standards during a formal inspection visit. The Inspection team wrote a report for the independent Accreditation Committee who subsequently awarded accreditation, which is valid for four years. The inspection report and more information on the BAC can be found at https://www.the-bac.org/directory/12621/reach-cambridge

Flights

Because Reach Cambridge students come from all over the world to form an international cohort, we’re unable to organise a formal ‘group fare’ from each hub. Instead, students should book their own flights (and let us know their flight details on the online form in their online account). 

Your arrival options are:

1) Reach Cambridge Airport Transfer – this is for students flying in on their arrival day. A member of our team will meet you at arrivals and accompany you on our airport transfer to Cambridge. This service is available for flights landing at London Heathrow Airport. More information can be found below.

2) Self Travel – Arrive independently at Cambridge between 12pm - 3pm unless specified otherwise; details on specific arrival times/location will be emailed to you just before the start of your Program.

Your departure options are:

1) Reach Cambridge Airport Transfer – for those who choose to take advantage of our airport transfer service to London Heathrow airport. More information can be found below.

2) Self Departure – Depart independently from Cambridge. You must leave campus by 9.30am.

If you choose to make your own way from Heathrow, or are arriving from another airport, you will need to arrange your own transfers (we recommend booking a taxi transfer at www.airportlynx.co.uk).

Reach Airport Transfers 

Why not simplify your travel plans and take advantage of our airport transfer service for London Heathrow airport? We will ensure that you are met in person and taken directly to your Cambridge campus in comfort. 

It’s also the perfect chance to meet other Reach students at the airport and start making friends from the moment you arrive! 

• Arrival Transfers

We recommend the latest flight arrival time for students to use this service is 11.30am.

We only provide supervision on arrival days for Heathrow from 07:30am, until the last bus for each given location. Please note - specific contact details of Reach staff will be shared nearer to the program start date.

• Departure Transfers

We recommend the earliest flight departure time for students to use this service is 12pm.

As stated in our Terms & Conditions, students will only be guaranteed supervision by a Reach Cambridge staff member at the airports until 2pm. Please note that after this time, the students will be unaccompanied.

Prices & Booking Details 

How to Book

Reserving your place for an airport transfer is quick and simple. You can either add it upon application or at a later date through your online account. More information on deadlines and other details can be found on your online account travel section.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. 

Our online tuition is tailored to your specific learning objectives and schedule - available year-round and during the summer, visit our online tuition website - www.reachcambridgetutors.com.

If you ever have any questions, please contact us as follows:

• Phone: +44 8708 031 732
• Email: info@reachcambridge.com
• Mailing Address: The Guildhall, Cambridge CB2 3QJ

One benefit of attending a longer program (i.e 4 or 6 weeks) is the unique opportunity to experience more than one exceptional subject courses, since each course lasts a minimum of 2 weeks. You just need to indicate this on the application form via our website. If you would prefer, you are also able to choose the same subject for up to 4 weeks.

On excursion days, we provide breakfast but students are given time to buy lunch during the excursion and dinner, usually on return in Cambridge.

We usually recommend about £200 per week spending money, depending of course on purchase of souvenirs etc.

According to our students, these are the main highlights of our programs:

• A great combination of academic excellence, extra-curricular activities and engaging excursions.
• Friendly, supportive, tight-knit and professional supervisor team.
• Engaging and challenging academic courses.

We also have many students who attend because of referrals from school counsellors and coordinators who we have built strong relationships with over the many successful years we have been running. We have excellent staff to student ratios both in class and on each program, which allows us to give all students a good level of attention on an individual basis whilst also fostering a safe, supportive and positive international community. We also have longstanding relationships with colleges and staff within Cambridge, and an in-depth knowledge of our city and surrounding area.

To find out more about the Reach Experience, please click here.

As well as many years of experience and great student experiences mentioned in our testimonials, we are also accredited by the British Accreditation Council who provide a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education in the UK. You are able to read our accreditation report via our website.

To read a range of reviews please take a look at https://www.goabroad.com/providers/reach-cambridge and https://www.gooverseas.com/organization/reach-cambridge-reviews.

One benefit of attending a longer program (i.e 4 or 6 weeks) is the unique opportunity to experience more than one exceptional subject courses, since each course lasts a minimum of 2 weeks. You just need to indicate this on the application form via our website. If you would prefer, you are also able to choose the same subject for up to 4 weeks.

We will also ask each student to write a personal statement to better understand (a) their motivation and objectives in attending the program and (b) their academic background and aspirations for the future. This will help ensure our course teachers can tailor the academic experience appropriately. If we feel it is necessary, we may also ask for a copy of a student's latest school transcript.

Further instructions on how to proceed next are in the emails sent from the admissions team once you apply and after you have paid your deposit.

• Your ‘Application form’ is the initial form completed on our website
• ‘Enrolment’ means your place is confirmed once a deposit is paid
• You 'Personal Statement' is used to better understand (a) your motivation and objectives in attending the program and (b) your academic background and aspirations for the future
• Your ‘Online application’ is your whole application page including travel information, insurance, etc.
• Your ‘Online account’ is your user dashboard for which you have an individual login

Parents can be understandably cautious about sending their children abroad for a study program, and so a member of our senior staff team would be more than willing to answer any questions and allay any concerns over the phone. If you would like to speak to a member of the senior staff, please use our contact form, email us at info@reachcambridge.com or phone us (+44 8708 031 732). We have a clear set of regulations for students and staff and detailed preparations regarding medical support. Risk assessments have been carried out on the campuses.

Staff are:

• Trained in first aid and safe organization of activities.
• Subject to a rigorous DBS (Disclosures and Barring Service) check as per the legal requirements for working with young people in the UK.
• Experienced at working with young people. As current undergraduates and recent graduates, they also have a perfect idea of the pressures and strains on young people living in a new university environment.
• In addition, Reach Cambridge is regularly inspected by the British Accreditation Council.

Our academic teaching body is made up of Fellows, Professors, researchers, post-graduates, and specialists in their field; many of our academic staff are working or studying at high-level academic institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford or London universities.

Supervisors (the equivalent of a camp counsellor) live on site with the students and are in charge of all activities and events, as well as the welfare of the students. The supervisory team is primarily made up of university students, many from the University of Cambridge, who have first-hand knowledge of university life.

Please read the Policy Information on the Insurance page carefully, paying particular attention to what is covered and any exclusions. You are responsible for ensuring that the Policy is suitable for your needs, and you may wish to take out additional insurance as required.

Please note that this cover applies to individuals, and not to those students who are attending as part of a school group or are enrolled on a bespoke course. We strongly recommend that these groups make their own arrangements for comprehensive medical and travel insurance.