Summer schools didn’t really exist in the 1960’s ~ In 1969 there were very few residential summer schools. Dr Friedrich, an educationalist who had set up many language institutions around the world, was looking for something special to offer foreign students. Recognizing that a mutual friend, Mrs. Smith (mother of Jacky), could provide students with personal care and attention, he asked her to locate a suitable site from which she could set-up and run a residential summer school.

The industry blossoms in the 1970’s ~ 1980’s Mrs. Smith found Southover Manor in Lewes, Sussex (this is where the company name Manor Courses originated!). However, after 2 years the Head of Southover moved to Lawnside College in Great Malvern. Introducing foreign students to this sleepy town close to the Malvern Hills was a great success. Manor Courses became a colourful part in the town’s life during the summers and they enjoyed twenty-one years at Lawnside College until it closed in 1994.

Our international market expands in the 1990’s ~ Manor Courses had to relocate and found Rendcomb College near Cheltenham. Rendcomb College was a great success for eight years until 2002, when relocation was necessary because of changes at the College. The Directors searched for the next summer school where they felt confident that the students would appreciate and enjoy the exciting new location.

Our services and standards keep improving in the 2000’s ~ Manor Courses found Taunton School, Somerset, and ran their summer school from the attractive Taunton School site from 2003 to 2006. In 2006 we decided again to relocate and eventually located the quintessential location for a Residential English Language Summer School – Hurst College, Sussex. An independent boarding school throughout the academic year, during the summer the Directors of Manor Courses move in and turn it into an international summer school with a warm family atmosphere, though bigger than any previous campus.

Over the years Manor Courses has been expanding, welcoming an increasing number of nationalities. Our ethos remains the same: our office doors are always open to make all students feel part of our large family.

In 2008, Manor Courses at Hurst College was inspected and accredited by the British Council. We then proudly became a member of English UK.

In 2012 we successfully passed our second British Council inspection, receiving good advice from them too. Previous to that we also joined the English UK Young Learners Group.

In 2015 we will celebrate our 45th year. Also, our sister Su Barnard has joined the team full-time, leaving her primary school teaching position in London to move to Brighton. This summer we will also welcome 30% of our staff returning from previous summers. As Managers we are proud to welcome back Aaron, Ian and Alex as academic managers, and both Hannah and Marnix as activity managers, with both Tom and Grace in charge of the house team.