London pre-arrival information

We are really looking forward to welcoming you to our Summer School. On this page, you will find useful information to help you to prepare for your arrival.

Before you travel

What to bring with you

• Toiletries such as shower gel, handwash, shampoo, toothpaste, etc. These items will NOT be provided in rooms.
• If you are using our transfer service, please ensure you only have 1 medium size suitcase (23kg) and 1 small piece of hand luggage. More luggage than this cannot be accommodated unless you want to pay for a premium private service. This must be organised with our team in advance.
• A pair of comfortable and supportive walking shoes. We walk a lot in both London and Cambridge.
• Casual clothes, suitable for both warm and cool weather.
• Waterproof jacket and umbrella.
• Sun protection cream and a hat.
• A reusable water bottle. Please carry this with you at all times.
• Make sure you bring something loose and comfortable to wear for sports and activities.
• The dress code for summer school classes is comfortable and casual.
• Smart clothes for the Summer School party taking place on the final Friday evening of each group.
• A mobile phone so you are contactable during free time and offsite trips.
• Please install WhatsApp as staff will use this app on designated school phones to communicate with students. Note: Some countries restrict WhatsApp. In this case, if you can obtain an E-sim with a UK number before arrival and download the app at the airport, it will help to connect with our transfer service and staff if required. Please share this number with us prior to arrival, if possible.
• A laptop or tablet is useful, especially for Business and Medicine students but it is not essential! You will have access to desktop computers at the school.
• Mobile/laptop chargers and travel adaptors.
• Portable charger
• UK SIM card or E-sim
• Hairdryer, if needed. Please note, we do not provide any hairdryers or hairstyling tools.
• Towels and bed linen will be provided.
• A pre-paid international bank card for spending pocket money (avoid bringing large amounts of cash). Some international bank cards will not always work at UK bank machines. Apple and Google Pay are widely accepted.
• You will be provided with one pillow. If you require an additional one, please purchase this and bring with you or buy when you arrive.

Arrival and departure dates

When booking flights and planning your travel, please ensure that they align with the arrival and departure dates:

Arrival dates for Boarders:

• Group 1: June 29th
• Group 2: July 13th
• Group 3: July 27th

Departure Dates:

• Group 1: July 12th
• Group 2: July 26th
• Group 3: August 9th

On your journey

Travel documents to keep in your hand luggage

• Passport: You will need your valid passport (the same one as used to apply for ETA or Visa) if you are travelling from overseas to the UK. Photo ID cards are no longer accepted as identity documents for European travellers entering the UK.
• Travel Consent form: signed by both parents (if applicable) at the UK border control.
• Confirmation of Enrolment Letter (if you applied for an ETA) letter for UK Border Control stating your tuition and accommodation fees are paid in full. If not provided, you may be asked to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Visa Supporting Letter (if you had to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK) for UK Border Control stating your tuition and accommodation fees are paid in full. If not provided, you may be asked to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Medical insurance document. We provide boarders with this at travel confirmation stage. You may have your own insurance information.
• International bank card and/or cash.
• Any medication you may need.*

*If you are bringing medication into the UK, you will need to bring a doctor’s prescription (translated in English) with you confirming your condition and need for the medication. We confiscate all medication on arrival to the boarding house for safe storage.

Arriving at MPW

Real Transfers LTD is our airport pick up service for our London students. If you require an airport transfer service, you must submit your flight details and have sent payment (if applicable) two weeks in advance of your flight.

On arrivals day, your taxi driver will be present in the Arrivals Hall (after luggage collection) at the airport to meet and greet you on arrival. They will display a Meet board with your name, the taxi company logo and our school’s name. If you cannot find your taxi driver on arrival day, please stay calm, stay where you are and call their emergency number. The emergency contact number for Real Transfer Ltd is +44 (0) 20 8240 4456.

If you cannot connect with the company, please call the Boarding House Team: Queen’s Gate House Boarding phone +44 (0)7494 865 135.

They will assist you in locating the driver to ensure your safe arrival to MPW. Our team have an emergency plan in place to assist you in the event of complications.

After your transfer

On arrival at Queen’s Gate House, our London boarding House, please enter through the big double doors on Queen’s Gate. Our staff will come to meet you and show you to your room and help you settle in.

Please note that smoking is not allowed on any of our school premises or offsite trips.

The residence address is Queen’s Gate House, 65 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5JS (view on a map).

Laundry

Communal washing machines and tumble dryers available to use free of charge. This is self-serve. We will provide washing powder. Given our busy timetable and planned weekend trips, if you are joining us for two weeks, we recommend that you bring a sufficient amount of clothing for your entire stay.

Illness and parental consent

Please note that students will not be admitted to the summer school until the medical and parental consent forms have been completed. If you have not received them, please contact us immediately. Our qualified First Aiders are available to provide assistance with minor issues and to provide medication such as paracetamol or throat lozenges. If you need to see a doctor, our summer school medical insurance policy covers this. Please note this applies to summer school boarding students only.

Timetable

Day only students (non-boarders)

If you live locally and are not staying in our London boarding house, the day only fee includes all lessons, Monday to Friday, lunch and the final awards ceremony & party evening. If you wish to join the after school and/or evening activities, please contact the summer school team. This is available to join for a fee, subject to availability.

Your first day of summer school is Monday. Day (non-boarding) students should arrive at our boarding house, Queen’s Gate House (view on a map) at 8.45 am on the first day, Monday 30th June, 14th or 28th July to get settled before classes begin at 9am.

Boarding students

Arrivals day (Sunday 29th June, 13th July, and 27th July) is a day for settling in and getting to know each other. For those students being dropped off at the boarding house by friends or family, we advise arriving between 12pm and 5pm. Dinner is served between 6.30-7.30pm.

Week 1

• Saturday: Early breakfast and day trip to Cambridge (5th July and 2nd August) or Oxford (19th July) – arriving back late evening.
• Sunday: Late breakfast and relaxing local activity or free time, if permitted by parents (see parental consent form).

Week 2

• Friday: Afternoon Tea, Awards Ceremony and Farewell Party.
• Saturday: Departure day.