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

• A pair of good walking shoes and casual clothes, suitable for both warm and cool weather.
• Sun protection cream, sun hat and umbrella.
• 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 river cruise.
• A mobile phone so you are contactable during free time and offsite trips.
• A laptop is useful but not essential! You will have access to desktop computers at the school.
• Mobile/laptop chargers and travel adaptors.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel and any other toiletries you might need.
• A reusable water bottle. Please carry this with you at all times.
• 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.

*Towels and bed linen will be provided.

Arrival and departure dates

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

• Arrival dates are 9 July and 23 July.
• Departure dates are 22 July and 5 August.

On your journey

Travel documents to keep in your hand luggage

Please ensure that you bring the following documents with you in your hand luggage:

• Passport: You will need your valid passport 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.
• If you intend to pass through ePassport gates, please keep hold of your boarding pass for our records.
• Parental Consent form: If you are under 18 years old and travelling alone, you need to provide a Parental Consent form signed by both parents (if applicable) at the UK border control.
• Arrival 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 letter (if applicable) – this will apply to you if you had to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK.
• Medical insurance documents.
• International bank card and/or cash.
• Any medication you may need.*

*If you are bringing large amounts of medication into the UK, it is likely that you will need to bring a doctor’s note with you confirming your condition and need for the medication.

Arriving at MPW

Airport Angels is our airport pick up service for all students arriving and departing from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, King’s Cross St. Pancras and London City Airport. Please note that arrivals and departures from Luton Airport will be organised by another company and you will be contacted separately about this.

On arrivals day, an Airport Angel will be present in the Arrivals Hall (after luggage) at the airport to meet and greet you on arrival. They will display a Meet board with your name and our school’s name and will be in a pink Airport Angels uniform.

If you cannot find your Airport Angel on arrival day, please stay where you are and call their emergency number. They have teams at each airport who will assist you. Airport Angels emergency cell number is +44 (0)7969 021 006.

On arrival at Queen’s Gate House, please enter through the big double doors on Queen’s Gate. Please note that the residence complex reception will be closed over the weekend. 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

You will have access to a laundry service once during your stay. This is voluntary. Please note that if you use this service, clothes will be washed at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius, and all clothes will be tumble dried. Do not add any clothes to the service that do not fit these requirements, or they will be damaged. 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 medication

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, we provide instant access to mobile doctors 24/7 at no additional cost. This is covered by our comprehensive international insurance policy available to international students who are not eligible to use NHS services.

Timetable

Day students

If you live locally and are not staying in our London boarding house, the fee includes all lessons, plus after school activities. Students should arrive should arrive at MPW London at 8.45 am each day, Monday to Friday. Classes finish at 3.00pm and after school activities end at 5.00/5.30pm. All day students will join the after-school activities, however if you wish to opt out of the after school activity, this must be requested by parents or guardians and notice given to us.

Boarding students

Arrivals day is a day for settling in and getting to know each other. Dinner is served between 5.30 – 6.30 pm. Snack and sandwiches will be available throughout the day at our refectory.

Week 1

• Saturday: Early breakfast and day trip to Cambridge – 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: Farewell party
• Saturday: Departure day