Manor Courses Ltd, established 1970
The History of Manor Courses
1960's ~ In the summer of 1969 Mrs. Smith met Mrs. Papi, who was directing an English language course in Shoreham, Sussex. Both keen to establish Italian friendships outside Italy, they formed an immediate friendship.
Mrs. Smith was asked if she would come to the college and assist with the organization of the course. There she met Dr Friedrich, an educationalist who had set up many language institutions around the world.
In 1969 there were very few residential summer schools. Dr Friedrich was looking for something special to offer foreign students. Recognizing that Mrs. Smith 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.
1970's ~ 1980's Mrs. Smith found Southover Manor in Lewes, Sussex (this is where the company name Manor Courses originated!). Summer school courses ran for two summers, until the school closed. However, the Head of Southover moved to Lawnside College in Great Malvern, Worcestershire. 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.
1990's ~ Manor Courses had to relocate and found Rendcomb College near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. 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. They found Taunton School, Somerset.
2000's ~ Manor Courses ran their summer school from the attractive 53-acre Taunton School site from 2003 to 2006.
In 2006 Manor Courses decided again to relocate. They searched the country 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.
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.