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Island hopping and music festivals might be the classic summer plan after exams, and there’s no doubt they have their place. But what if you want something more? What if you want to make the most of your summer before university, not just to celebrate the end of school, but to experience something unforgettable, impactful, and empowering?
That’s where The Leap comes in.
Our summer gap year programmes are designed for students who are ready to do something different. Whether or not you’re planning a gap year, you can still experience the best of purposeful travel, all in just a few weeks. It’s the perfect way to press pause, explore the world, and do something that will stay with you long after summer ends.
You’ve worked hard to get to this point. After exams, you deserve something more than just a break, you deserve a summer that fuels your growth, feeds your curiosity, and gives you something real to take into the next chapter of life.
With The Leap, your summer becomes more than just a holiday. You’ll travel off-grid to breathtaking corners of the world - think coastal Kenya, the Amazon jungle, or the highlands of Peru - where you’ll live and work alongside local communities on projects that matter. From marine conservation and reforestation to teaching and sustainable farming, you’ll have the chance to roll up your sleeves and make a tangible difference.
This isn’t voluntourism. Our programmes are carefully designed in collaboration with local partners who truly need our support. Every project is chosen for its long-term impact and its ability to create genuine change, both in the communities we support and in the students who join us.
You won’t just observe from the sidelines. You’ll be immersed in daily life, contributing to projects that support education, protect ecosystems, and empower communities. And while your work will help others, you’ll also gain hands-on experience, broaden your world view, and build lifelong skills.
Heading to university is exciting, but it can also be daunting. One of the best ways to feel ready is to push your comfort zone in a safe and supported environment.
Our summer Leaps are fully guided, with experienced in-country teams who manage logistics, safety, and support. That means you can focus on the adventure while building independence, confidence, and resilience. You’ll learn to navigate new cultures, collaborate in teams, and adapt to different ways of life, all which are invaluable as you prepare for uni life and beyond.
Many students return from their Leap with a clearer sense of who they are, what they care about, and what direction they want to take next. It's a transformative experience, packed into just four unforgettable weeks.
One of the most powerful parts of our summer programmes? The friendships. Each team is made up of people just like you - school leavers who are curious, open-minded, and ready to make the most of their summer. You’ll face challenges together, share stories, and support one another through every new experience.
These shared adventures often lead to lifelong bonds. Whether it’s laughing over card games at basecamp, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or chatting by a beach bonfire, you’ll form friendships that continue long after the plane ride home.
Looking ahead to university applications or future career goals? A Leap is more than just a great story, it’s a serious CV booster.
Our summer volunteering programmes offer the chance to earn an International Volunteering Diploma accredited by the National Open College Network, worth up to 16 UCAS points. You’ll gain real-world skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, all of which admissions tutors and employers value highly.
Plus, you’ll have meaningful experiences to draw on for personal statements, interviews, and beyond. It’s a great way to stand out in a sea of standard summer holidays.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Leap without a little adrenaline. Beyond the volunteer projects, our programmes include amazing off-grid adventures. Think zip-lining through rainforest canopies, sailing down the Kilifi Creek, or going on safari in Tsavo National Park.
These aren’t just touristy excursions. They’re woven into the journey, giving you a full picture of the landscapes, wildlife, and cultures you’re immersed in. Every day brings something new, and every moment is part of the experience.
If you’re not planning a gap year, don’t worry. Our summer Leaps are designed to fit perfectly into the window between exams and uni. In just four weeks, you can experience something truly special: meaningful travel, lifelong friendships, and the kind of growth that sets you up for whatever comes next.
So go ahead, make your summer count.
Choose impact. Choose connection. Choose The Leap.
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