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East Summer School
East Summer School is back at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park from Monday 27 July - Friday 7 August for two weeks of creativity, learning and growth.
Delivered by East Ed, East Summer School is free programme where young people from across east London can connect with industry experts through immersive and career-inspired experiences which unlock creativity and build inner talents.
East Summer School is open to anyone aged 12-17 who lives or studies in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest and there's a massive range of activities to interest every young person, each delivered by industry experts.
From fashion magazine creation with London College of Fashion, UAL to a radio content workshop with BBC Asian Network or lighting and audio design with ABBA Voyage - explore the programme below and book into your favourite session now!
Spaces for each workshop are limited and bookings close on Sunday 12 July.
Sign up nowExplore the programme
Explore the programme
12-14-year-olds
Try out one of these amazing courses for anyone aged 12-14-year-olds:
- Why does my street flood? Mapping floods and designing for Urban Flood Risk
Grow your climate awareness through exploring how urban design helps impact flooding in east London and design your own flood-resilient neighbourhood.
- Fashioning Stories with London College of Fashion
Discover fashion history through the stories held in the LCF Archives and in your own wardrobe.
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Unfolding: Beyond the May, Journeys of the Untold UCL East Architecture
Reimagine the map of London through design, photography and stop-motion.
Plus many more, see the full timetable below!
See the 12-14 timetable
15-17-year-olds
Plus don't miss these workshops for 15-17-year-olds:
- Explore. Make. Display: Creative Making with V&A East
Step into V&A East Museum and Storehouse to explore galleries, experiment with materials and create your own artwork.
- The Crew Behind the Curtains at Sadler's Wells East
Get backstage with the Technical Team at Sadler's Wells East for 2-days experience of the theatrical world from behind-the-scenes.
- Costume Design: Making Masks
Design and craft a mask which brings your character's story to life! Gain skills in making and crafting as well as creative storytelling.
See the whole timetable for 15-17-year-olds by clicking the link below!
Download the 15-17 timetableSIGN UP NOW
Click the link below to sign up to East Summer School 2026. You'll be taken through to our booking portal where you can select 1 activity per week for each participant. Please read and be aware of our booking conditions before selecting your choice of workshop.
Bookings close on Sunday 12 July and spaces are limited.
Sign up nowAccessibility
All workshops at East Summer School have been designed to be accessible. If you have additional access needs please email summerschool@queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk and our team will answer any questions about an individual course. The 'Dance with Sadler's Wells East' course for 15-17-year-olds, has been specifically created to provide an inclusive and accessible space for 3 days of moving and creation.
Hear from a past participant
It boosted my creativity immensely, due to the availability of resources around me and how freely I could use them. I felt like I could do anything with the right tools and it allowed me to be extremely innovative. It was really rewarding when I made something of my own which I’m really proud of!! I also enjoyed the energy around me, from my peers and our tutors that supported us, enabled a safe and inviting environment, inviting enough to be ourselves, which I think is really needed, it brings out more from people - especially in a course like this.
Any questions?
The team is happy to help with anything, whether that's completing the form, keeping a few young people together, or talking through access needs.
Email: eastsummerschool@queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
Phone: 07889165044
Frequently Asked Questions
What is East Summer School?
It's a free programme of creative, fun workshops where young people get to work alongside real industry experts. They might make a fashion magazine with London College of Fashion, UAL, try out a radio workshop with the BBC Asian Network, or go behind the scenes on lighting and production at ABBA Voyage.
When and where does it happen?
Monday 27 July to Friday 7 August 2026, across two weeks, at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford. Each workshop is hosted by one of the partner venues around the Park, and you'll get the exact location and joining instructions once your place is confirmed.
How much does it cost?
Nothing at all. Every workshop is completely free.
Who can take part?
Any young person aged 12 to 17 who lives or studies in Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets or Waltham Forest. Young people from these four boroughs are given priority.
How many workshops can one young person do?
They can pick one activity per week, so up to two across the fortnight, one in the first week and one in the second.
How do I apply, and when do applications close?
You apply through the online form, and it only takes about five to ten minutes to complete. The deadline is Sunday, 12 July 2026.
Does applying guarantee a place?
Not quite. Applying tells the team you're interested, but a place is only yours once you've had a confirmation email from us. You will get confirmation by 17 July.
Can I change my application after I've sent it?
Yes, please email us at eastsummerschool@queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk with any changes (stating the young person's name and age)
What happens if a workshop is already full?
You might be offered a place on the waiting list. If a space opens up, the team will get in touch using the contact details you gave. A waiting list spot isn't a promise of a place, but plenty do come through.
Can I book for more than one young person?
Absolutely, and this is really common for parents with a few children and for social workers, support workers, teachers and youth workers.
Can I keep two or three young people in the same workshop together?
Yes, the team can usually help with this, though it isn't automatic, so a little planning goes a long way. Pick the same workshop in the same week on each young person's form, double-check they all fit the same age group (the 12 to 14 and 15 to 17 courses are separate, so young people far apart in age may not be able to share a session), and then drop the team an email listing who you'd like kept together. Doing this early, before the deadline, gives you the best chance of getting them placed as a group.
Are the workshops accessible for young people with SEND?
Yes. Every workshop is designed to be accessible, and the best thing you can do is set out any access or support needs clearly on the form. For young people with a declared need, the team will get in touch with you to ensure we have the correct information and we can make sure the young person can get the most out of the East Summer school. If you have questions about how a particular course would work for your young person, email the team and they'll happily talk it through with you before you commit.
Is there a workshop built specifically to be inclusive?
There is. Dance with Sadler's Wells East, for 15 to 17s, is a three-day course created specifically as an inclusive, accessible space to move and create together. It's a lovely place to start if a young person feels most at home in a session designed around inclusion from the very beginning.
Do I need to stay with my child during the workshops?
No. The sessions are run by our East Ed partners venues' own staff, and young people take part on their own once they're there. Parents and carers will not be allowed to observe sessions. You can always use this time to explore the park, there are loads of things to do!
How does dropping off and collecting work?
Drop-off and pick-up arrangements will depend on your course, as workshops take place at different venues across Queen Elizabeth Olympic park. We’ll share the details in advance, and there will always be a safe place for drop-off and collection each day.
Does my child need to bring lunch or anything else?
Free lunch is provided for all students, but you’re welcome to bring your own food if you prefer. We’ll share more information once your course is confirmed.
How will I know if my child has a place, and what if we can't make it?
You'll get a confirmation email, followed by joining instructions with the exact location and times, so do keep an eye on your inbox and spam folder.
If your plans change and you can no longer come, please let the team know as soon as you can using the Change of Availability Form or by emailing us so the place can go to someone on the waiting list.
The workshops are free, but the venues put real time and staffing into every confirmed booking, so it helps enormously if everyone only applies for sessions they truly intend to attend.
How do I get help or ask a question?
The team is happy to help with anything, whether that's completing the form, keeping a few young people together, or talking through access needs.
Email: eastsummerschool@queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
Phone: 07889165044
East Ed
East Summer School is delivered by East Ed which is a learning programme at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park made up of East Bank: V&A East, Sadler’s Wells East, UCL East, the BBC and London College of Fashion, UAL. East Summer School is supported by funding from the East End Community Foundation.
