New Leadership & Sustainability Summer Programme at Merrist Wood
St Clare’s is delighted to announce a new partnership with CIFAL Surrey, part of the University of Surrey Institute for Sustainability, to deliver a brand-new Leadership & Sustainability course as part of the Teenagers: Merrist Wood Summer Programme for students aged 15–17.
The course has also been approved and will be certified by UNITAR, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
Co-designed and co-delivered by St Clare’s and the Institute for Sustainability, the programme offers a multidisciplinary learning experience grounded in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students will explore how sustainability and leadership intersect in real-world contexts, developing practical solutions to today’s environmental and social challenges.
University of Surrey academics will contribute specialist teaching and workshops, including:
Dr Roberta Discetti – Leadership for Sustainable Development
Dr Melissa Marselle & Dr Valentine Seymour – The Wildlife Wellbeing Challenge
Dr Matteo Giusti – Nature-Positive School Citizen Science Lab
Dr Madeleine Bussemaker – PFAS in food packaging investigation
Students will also visit the University of Surrey campus, take part in a university application workshop, and engage in research-led learning experiences.
A spokesperson from the University of Surrey said:
“The University’s Institute for Sustainability brings together world class, cross disciplinary expertise and advances real world, systemic solutions for long term wellbeing. CIFAL Surrey provides accredited learning aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, enabling us to offer internationally recognised sustainability and leadership training to young people.”
The programme takes place at Merrist Wood, near Guildford, one hour from London, within 400 acres of countryside including woodland, farmland, and diverse ecological habitats.
Course Highlights:
Ages 15–17 | English level B2–C2
Start dates: 12 & 26 July 2026
Duration: 2 weeks
Maximum 12 students per class
All-inclusive programme with accommodation, meals, activities, excursions, and airport transfers
This partnership reflects St Clare’s commitment to academically rigorous, future-focused summer programmes that empower the next generation of global leaders.
Find out more by visiting this link.
