MARLBOROUGH College has cancelled this year’s Summer School.

Director, John Blake, said: "It is felt that we could not make either event work this year if we are restricted by social distancing measures.

"Also, with more than 50% of our Summer School customers aged over 60, it would be irresponsible of us to gather so many potentially vulnerable customers together in one place."

Master of Marlborough College, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, added: "Much thought has been given to offering an online Summer School.

"The feeling is that this would go against the interactive and immersive nature of our courses and customers would miss out on the very things that make MCSS and MCSEC what it is, and we work so hard to retain, i.e. a chance to learn new skills in a friendly, cooperative, engaging and joyous atmosphere.

"However, we will be offering a free online enrichment programme for our past and present School of English and Culture students."

The college plans to run an identical Summer School programme next year with the same courses, accommodation and entertainment. The provisional dates for Summer School 2021 are July 11 to August 7. Tickets will go on sale on September 1.