Political Thought Retreat
A world-class educational experience in a beautiful setting
Space for critical thinking
It has been a dizzying few years. Algorithms on social media have helped fuel a doomscrolling epidemic. Soon-to-be trillionaires compete for political influence, and to be the first to fire themselves into space on privately financed and built rockets. Living standards in some parts of the world have improved to an almost unrecognisable degree, others remain stuck due to intractable political, economic or social issues. The old fashioned split into the political ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ has become almost completely meaningless. We face a climate crisis – or do we?
Making sense of all this is hard work. Promises of quick fixes abound, as do a multitude of easy distractions in the palms of our hands.
10th – 21st August 2026
Blundell’s School, Tiverton, Devon.
How did we get here? Look at the module choices available on any politics degree and you will see a range of thinkers and texts that are considered to have formed some of the foundational principles of modern political systems. These modules will feature thinkers such as Hobbes, Rousseau, Locke, Wollstonecraft and Arendt. Many of the ideas in these texts are, for better or worse, seen as foundational to ‘Western’ politics. We will cover many of these texts and big ideas, and engage with them critically. There will be ample time for independent reflection, group discussion and much healthy debate.
On our Political Thought summer retreat, students will grapple with these big ideas themselves, and with the effects they continue to have on both political thought and politics today. We will use the key ideas and concepts within the texts to stimulate individual reflection, as well as group discussion and debate. A significant portion of time will be dedicated to applying the ideas and concepts from these texts to modern political scenarios, both real and hypothetical.
Booking Now Open
Secure your £200* discount for our Political Thought retreat.
*Limited to the first TEN spaces.
Everything you need, all in one beautiful location
Our Political Thought summer retreat includes all required texts and a journal for reflective writing; daily classroom-based seminars led by subject experts; small group activities and discussion outdoors in the beautiful 100-acre grounds of Blundell’s School; world-leading guest speakers; peer-to-peer formal debates, and much more.
As well as the excellent facilities at Blundell’s School and expert tuition, the centre of the market town of Tiverton is only a few minutes walk away, with its various eateries, cafes and shops. Ample time each day will be set aside for students to socialise, read or head into town for lunch.
Book your place!
There are only ten spaces at the discounted price of £999 (£200 saving).
Summer Retreat – Political Thought, 10th – 21st Aug 2026
This is the option to select if you wish to attend our Political Thought retreat, and secure a £200 discount. This discount is only valid for the first ten places on the retreat.
Book Together & Save
Attend both our retreats this summer and save *£800* for a limited time only
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Looking for something different?
Check out our Classical Thought retreat.
