Folkworks is perhaps best known for the organisation of a series of summer schools run in Durham, usually during August. The original summer school, for musicians aged 12–25, was started in 1989 in Newcastle, and moved to Durham in 1991. Following the appointment of David Oliver as Folkworks' education director in 1993 the summer school grew in size and duration, and a second event for adults was created in 1996.
Folkworks is renowned for its series of summer schools held in Durham during August. The initial school, designed for musicians aged 12–25, began in Newcastle in 1989 and transferred to Durham in 1991. Following David Oliver's appointment as the education director in 1993, these events expanded in size and duration, with a second event for adults introduced in 1996.