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 particularly well-known for its series of summer schools held in Durham during August. The first school, aimed at musicians aged 12–25, began in Newcastle in 1989 and moved to Durham in 1991. After David Oliver was appointed as the education director in 1993, these events grew larger and longer-lasting, with a second event for adults added in 1996.