English Language Schools in the UK

Who is it for?

A language school in the UK suits anyone who wants to improve their English where it is spoken:

• students, graduates and working people who want better English for everyday life, work or study,
• people preparing for a test such as IELTS before applying to a university or master’s programme,
• anyone who wants to live in the UK for a summer or a few months and use English every day.

The minimum age for year-round courses varies from school to school. For students aged 8 to 17 there are summer programmes organised by age; see our summer schools page for details.

Types of course

General English

The core course, developing speaking, listening, reading and writing together. Full-time General English courses usually include 15 to 25 hours of lessons a week.

Intensive English

General English with more lessons each week, for students who want to progress faster in a limited time.

Exam preparation

Courses for tests such as IELTS, Cambridge English (for example B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency), Trinity College London, LanguageCert or TOEFL, focusing on the test format, strategies and practice tests.

Business English

Focuses on the English needed at work, such as meetings, presentations and correspondence. Usually chosen by working professionals.

Length and level

General English courses can last from one week to a whole academic year. Start dates and the shortest course length vary from school to school.

English levels are described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in six steps, from A1 to C2: A1–A2 basic, B1–B2 independent, C1–C2 proficient user. How long you need depends on your starting level, your lessons per week and your goal.

What to look for in a school

• Accreditation: Accreditation UK is an independent quality assurance scheme run jointly by the British Council and English UK. We suggest checking that a school is accredited under it.
• Lessons per week: the difference between general and intensive courses, and what it does to the price.
• Class size and student mix: how many students are in a class and their age range.
• Location and accommodation: distance from the city centre, and the accommodation the school offers.
• Total cost: registration, materials and accommodation as well as tuition.

Popular places to study

• London: the UK’s capital and largest city, with museums and a cultural life that offer students a great deal.
• Oxford and Cambridge: smaller, quieter cities known around the world for their universities.
• Brighton: a seaside city on the south coast.
• Manchester: one of the largest cities in the north west of England.
• Edinburgh: Scotland’s capital, known for its historic centre and summer festivals.

Application timeline

1. A few months before you start: we talk about your goals, budget and dates, and compare schools.
2. Once you have chosen a school: you complete the enrolment form and pay the deposit or fee the school asks for.
3. When your place is confirmed: the school sends confirmation and course details, and we move on to travel preparations.
4. In the weeks before you start: we go through what you need to know about arrival and your first day.

For the summer months and popular schools, we suggest starting earlier.

How Point Consultancy helps

1. In a first consultation we talk about your goals, level, timing and budget.
2. We compare the schools and courses that suit you.
3. We prepare your enrolment documents with you.
4. We follow up with the school and answer your questions in Turkish or English.
5. We help you get ready before the journey.

Frequently asked questions

To choose the right language school in the UK together, just send the enquiry form.