Why Cape Town is one of the most affordable places to learn English abroad
Studying English abroad can feel like a big investment, both in terms of your time and money. There are...
So, you’ve decided to take a language course in London. Great choice. It’s one of the world’s best cities where you could spend a lifetime and not see and do everything. The next step is to choose the right English school in London to improve your language skills. There are several factors you’ll need to think about before you decide.
The number one question we ask when shopping around and comparing items or services is ‘how much does it cost?’ How much are your course, accommodation, and spending money going to amount to? We are all limited by financial and time limits when we go abroad. The cheapest school doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you. What you are looking for is the best value for money. You don’t want to waste your money on a school that is cheap but doesn’t satisfy your needs. Cheaper schools may sound appealing because we all like saving, but what are you actually getting for your money? Learning English in London is an investment in yourself. You want to get the best return on your investment. The outcome of your course should be better English, more confidence, new friends and amazing memories from a wonderful stay in England. All the points that come next relate to the value for money you get from your investment.
Cost is usually one of the first things students consider when comparing English schools. However, you should compare the total cost of your stay rather than looking only at the weekly course price.
Your budget may need to include:
The cheapest school does not necessarily offer the best value. A low-cost course may have larger classes, fewer lessons, less included in the price or accommodation that is further from the school.
Some things can’t be bought. e.g. the atmosphere in the school, the mix of nationalities and the friendliness of the school staff. A good school should have these regardless of the price. Check Google Reviews for real student reviews of the school.
Learning English in London is an investment in yourself. The benefits may include improved English, greater confidence, new friendships and memorable experiences. The important thing is to understand exactly what you are getting for your money.
English schools in London come in all shapes and sizes. Some are big and busy, some are small and more personal, and some are somewhere in between. What type of school suits your learning style? Do you find big schools energising, or do you prefer the relaxed vibe of a small English school where everyone knows your name? Find out the school’s capacity (how many students it holds) or the number of classrooms; this will let you know the size of the school.
School size and class size are not the same thing. A large school may offer small classes, while a small school may sometimes have larger groups during busy periods.
Tip: If you want a quieter experience, you may want to avoid the high-season summer months when London English schools are at their busiest. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn could offer a more relaxed experience…and there are fewer tourists in London too.
Class size can affect the amount of individual attention and speaking practice you receive. The more students in a class, the less time you will have with a teacher and possibly the less speaking time. All schools must publish the maximum number of students they have in class. Group lessons are fun and lively, but too many students in class can limit progress and cause frustration. What’s the maximum number of students you would be comfortable studying with?
Tips: Many English schools in London offer additional One-to-One private lessons. You can combine your group lessons with the personal attention of a session with a teacher.
Think about why you want to improve your English before choosing a course. Are you studying English for a particular reason? Is it for your career? Perhaps an English for Work course would be ideal. Are you planning on taking an English language exam? Many schools offer exam preparation courses in IELTS and Cambridge Exams. General English and Intensive English are the most popular English courses because they focus on conversational fluency as well as the other core skills: listening, reading and writing.
Common course types in London include:
| Your goal | Course to consider |
| Improve everyday communication | General English |
| Study more intensively | Intensive General English |
| Prepare for an examination | IELTS or Cambridge exam preparation |
| Improve communication at work | English for Work or Business English |
| Combine group learning with individual support | Group lessons plus one-to-one lessons |
How much actual lesson time per week will you get? The amount can vary between schools. How many hours a week do you want to study? The more hours per week, the quicker you should improve. However, you may need time to stay connected with work, or you may want plenty of time to go sightseeing in London.
England’s capital city is massive. 9.1 million people live in London. English-language schools are found all over the city. Where do you want to study? Most students want to be in a central location (inside London’s Zone 1 travel zone) because when class is over, all the best city attractions are nearby. Learn English in London on the outskirts of the city, and you will be in for a long tube (underground) ride to get anywhere. The good news, though, is London’s public transport is very good. In fact, many Londoners don’t own cars because they rely on London Transport’s underground, bus and train service.
Does your school offer a place to stay in London? Using school accommodation can be more convenient, and you know you can always speak to the school if you have an issue.
Where do you want to stay? Host family or a residence? Host families usually cost less than residences. They are a good way to experience local culture and practice English with native speakers.
Student residences are better for independence and the chance to live with other international students. Where is the school’s accommodation located? Is it a reasonable distance from school to commute there and back every day?
An accredited London English school means the school has been assessed and found to meet the required high standards in all areas, including teaching quality, school facilities and customer service. Look for a language school that the British Council and English UK accredit.
You are paying to improve your English. Can they guarantee that your English will actually improve? The EC Promise guarantees your English will improve at a set rate if you follow your study plan. This is based on many years of student data and effective teaching.
Can the school explain its teaching in a way that makes you feel you will learn and enjoy it? Check the school’s website for more information on their teaching methods. If they don’t talk about it, perhaps it’s not important to them!
You want to hear from your teacher about how you are doing and how seriously they are taking your progress. Is your progress being monitored and clearly tracked? A central hub where you can see your progress across time and any test and assignment results.
The most well-known and widely accepted English teaching qualification in the world is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and Trinity CertTESOL offered by Trinity College London; viewed as equal in weight and recognition to the CELTA. Schools that employ English teachers with these qualifications or alternatives are committed to language learning.
To help you learn, your English school will have several materials that teachers use to support your learning. At EC London, every classroom has an interactive TV. This allows teachers to quickly and smoothly deliver engaging materials at all times.
EC London and all EC language schools use textbooks made with National Geographic Learning. This helps students learn about the world by experiencing it.
You choose to go to London to learn English because you know living somewhere where everyone speaks English is the fastest and best way to learn. On a full-immersion course in London, a lot of learning happens outside the classroom. Your English gets better from hearing English all the time, seeing it written everywhere and speaking it with local people. A school’s social programme is a great way to get introduced to the city, see the sights, do new things and, of course, use your English. You improve from these activities without even realising. Social activities are a great way to mix and build friendships with other international students. London is an amazing city; you’ll want to see as much of it as possible. The school’s social calendar lets you know if you will be getting the most out of your time in London. Are there daily events, free activities and even weekend excursions to other English towns and cities?
Meeting other students from all over the world is a great part of any London English course. You get to make new friends, new connections, hear different English accents and learn more about the world. A good mix of nationalities in your school means you meet a lot of interesting people, which makes your English classes more fun and engaging.
A school’s age mix lets you know the average ages of its students. Most schools accept students from 16 years old. In summer, when students are on holiday from college and university, the average age of a school drops. Outside summer, when students are back in college, the average age rises. Language schools in London often have a fun, youthful energy.
Adult students may prefer to study with other more mature students. English schools for adults aged 30 years and above in London are an excellent option. The English courses at the schools are more focused on the needs of adult language learners. You can also find 50+ English language programmes for seniors in London.
Tip: Avoid spending too much time with people from your own country (or people who speak your native language) on your English course. This is risky because you could end up speaking your own language outside class more than English. Mix with people where English is your common language.
Compare the course, class size, lesson time, total cost, location, accommodation, accreditation, student support and age mix. The best school is the one that matches your goals and circumstances.
Not necessarily. Smaller schools may offer a more personal atmosphere, while larger schools may provide more courses, activities and opportunities to meet international students.
Central London is convenient for sightseeing and public transport, so school’s in Zone 1 are very popular. A school outside Zone 1 may offer a shorter journey from your accommodation, but perhaps a slightly longer commute is worth it for a Zone 1 English school. Compare the complete daily journey rather than choosing a location by zone alone.
A homestay may suit students who want to experience life in a local household and practise English outside class. A residence may be better for students who prefer greater independence and living with other international students.
Check the school against the British Council’s current list of accredited centres and review the available inspection information. Accreditation UK is managed by the British Council in partnership with English UK
The cheapest school may not offer the best value. Compare the full price, teaching time, class size, accommodation, student support and services included before making a decision.
There is a lot to consider when researching English schools and courses in London. Start by identifying your goals, budget and preferred learning environment. Then compare schools using the same criteria so that you can make a fair decision.
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when researching English courses in London and schools. Feel free to contact us today for more information on our own school, EC London. We’d be happy to answer your questions.
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