English Courses in London - The English Studio, London

Why choose The English Studio?
So you're thinking about learning English in the UK. We think you should choose us and here's why...

We're accredited by the British Council

Their logo is displayed on our site. We’re very proud of it. With good reason. The standards they set are incredibly high. Sadly, some London English schools just aren’t good enough to achieve them. If you go to one of these schools you could end up wasting your time. And worse, your money.

We're in the heart of London

Study with us and one of the world’s most exciting and tolerant cities is right outside your front door. We have four teaching centres: two in Holborn, in London's popular West End, and two in the cosmopolitan bustle of Shepherd's Bush, only 20 minutes away.

We offer unbeatable value

Call every number. Check every website. You won’t find a better standard of teaching at the same price in an accredited, central London English language school. Fact.

We have great teachers

We make sure all our teachers are qualified. We make sure they’re nice too.

We help you find somewhere to live

There’s nothing more stressful than trying to work out where to live. Relax. We offer a range of accommodation to suit all budgets – and all tastes. For further information, see the accommodation section. It’s all taken care of.

We have great courses

In our courses, we don't just want to teach you English, we want to make English a language you'll love and use with confidence. Our experienced teachers work hard to make every lesson relevant and inspiring. And there's a course for you, whatever your level or your goals.

Our friendly efficient staff

Friendliness is not a desirable quality in our staff... it's an absolute must-have. Everyone who works at The English Studio is dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your time in London - both from your course and from this exciting city.

We have top-class facilities

All our centres are specially designed for the best possible learning experience. Our classrooms have the latest technology, including interactive whiteboards. And our classrooms look cool too.

We have our own free monthly newsletter

At the start of every month, your inbox will receive an eNewsletter, written by our very own twinkly-eyed Principal, Phil. The Social Scene is free too. We also have our own free blog.

We have free high-speed net access

Being a long way from home is a lot of fun. But sometimes you might feel a little homesick. (Bless.) Fortunately, all our schools have high-speed wireless internet access. Completely free.

Our Location
We're in the heart of London. Study with us and one of the world's most exciting and tolerant cities is right outside your front door.

We’re in two separate places, both with their own unique charm and buzz. Here’s a very brief overview of both of them.

Holborn

Holborn is minutes from the world famous Covent Garden Market, which is a must-visit. A bit touristy, but still well worth it.

The amazing Royal Opera House is a short walk from our front door, as is the English National Opera. Theatre land is a bit further, but still very walkable. Every year, legendary stars like Kevin Spacey, Jessica Lange and Jude Law appear on the London stage. Many of the world’s leading playwrights have their premieres here.

Cinemas? There are loads. Take your pick. As for restaurants? We’d need a whole new section as there are so many. From cheap and cheerful caffs to Michelin-starred palaces where a bottle of wine could cost more than your rent for a year.

Shepherd's Bush

Shepherd's Bush is a short and rather stylish stroll from arguably the trendiest spot in London – Notting Hill. Setting of the naff but shockingly popular film of the same name, Notting Hill is London’s Greenwich Village.

And if you get bored of posing with all the other beautiful people, you can always get some retail therapy at Westfield, Europe’s largest shopping centre. Despite such an unpromising description, it’s surprisingly cool. And it's only a couple of hundred metres from our West London centres.

Hidden London

Being the fabulous city that it is, you'll never get bored in London. But we still want to share our special hidden gems with you. And they're all close to our course centres.

All Star Lanes

If your experience of bowling alleys is a heady mix of smelly feet and rancid chip fat, you’ve obviously never been to Holborn’s All Star Lanes. It’s
a gentle, three-minute stroll from our front door in Holborn. (Two, if you’re particularly excited.) Kitsch but cool 50s style, six great lanes, amazing cocktails and a restaurant good enough to visit for the food alone. Visit once and you’ll be hooked. (Challenge our Principal Mike to a game. He takes it pretty seriously, but he’s rubbish, bless him.)

www.allstarlanes.co.uk

Denmark Street guitar shops

If you fancy a bit of star-spotting get along to Denmark Street. A grimy-looking side street near Centre Point, it’s actually home to some of the best vintage guitar shops in the world. Anyone who’s anyone has bought an axe here. From Lennon, Hendrix and Johnny Marr all the way up to modern stars like Alex Turner and Graham Coxon. A mere nine-minute sashay from our front door in Holborn. Budding musos and axe men will think they’ve died and gone to heaven.

www.denmarkstreetonline.co.uk

The 100 Club

Although The 100 Club is famous the world over, ironically it’s still unknown to the average tourist. Its anonymous-looking Oxford Street entrance is easily missed if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Opened in 1942 (crikey - none of us were alive then!), the list of stars who’ve played there reads like a Who’s Who of Music. Buddy Rich, The White Stripes, Muddy Waters, Oasis, Fats Domino, The Jam, Bo Diddley, The Kinks, Sex Pistols, Muse and Clapton. A miniscule 14-minute walk from our front door in Holborn. Just enough time to back-comb your hair, put on your eyeliner and take a healthy nip from a bottle of rock ‘n’ roll mouthwash, (that’s Jack Daniels to you, my friend).

www.the100club.co.uk

The Electric Cinema

London’s coolest cinema — no question. Luxurious leather seats (with their own footstools), great movies, beautiful people and amazing food. Forget the traditional bucket of stale popcorn, this place has Hot Tubs! Fish and chips, yummy vegetarian risotto, chicken curry, you name it. And if your thoughtful parents have just sent you a nice fat cheque, you can even treat yourself to a cold glass of champagne. Heaven. Finally, if you’re on a date and you fancy a cheeky snog, don’t forget to book one of the cinema’s amazing sofas. Five minutes by bike from our Uxbridge Road school.

www.electriccinema.co.uk

Lucky 7

You haven't had a burger till you’ve had a Lucky 7 burger. Kitsch, cool and unashamedly retro, it’s the kind of place you’d expect to see John Travolta and Uma Thurman flirting in a booth. The guacamole is to die for and if you’ve never experienced the delights of a root beer float, this is the place to try one. Spectacular. A mere seven minutes by bike. A bit longer if you walk – but at least you’ll be working up an appetite for all those delicious fries.

www.lucky7london.co.uk

Notting Hill Arts Club

London’s music scene (and therefore, to some extent, the world’s) is reinvented here on a nightly basis. Radio4, Beach Club, Brazilian Love Affair, Lazy Dog, One World Live, Inspiration Information, RoTa, Futuro Flamenco – all these mould-breaking and genre-defining club nights were invented here. If you want to know what your friends back home will be listening to in six months, come on down. Just one little tube stop away from Shepherd's Bush. Check it out.

www.nottinghillartsclub.com

Who We Are
We can't wait to get to know you. But until we do, here are some things that will help you get to know us...

 

• We have been going and growing since 1996 and have taught more than 14,000 students English.
• Students and staff at the school have appeared on the BBC World Service, BBC Breakfast News and Channel 4 news.
• We are unofficially the greenest school in London.
• All our staff have learnt and speak many different languages, including Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese, French and Russian to name a few. So we know what it’s like to learn a language. We will only speak English to you but we can speak your language if you need us to.
• All our teachers are native speakers from a range of regions and countries - from north to south and east to west.
• Students love our teachers because they are funny, they are English language experts, they care about their students and they love teaching English.
• All our teachers have a recognised qualification in teaching English or the necessary experience. Many of them have higher diploma qualifications.
• Many of our students work in London. They typically find jobs in administration, restaurants, looking after children or even operating taxi rickshaws!
• Our residences are a great place to start off when you arrive in London. You'll have a place to stay, will immediately meet other students, and you can find out everything about learning English and living in London

 

How We Teach English
For over 10 years we have developed and refined our English language courses.

The art of teaching

Teaching English is a delicate balance of skill, intuition, careful planning and empathy. It requires patient, smart and experienced people to do it well. And these are the type of people that you'll have teaching you at The English Studio.

Simply put, our teachers love teaching. It’s a massive thrill for them when a student finally ‘gets it’. You won’t find a more committed, passionate and professional group than ours.

Combine their skill with the latest resources and teaching technology – including interactive whiteboards – and you're guaranteed a memorable learning experience.

All our teachers are qualified

We want you to have a brilliant time when you study with us. So while we make sure all our teachers have the best qualifications, we make sure they’re nice too.

We tailor each course to suit you

When you first arrive, we’ll do a simple assessment of your language levels. It sounds scary. It isn’t. But it is very important. It helps us make sure we select the perfect class for you – one with students at the same level as you. This way the classes aren’t too hard. Or too easy. And as each course has been expertly tailored for students at that level, our excellent teachers will help you to become fluent as quickly as possible. Hurrah!

How we teach

• We believe learning should be fun. That’s why all our lessons are interactive and dynamic. (Research says you learn better when you’re having fun.)
• Each week, you’ll study grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.
• You’ll also practise reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
• We’ll tell you what you’re going to learn at the start of each class.
• We’ll always teach you language that is useful in real life.
• We’ll give you homework several times a week and correct it.
• We’ll correct your spoken and written mistakes.
• We’ll give you regular tests on what you’ve learned.
• We’ll answer any questions you have and give you individual help.
• We’ll choose materials from many different books and resources – not just one dull course book.

We give you one-to-one attention

Our highly-trained English teachers don’t just stand in front of the class. They get down amongst you and talk to you individually. Person-to-person. We’ve found it’s the quickest way to learn. (And it’s easier to ask questions when you know the rest of the class aren’t listening.)

Self-study

You don’t have to stop just because class is over. We have study areas especially for you. We have books, tapes, computers, broadband, crisps - the list goes on.

Things to do on your own

• Listening and pronunciation – we have a large library of CDs, cassettes, DVDs and subtitled videos – so learning is enjoyable.
• Reading English – simplified and authentic material
• Grammar and vocabulary – practise with written and computer exercises using special software
• Exam practice – past papers, Interactive software and internet sites.
• Exploring London – use our guides, directories and maps to travel round London – and practise your skills among the natives. You’ll find us a friendly bunch (honest!). www.visitlondon.com

English Studio Certificate

When you’ve successfully completed the course, we give you a big pat on the back and a lovely certificate. It shows the length of your course and the level you've achieved. And just how far you’ve come. Well done!

We will also prepare you for the world-famous Cambridge English exams. If you are successful you will get a certificate which is recognised by companies and universities all over the world. www.cambridgeesol.org

 

Student Services
When you learn English at The English Studio, you get a lot more than just great courses and excellent teachers. We take care of everything else too, so you can concentrate on why you came to London in the first place - to study English.

Language School Student Insurance

There is one thing you must do before you come to London to learn English – get some insurance. You can choose an iInsurance company yourself, or take out the International Student Policy offered by Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited. This has been specially designed for overseas students who come to study English in the UK.

For your own financial and personal security, it’s essential that you do this before you come here.

The International Student Policy covers:

• emergency medical expenses
• repatriation
• cancellation or curtailment charges
• personal money, passport and documents
• baggage
• course fees
• personal liability
• legal expenses

To establish the full terms of the cover, please read the International Student Policy on the Endsleigh Insurance website

IMPORTANT: We strongly advise that you take out your student insurance at the same time as you book your trip to London. Why? Because your cover will start on the policy issue date – before you travel here to learn English. Which means that in the unfortunate event of illness or an accident preventing you from travelling, you’ll be covered. So even if you have to cancel the course, you won’t lose a penny*.

Banking

If your course is for six months or more, we’ll gladly help you open a Barclays Bank Account.

Welfare Service

Whatever you need while you're studying English with us in London, we can help. Problems in your accommodation or at work? Talk to us. Need a local doctor or dentist? Talk to us. Looking for somewhere to practise your faith? Talk to us.

Travel In Style

When you travel here to learn English, why not do it in style? When you land, a chauffeur will be waiting at ‘Arrivals’ holding a sign with your name on it. (How exciting!) He knows exactly where you’re going, so you can sit back and enjoy your first sight of one of the most exciting cities in the world.

The return trip (from your accommodation to the airport) can be arranged too. (see price list).

Airport Transfer – for personalised service

• For extra comfort, you can book an airport transfer through The English Studio that will take you, and your luggage straight from the airport to your accommodation.
• Return transfer packages are also available.
• Drivers will wait for up to two hours after your flight has arrived. (Ask at the Airport Information Desk if you cannot see the driver).
• You must book a transfer if you arrive in the UK after 8pm and are staying in English Studio accommodation.

English Studio Heathrow Shuttle – budget option

• A low cost group shuttle is available from Heathrow Airport to your accommodation.
• This service must be booked through The English Studio in advance by providing your flight details.
• The shuttle departs from Heathrow 10 times per day on Saturdays and Sundays. Maximum eight other students per trip
• Shuttle drivers will carry a sign with your name on it (go to the Airport Information Desk if you cannot see them).
• Do not go with a driver from another company. You may be charged a lot of money!

Other great services

FREE high-speed internet access. A FREE DVD Club with all the latest English speaking films. All these services are great fun, but rather cleverly, they help you study English too without you even realising it!

Discounts

Once you're enrolled on our English course, you’ll also be eligible for the following cards, giving you exciting discounts:

• A Student Travel Card if you're on a course that is at least 14 weeks long – 30% discount on all London Transport.
• An ISIC (International Student Identity Card) for students on a minimum six-month month course - gives your discounts on cinema, theatre, museum, plane and coach tickets.

So now you know how well we’re going to look after you. You’ve decided on your accommodation. You’ve decided on your course. Why not make a booking now? You can pay by credit card, telephone or invoice.

If you prefer to do this through a local agent then you can find a list in the agents section.

You can pay by secure online payment, international bank transfer, by sterling cheque drawn from a UK bank account or by cash in person at the school.

If you want to learn English, there really is no better place to do it.

Hurry up – we can’t wait to meet you!

*Check details of your policy.

 

UK Visas
The English Studio is registered with the Home Office as a Tier 4 (A rated)
Sponsor as part of the new points-based system for visa applications to the UK.

Students from European Union Countries

EU citizens do not need a visa to study in the UK.

Students from countries outside the European Union

Non-EU students can apply for either a General Student Visa or a Student Visitor Visa.

General Student Visa (Points-based System)

• This visa allows students to study full time and to work up to 10 hours a week
• It can be extended whilst in the UK.
• Students can study for up to three years on a General Student Visa on a course which is lower than degree level.
• This visa is appropriate for students who want to study for six months or longer, though applications for a shorter period are possible.
• To obtain this visa students must apply to The English Studio for a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

To get a CAS certificate students must

• Provide evidence of their level of English, which must be Level CEFR B1 (intermediate) or above. We accept IELTS, TOEIC certificates or certificates from accredited schools. If this cannot be supplied students will be required to take the Password Intro Test which must be taken in the offices of a registered agent. The results of this test will be confirmed by an interview conducted by The English Studio using Skype.
• Provide documentary evidence of financial records which show the student has the required level of funds.
• Send a scanned copy of their passport.
• Pay the fees in full.
• Pass a Skype interview conducted by The English Studio to assess their intent to attend and complete their course.

You can find more information in the UKBA video below

Application forms can be found on the UK Border Agency website .

All information is subject to change so please check details carefully before planning your trip.

Student Visitor Visa

• This visa is required for courses shorter than six months, by students who do not want to work or who have a level of english below B1 (intermediate)
• This visa is appropriate for short courses.
• Students who are Visa Nationals (eg: Colombia, Russia, Thailand and Turkey) and are studying for less than six months will need to apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK.
• Students who are Non-Visa Nationals (including Brazil, Japan, Korea and Mexico) studying for less than six months, can choose to apply for entry clearance before travel. Visa applications can also be made at the airport on arrival in the UK.
• Students who wish to apply for this visa must have a letter of enrolment from The English Studio. To get this letter students must:
• Send a scanned copy of their passport
• Pay their fees in full.

Attendance

Must be 85% or over or the school will report the student to the UK Border Agency in accordance with Tier 4 guidelines.

Immigration Advice

The English Studio has two advisors who are authorised by the Office for Immigration Services (OISC) to give initial immigration advice on entry clearance and leave to remain in the UK. It is illegal in the UK for anyone to give immigration advice if they are not registered with this organisation.

 

Student Experiences
We know that The English Studio is one of the best places in London to study English. But don't take our word for it. Read what our former students have to say.

Name: Petra Bercakova
Age: 28
Job: Accounts Administrator for an engineering company in the City

It’s thanks to The English Studio that I’ve got to where I am today. When I arrived in London in 1998 from a small town in the Czech Republic, all I had was a school diploma and a tiny bit of English! But with the help of the brilliant teachers at the school, both my level of English and my confidence improved very quickly.

It wasn’t just the classes that helped: as the school also had a really cool Social Scene and meeting people at the parties and other activities allowed me to fit in and find my way in London. Looking back, that was probably the best thing at the beginning.

I studied hard for the Cambridge First Certificate, Advanced and Proficiency exams and was successful. Without these exams, I definitely wouldn’t have the job I have now, but the school also gave me fantastic work experience in administration where I was able to pick up the skills which I now use every day.

I think The English Studio is great!

Name: John Alejandro Garcia Ulloa
Age: 25
Course: MSc. in Environmental Sciences at ETH Zurich

Growing up in Colombia, I could only dream that one day I’d be able to study at one of the world’s top universities, but The English Studio made that dream a reality.

When I first came to London a friend recommended the school to me and from day one I knew I’d made the right choice. Firstly, they took care of the practical things that are essential for living in London, like finding a place to live, opening a bank account and getting a discounted Oyster card.

My teachers made the learning fun and interesting, and after all that I was able to meet people from all over the world with the school’s cultural activities.

As well as the Cambridge Advanced exam, The English Studio prepared me for the IELTS, and because I scored an 8, I was accepted onto the MSc. here in Zurich.

Working for The English Studio was also a great opportunity as it helped me to express myself clearly and concisely – something that is essential in Academia.

I’m really grateful to the school and to all the wonderful people I met there. I still call it my “English Studio Family,” even though I’m now many miles away!