English is spoken in 67 countries across the world, but for those looking to learn the lingo in the birthplace of the English language, you can’t do much better than London.
A young learners group at Sprachcaffe (Photo: Sprachcaffe)
Thousands of enthusiastic English language learners hotfoot to the capital city every year. There are dozens of schools and learning institutions to choose from, offering a variety of courses, teaching and learning styles for all abilities. Beyond the classroom, students can immerse themselves in history, culture and cuisine too. If you’re looking to learn English in London but don’t know where to begin, we’ve compared seven of the top schools in London based on value for money, student reviews, and accreditation.
Sprachcaffe
Situated in a Victorian-era building in the heart of Ealing, a leafy London neighbourhood, the Sprachcaffe Language School provides a wide range of language courses. Classes are limited to 15 students per class to ensure a student-centred learning experience with knowledgeable and skilled English language teachers. The school is equipped with nine classrooms, an outdoor seating area, a common room and students’ area, an assortment of self-study books, free Internet access, and a varied programme of activities and weekly events (some at extra cost). There’s also a dedicated accommodation department that offers students a choice of three types of accommodation during their studies.
International House London
Nestled in London’s iconic Covent Garden district, International House attracts more than 8,000 students from over 150 different nationalities each year. The school offers English for Life or English for Study courses, both offering dedicated areas for personal learning. There are now more than 50 air-conditioned classrooms, a self-access computer area, digital ‘language lab’ facilities and a resource library, as well as a casual café where many choose to read over their notes or simply relax with friends. A busy social programme helps students make the most of the school’s central location, with regular nights out to clubs, bars and local theatres all featuring, plus weekend and day trips to cities across the UK and Europe
The English Studio
Located directly opposite Holborn Tube station in Central London, the English Studio has been specialising in teaching English for 20 years. Students can choose from a wide range of courses including General English, Intensive English and English Exam Preparation, as well as several courses focussed on specific vocational sectors such as Healthcare, Accountancy, Construction and Hospitality. All of the school’s courses are accredited by the British Council and ACELS as well as boasting several other respected endorsements from educational institutions across the UK. The school’s website also offers a free English test so that prospective students can work out their level and choose a course accordingly.
Learn more at Englishstudio.com
Speak Up London
A well-equipped classroom at Speak Up London (Photo: Speakup London)
Located on the famous thoroughfare of Oxford Street, Speak Up London features 12 classrooms, a self-study and reading area with computers and Wi-Fi, and a student lounge with TV. The school offers a choice of General English or Professional English, with a maximum of 16 students per class, while for those with work commitments during the week, it also provides Saturday English Classes and Evening Classes. The school has numerous accreditations, including the British Council, the Cambridge Exam Preparation Centre and the Association for Learning Languages. Furthermore, each Friday the school also hosts a free-entry Speaking Club, which welcomes anyone who would like to attend, and offers an opportunity to meet and chat with other students.
Learn more at SpeakupLondon.com
Ingla School of English
Nestled in Turnpike Lane, north London, Ingla School of English is accredited by the British Council and offers courses on General English, Cambridge English Exams Preparation, Trinity Exams Preparation, and IELTS Exam Preparation. The school also provides a Welfare Officer to help students with the essential information required to ease the transition for those who plan to live in the UK, including UK laws, opening a bank account, accommodation, applying for a National Insurance number, registering with a doctor and dentist, practising religion and going to leisure or entertainment venues. To help prospective students decide whether to join a course, they can apply online for a free lesson via the school’s website.
TELC UK
Another language school in London’s northern suburbs, a short walk from Wood Green Underground Station, TELC UK is ideal for anyone seeking to work in hospitality. The school works with one of the leading recruitment agencies in London specialising in hospitality and leisure, meaning that studying here could be your first step to a job in a hotel, health club or private members club. The school also offers standard courses in General English and Business English, as well as FCE, CAE and IELTS language groups, while there are specialised classes for children too. Classes are kept to a maximum of 10 students, so you’ll never need to fight for the attention of your teacher. The school also helps students find fully vetted host families who they can live with during their time in the UK in order to immerse themselves in both the country’s language and culture.
The London School of English
The new terrace at London School of English (Photo: London School of English)
With more than 100 years of teaching experience, The London School of English is one of the capital’s best-known language-learning schools. The school is located in the heart of Holland Park Gardens in an elegant traditional building, just 15 minutes from bustling central London. There’s a wide range of award-winning courses to choose from, including General English, Business English and Legal English. The school has achieved a perfect score from both the British Council and previous students on Trust Pilot, with high praise for its hands-on practical learning, highly qualified teachers and innovative teaching methods. Students can choose to live in student halls or homestays.