Learning English as a Foreign Language in London

London offers a wide variety of language schools for those wishing to learn, improve or specialise their English language skills and competence. Most language schools and centres offer a variety of courses to cater for students' requirements. Course types include:
General English: for students wishing to build a solid base of English vocabulary and grammar, including speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Business English: specialised English for students of business or those wishing to develop functional language for use in the business world. Most Business English courses include general English.
Individual tuition: ideal for students who wish to specify their individual objectives for English language and fast-track their learning.
Academic English: for those wishing to study at English speaking institutions, these courses will prepare students for essay writing and focus on study and research skills
Exam preparation classes: specific courses to prepare students to take the following exams:
- IELTS (international English language testing system)
- TOEFL (test of English as a foreign language)
- TOEIC (test of English for international communication)
- FCE: (Cambridge first certificate of English)
- BuLaTS (business language testing service)
At the schools below students have flexibility in selecting the duration and intensity of their learning and may commence courses on any Monday, unless otherwise stated.
LSBF School of English
Fifth floor, New Court, 48 Carey Street, London WC2A 2JE
0207 100 1808
www.schoolofenglish.org.uk
Situated in the heart of London's university district, this school is ideal for students wishing to immerse themselves in an authentic student scene.
General English
Morning, afternoon or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: elementary - advanced
Business English:
Morning, afternoon or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: intermediate - advanced
Qualifications: preparation for Cambridge Business English Certificate
Academic English:
Morning, afternoon or intensive (full day) courses
Level: intermediate - advanced
English for exam preparation:
IELTS: morning, afternoon, evening or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: intermediate - advanced
Individual tuition:
Subject to availability
Level: elementary - advanced
Alongside the course options above, LSBF School of English offers English courses in a range of specialised areas including finance, legal and engineering as well as conversation and homework clubs.
The British Study Centre - London
Hannah House, 13-16 Manchester Street, W1U 4DJ
0207 317 0160
www.british-study.com
The London branch of this international school has won numerous educational awards for English language tuition.
General English:
Morning, afternoon or intensive courses
Levels: elementary - advanced
Business English:
Full day intensive courses
Levels: intermediate
Qualifications: preparation for BuLaTS exam
English for exam preparation:
BULAT, IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC
Individual tuition:
60 minutes
Level: elementary - advanced
Subject to availability
St George International
79-80 Margaret Street, London W1W 8TA
0207 299 1700
www.stgeorges.co.uk
An independently owned international language school, situated in London's bustling West end.
General English
Morning, evening or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: elementary - advanced
Business English:
Morning, evening or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: intermediate - advanced
Academic English:
University foundation course: 30 lessons per week
Duration: 6-9 months
Level: upper intermediate
English for exam preparation:
IELTS: Morning, evening or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: elementary - advanced
Individual tuition:
20 lessons per week
Level: elementary - advanced
London School of English
15 Holland Park Gardens, London, W14 8DZ
0207 605 4123
www.londonschool.com
The longest running School of English in London with accreditation.
General English
Intensive (full day) or online courses
Levels: elementary - advanced
Business English:
Intensive 4-week course
Levels: intermediate - advanced
Qualifications: preparation for Cambridge Business English Certificate (including exam fee)
English exam preparation:
IELTS: morning, evening or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: elementary - advanced
FCE: morning, evening or intensive (full day) courses
Levels: intermediate - advanced
Individual tuition:
Minimum 15 hours per week
Level: elementary - advanced
Victoria School of English
28 Graham Terrace, Sloane Square, London SW1W 8JH
www.victoriaschool.co.uk
Family owned English school, based in exclusive Knightsbridge, accommodating up to only 60 students at a time.
General English
Morning courses
Levels: elementary - advanced
Business English:
Afternoon, intensive and super intensive courses
Levels: intermediate - advanced
English for exam preparation:
IELTS: a choice of 4 options from 2 hours per day up to intensive full day courses
Levels: intermediate - advanced
FCE: afternoon courses
Levels: intermediate - advanced
TOEIC and TOEFL: individual tuition, minimum 20 hours per week
Levels: intermediate - advanced