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English Language Programmes

We have nearly 20 years' experience in helping students from all over the world improve their English Language skills. Our tutors are highly experienced, and well-qualified: all have the CELTA, and several also have the Diploma Level (DELTA) qualification. Students join a friendly, international atmosphere - in a typical week, we have at least 25 different nationalities represented.

About Our English Programmes

We offer both group classes and 1:1 tuition throughout the year, for adults and for juniors. Students wishing to take group classes are placed into the most suitable class based on both their age and their level of English, which is assessed before arrival using our pre-course placement test.

We offer both General English and IELTS Preparation classes, at a range of levels, every week. Both options have classes at the same time, and the price is the same – so students can choose whichever option is best for them, based on their goals.

Course length is flexible: students can join a course for as little as 1 week, or for any number of weeks up to 1 or 2 years, depending on visa status. We typically recommend at least 2 weeks for a short course.

All students wishing to take a course of more than 8 weeks are interviewed online by a member of our staff in advance of arrival, so that a realistic idea of how long it will take for them to achieve the required level can be given.

All students receive a Certificate of Attainment, showing their course level, at the end of their programme. Long-term students are encouraged to take a formal external exam (usually IELTS) during their programme, to help chart their progress.

Programmes at all levels are available

Click your level below to view the course outline:

Group classes have two course options:

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Standard

Lessons/hours per week:
20 lessons
(15 hours)

Lesson Times:
09.15 – 10.45 (Session 1)
11.00 – 12.30 (Session 2)

Levels Available:
Beginner – Advanced
(A1 – C2+)

Maximum class size: 16 students

Average class size: 12 students

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Intensive

Lessons/hours per week:
30 lessons
(22.5 hours)

Lesson Times:
09.15 – 10.45 (Session 1)
11.00 – 12.30 (Session 2)
13.30 – 15.00 (Session 3)

Levels Available:
Beginner – Advanced
(A1 – C2+)

Maximum class size: 16 students

Average class size: 12 students / 6 students (Session 3)

Individual (1:1) Tuition

These programmes are usually based on 10, 20, or 30 lessons per week, and timings can be arranged flexibly to suit other commitments. Students can choose the specific areas they want to focus on, and will usually have two or three different tutors, in order to have as varied and productive an experience as possible.

Combined courses of 20 group lessons + 5, 10 or 15 individual lessons are also available.

If you are not sure which course is best for you – ask us for help by email, phone, or by clicking below:

Contact Us

Take a Look

The St Aldates Centre is a prestigious, distinctive red building in the very centre of Oxford - between the Town Hall and Christ Church, one of the University's most famous colleges. The building is over 400 years old, and retains many original features, which tell the story of its previous lives as an old coaching inn, and as a bank. The Centre has 12 classrooms, as well a Student Common Room, kitchen, and our main reception and offices.

Our General English programmes cover all four aspects of language learning:

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Reading

Similar to listening, reading is an important way to absorb the English language. The beauty of listening and reading is that you do not need to produce any language on your own. Instead, you are consuming the language and storing knowledge for you to later use as building blocks for writing and speaking. They are also the skills that can most easily be practiced by yourself! Try reading a newspaper, online article, or novel in English; or watching an English film or TV show.

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Speaking

Speaking is an interactive process of constructing meaning that involves both producing and receiving and processing information.

It is easy to practice your speaking skills – just have a chat with a friend, order something in a shop or restaurant, or ask someone for directions in the street!

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Listening

Listening refers to the understanding of the implications, as well as the explicit meanings, of words and sentences of spoken language. Just like reading, you can practice this easily by yourself – trying listening to the radio in English, watching a film or show on Netflix (with or without subtitles!), or watching videos of listening comprehension exercises on YouTube – there are thousands available!

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Writing

Writing is a form of communication that allows students to put their feelings, thoughts, and ideas on paper. It can be seen as the most challenging aspect of language learning – but it just takes practice!

The most important thing is not to be afraid of making mistakes – this is how all the best learners improve!