Learn English in the UK — A Guide for Adult Students

1. Check your level before you choose

UK schools group classes by the CEFR scale, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency). We teach adults from A2 to C2. Students at B1 and above can begin on any Monday during our term dates; A2 students join on set start dates so the class starts together.

Moving up a full level is a matter of months rather than weeks, so be realistic when you plan your dates. Our free online test gives you an honest starting point, and your teachers review your level regularly once you are here.

2. Decide how many lessons you need

General English gives you 20 lessons (15 hours) a week and leaves your afternoons free. Intensive English gives you 25 lessons (18.75 hours) — the same core mornings plus afternoon focus sessions.

If you are in the UK for a short time or preparing for an exam or a job, the intensive option usually earns back its cost. If you are staying for a term or longer, General English plus real conversation practice in the city is often enough.

• General English — from £260/week
• Intensive English — from £350/week
• English Plus — 25 lessons with art, drama, performing arts or wellbeing
• One-to-one lessons to target a specific goal

3. Work out the real cost

Course fees are only part of the total. Budget for a one-off registration fee of £100, your accommodation, travel from the airport and living costs. Homestay bed and breakfast is £159 a week, half board £192 a week, and an airport transfer from London Gatwick is £120 each way.

Two things bring the weekly cost down: booking longer, because weekly rates fall with length of stay, and studying outside summer, when every eleventh week is free.

4. Know the 2027 dates

Adult courses run 4 January – 9 June and 16 August – 15 December 2027 at our Brighton campus. During the summer season (6 June – 14 August 2027), adult classes are taught by our partner school ELC Brighton in central Hove, while the Loxdale campus hosts young learner programmes.

Summer is the busiest and most expensive period across the UK. If your dates are flexible, spring and autumn give you smaller classes and lower prices.

5. Sort out visas and insurance early

Many students from outside the UK study on a Standard Visitor visa, which allows a short course of study. Requirements depend on your nationality and change from time to time, so always check the current rules on GOV.UK, and ask us about the documents we can provide once you have booked.

Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended. Cover can be added to your booking at £7.88 a week if you would rather not arrange it yourself.