A guide to choosing your ideal English language school in the UK

Choosing to learn English in the UK is an exciting journey. With so many schools, universities, and private institutions to choose from, you may wonder which will feel like home for you. ELC aims to make this choice easier, providing expert guidance and a warm, supportive environment where you can focus on reaching your goals.

Outline your language learning aspirations

Ask yourself: what are my personal goals for studying English in the UK?

Whether you want to learn English for personal growth, academic qualifications, or career advancement, defining your goals is the first step. At ELC, we offer a range of courses to help you get there, from general English to focused exam preparation. Whatever your reasons, our dedicated teachers will work with you to develop a personalised learning plan, guiding you each step of the way.

Knowing your own objectives will ensure you pick the right course and school. Once you have a clear vision of what you want, you can confidently choose an English school that understands and supports your aspirations.

Consider the location

Do you thrive in a lively, social setting, or are you more at ease in a quieter environment? The location of your school can have a huge impact on your experience in the UK, as each place offers a unique backdrop for your studies, and finding the right one can make all the difference.

At ELC, we understand that where you live is as important as where you study. That’s why we offer three distinct locations, each with its own character and appeal, so you can choose the one that best suits your personality and lifestyle.

ELC Brighton is ideal if you enjoy a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with a mix of traditional and modern English culture. Brighton is known for its lively arts scene, eclectic shops, and an exciting nightlife, making it the perfect setting if you’re looking for plenty of cultural events, social activities, and a buzzing seaside vibe. With a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting coastal towns, Brighton has something for everyone, from iconic attractions like the Brighton Pier to countless festivals, street markets, and independent cafes. If you love the energy of city life mixed with seaside relaxation, Brighton is a fantastic choice.

ELC Eastbourne offers a more peaceful, scenic experience by the sea—a perfect option if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed environment. Eastbourne is a charming, traditional English seaside town with beautiful beaches, Victorian architecture, and a calm, friendly atmosphere. It’s ideal for students who value tranquility and natural beauty, with plenty of space to relax and unwind. Known as one of the sunniest places in the UK, Eastbourne provides a peaceful setting where you can focus on your studies while enjoying lovely coastal walks and a slower pace of life. If you’re looking for a classic English town with lots of charm and a laid-back feel, Eastbourne may be just right for you.

ELC Chester brings together the best of both worlds. Located in the northwest of England, Chester is a historic city with a fascinating past and a lively social scene, making it a wonderful blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. Chester offers a rich historical atmosphere, with Roman walls, medieval architecture, and cobbled streets, creating a unique setting for your studies. At the same time, it’s close to major cities like Manchester and Liverpool, giving you access to even more cultural and social opportunities. Chester is perfect if you’re drawn to a city with character, history, and a balanced mix of activities and entertainment.

By choosing a location that reflects your personality and interests, you’ll not only feel more at home but also enrich your experience in the UK. Each ELC school is set up to support you academically and socially, so you can make the most of your time, no matter which location you choose.

Explore English course structures and formats

With so many different English courses available, finding the right structure is key to achieving your goals. At ELC, we understand that every student has unique learning needs, so we offer a wide variety of courses and flexible options to suit your personal objectives and study style.

For example, ELC offers over 12 course types, including General English, Summer Classes, Year-long Programmes, and specific exam preparation courses like IELTS and CELTA. Each programme is designed to help you make the most of your time here and is structured to give you the right balance of guided learning, flexibility, and practical application.

Morning classes focus on core language skills in small groups, ensuring you receive personalised attention and support from our experienced teachers. Afternoons allow you to tailor your learning further, with options like one-to-one tutoring, business English, academic English, or activity-based learning that takes you outside the classroom for an immersive experience.

We also offer teacher training, exam preparation , or business language skills development.

Our courses are structured to keep learning dynamic and engaging, blending rigorous academic work with practical, real-world practice. By reinforcing what you’ve learned in the classroom with interactive activities, workshops, and social opportunities, ELC helps you gain confidence, fluency, and the skills you need to succeed in your English journey.

With the internet it is very easy to research the various schools and types of courses that are available to you. Again, it is incredibly important that you take into account what your learning goals are, and what type of course will suit your personality and working methods, before you settle on a particular study programme.

Evaluate teaching methods and quality

Your learning experience largely depends on the quality of teaching. At ELC, we take pride in our highly experienced and friendly teaching staff who focus on making your studies both effective and enjoyable.

All professional places of learning will proudly display their credentials - be it awards from governing bodies, rankings compared with other similar schools, local or national (or even global!) recognition, testimonials from current and previous students, as well as any notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in their chosen field.

Researching a school’s teaching methods is also key - how competent are the teaching staff? What is their experience? Are there any online reviews, such as Trustpilot or Yelp? Are there any social media groups for previous students, where you can ask them questions about the quality of teaching?

ELC is officially the top ranking group of English language schools in the UK, according to EL Gazette’s review of British Council publishable statements. It is also a member of a number of organisations which help us to maintain our high quality standards, such as The British Council and the International Association of Language Centres (IALC). All three of our schools - Brighton, Eastbourne and Chester - are accredited Centres of Excellence.

Check out facilities and resources

As a student who may be in the UK for the first time, your personal comfort when studying is as important as the location you are staying in. You need to make sure the school you choose has adequate facilities and resources to allow you to study for long periods, with everything you need easily available.

As a minimum, the school you choose should have:

• Spacious, modern, well-lit and comfortable classrooms
• Internet access
• Enough IT equipment for all pupils to use at any time
• Adequate classroom resources (books, paper, pens and pencils etc.)
• Meal preparation areas, or a canteen
• Bathroom facilities to cope with lots of pupils and staff
• Good teacher to pupil ratio
• Friendly, caring and safe learning environments
• High levels of personal attention and continuous support
• A choice of good quality accommodation close to the school
• Airport transfers to and from the school premises

Explore student living options

The majority of international students who decide to learn English in the UK will need some sort of accommodation while they study. When choosing your school, you should check out what accommodation options - if any - they offer, where they are in relation to the school campus, and the quality of places available.

Cost is another factor - the UK can be quite expensive, so you should take this into account when exploring your student living options. Staying in an expensive student room that is a long way from the school and with limited public transport options could cause problems with your studies, so it’s important that you choose wisely.

Make sure the accommodation:

• is within walking distance of the school (ideally within 40 minutes or less)
• is of good to high quality
• is relatively inexpensive
• has adequate facilities, including food preparation areas, internet access, a desk and chair for your studies outside class, and a shower or bath for personal hygiene

Most if not all schools will be able to assist you with your accommodation prior to you arriving for the start of term. Many have dedicated departments, or existing schemes to find you somewhere to stay, be it on campus or with a local family.

For example, if you choose to learn English in England itself, at ELC we have an accommodation department that has carefully selected a range of options to ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible. These include Homestay (where you will live with a local family), hotels and guest houses, and self-catering student houses.

Extracurricular activities and support

Studying in the UK is about more than just coursework—it’s also about connecting with the culture, building friendships, and enjoying life outside the classroom. Many English language schools, including ELC, offer a variety of social programmes to help students make the most of their time abroad. These activities provide a chance to unwind, explore, and practise English in real-life settings, all while having fun.

A typical social programme might include:

• City Tours and Sightseeing: Guided tours of local areas allow students to get familiar with their surroundings and discover iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
• Sports and Outdoor Activities: From beach volleyball to football matches, participating in sports is a great way to stay active and connect with fellow students in a relaxed, social environment.
• Cultural Visits: Day trips to nearby historical sites, museums, or beautiful natural areas like the Seven Sisters cliffs can enhance your understanding of British culture and history. Weekend Excursions: Many schools organise trips to famous UK destinations such as London, Oxford, and Cambridge. These full-day or weekend excursions offer a chance to explore beyond the immediate area and see more of the UK.
• Social Events: Schools often host casual gatherings like conversation clubs, movie nights, or book clubs, allowing students to socialise in English and share their interests with peers.

For example, at ELC, students in Brighton might join city tours that highlight the town’s vibrant arts scene, take part in beach sports, or visit nearby sites like Lewes and Arundel. In Eastbourne, activities might include mini-golf on the seafront, swimming, and outings to famous locations like Beachy Head. ELC Chester offers a blend of city tours, conversation clubs, and excursions to North Wales and the Lake District.

These programmes, organized by dedicated social coordinators, are designed to help students feel connected, supported, and engaged, creating a balanced experience of both study and enjoyment. Through these activities, you’ll have the chance to practice English in everyday situations, build friendships, and create lasting memories of your time in the UK.

Managing expenses for your UK experience

The UK can seem expensive, especially to some international students who are visiting the country for the first time. Budgeting for your stay is important, and having a good idea of the price of essentials - from food to travel to social activities - will make your stay a lot more enjoyable.

Try to manage your finances and make your money go further before you travel:

• Find out how much you will have to set aside for course fees and accommodation, as these will be the two largest amounts you will have to pay.
• Research the town or city where you are staying. Learn the average price of groceries so you can budget for any meals you will have to prepare.
• Find out where the closest and most economical stores are to where your accommodation is located. Use these shops for food, drink, toiletries and any clothes you have to buy or replace.
• Speak to your chosen school and find out if there are any hidden expenses, for example for internet access, fees to join any study groups, costs associated with classroom resources like course books and stationery. Most of this should be free of charge, but it’s wise to check.
• Where you stay will see a difference in ticket prices for trains and buses, and also for taxi fares. If you’ve chosen a large city to study in, getting about all its attractions could become quite costly!
• Socialising is good for you - but you’ll need to budget. Depending on where you’re staying, a night out in the UK can become very expensive. For example, a pint of beer in Chester will cost around £1.50 less than the same drink in London and the southeast of England. These differences will be the same across every aspect of your social life, so choose your school location carefully.

Read reviews and seek recommendations

Researching where you want to study is one of the most important steps in choosing a school. Look for ex-student reviews, and connect with alumni on social media to get an insider’s perspective.

Gathering enough information from reliable sources will help you filter down to the best school for you.

What’s the conclusion?

Choosing the right English language school in the UK is a huge decision for you as an international student. You may be spending a long time away from home, and making a large financial commitment in order to give yourself a better future.

We hope this guide has highlighted just how important research is to you before making your choice. The school, its location, its selection of courses, your accommodation and everything else should be the perfect fit for your personality - and go a long way to helping you achieve your goals. Good luck!