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What is the IELTS? A Definition
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most recognised English language test for study, work, and migration. It measures your ability to communicate in English across all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide, the IELTS is your gateway to international education and career opportunities.
The importance of a great IELTS score
A strong IELTS score can be your ticket to university admission, a new job abroad, or the visa you need to start your next chapter. It shows you have the English skills required to succeed in academic or professional environments. That’s why it’s so important to prepare properly. ELC Schools is the ideal partner to help you reach your goal, with expert-led courses designed to build your confidence and boost your score.
Why choose ELC Schools for IELTS preparation?
ELC schools jointly have the right to call themselves the UK’s top-ranking group of English Language Schools, according to The British Council’s Accreditation UK scheme.
But I wanted to know how this no.1 position translates into the best experience for someone thinking about taking an IELTS preparation course in the UK. To find out what makes ELC’s IELTS programme so effective, I spoke with Simon Cummings, Assistant Academic Manager at ELC Brighton. Simon has worked with ELC since the 1990s and returned in 2008 after teaching in Spain, Croatia, Thailand, Germany, and the UAE. With over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of the IELTS exam, Simon offered expert insights into what sets ELC apart.
“Our IELTS teachers are not just experienced - they’re exam-focused,” Simon explained. “Some have worked as IELTS examiners, so they bring a really clear sense of what examiners look for, especially in speaking and writing. That helps students prepare more precisely.”
Another key strength is ELC’s honest and flexible approach. Before students even arrive, their speaking and writing levels are assessed to estimate their current IELTS band. This allows ELC to make personalised recommendations. “If they’re not ready for IELTS yet, we’ll suggest starting with General English,” said Simon. “It’s better to build their overall level first and then tackle the exam.”
ELC courses are designed to be intensive but manageable. Classes typically have 6 to 8 students, with a maximum of 12, and each week includes 25 lessons of 45 minutes. That’s just under 80 hours over four weeks. “We usually see a half-band improvement in that time, and motivated students can even go up a whole band,” Simon said. Students also receive one-to-one tutorials every four weeks, where teachers review progress, revisit feedback, and help with goal setting. “We make sure students understand what they need to do, and how much effort it will take,” Simon added.
At the end of the day, you’re still the main reason for your IELTS success
It’s great that ELC schools are the leading group in the UK. This means that each ELC school is very well organised and things like quality assurance are second-to-none. That possibly means the school attracts students who are serious about learning and progression, and they are looking for the best. But I guess there is also a risk that some students might come here because they hope the top quality, super-experienced staff are going to somehow do more of the work.
A word of caution. It’s great to have some of the best teachers in the world, who have been doing this job a long time, and who can tune into what you’re like, how you tick, what approaches might best help you and what your language strengths and weaknesses might be.
But at the end of the day, you are the one taking the exam. You’re the one deciding how much time you’re going to spend practising the new language you encounter, working through exercises you’ve been recommended, and planning your time carefully to work on IELTS preparation outside the classroom, whilst leaving enough spare time to really enjoy yourself in the UK. That takes commitment, persistence, and endurance, and your ability to juggle your time well and stay motivated is really what will make the biggest difference.
Simon summed it up simply: “IELTS hasn’t changed much since 2005, but student effort makes all the difference. We provide the guidance, but students have to put in the work. When they do, the results speak for themselves.”
Exam course options to suit your needs
IELTS Exam Preparation courses in Brighton, Eastbourne, and Chester
This course focuses solely on preparing for the IELTS Academic test. Students work through all four skills using real IELTS materials, and in week three they sit a full mock exam. The final week is tailored to each student’s needs based on their mock results, with additional skill-focused lessons and vocabulary work. Students must have at least a B1 level to join.
General English plus IELTS & Academic in Brighton
For students who need to build both their general English and exam skills, this course combines morning General English lessons with afternoon IELTS preparation. Simon described it as ideal for students aiming for academic study but who still need to strengthen their fluency and grammar.
More than just a course: The ELC Schools experience
Simon emphasised that a positive, international learning environment is just as important as academic rigour. “The atmosphere in IELTS classes is focused and business-like,” he said, “but there are always smiles. It’s hard work, but students support each other and build confidence as they go.”
He also highlighted how different nationalities bring different strengths and challenges. “Arabic speakers are often strong in speaking and listening but may need help with writing and reading due to less focus on literacy. Asian students from countries with different writing systems may also struggle with essay structure. Spanish speakers tend to write in long, complex sentences, which can affect coherence. We know these patterns, so we can support them better.”
In addition to in-class learning, students are encouraged to explore a wide range of self-study tools. “We used to rely more on libraries and computer suites, but now students use online tools - and increasingly AI,” Simon noted. “We ask students to write essays themselves first, then compare them with AI-generated versions. They also read New Scientist, newspapers, and watch TED Talks. We encourage them to be curious about the world, because the IELTS writing tasks often require critical thinking on real-world issues.”
Ready to take the next step?
With expert tutors, structured feedback, engaging resources, and immersive locations, ELC’s IELTS preparation courses offer a complete package. Students benefit not just from test practice but from real improvement in their English skills and extra confidence to communicate more effectively in the real world.
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Visit ELC-Schools.com to learn more and start your journey today.
