Meet friends, have fun as you keep speaking English

The social programme is a weekly offering of popular activities designed to introduce you to Chester, to suggest fun activities and events for you to attend, and at the same time, make new friends easily, and complement your English language lessons.

Our social programme is a very important and much appreciated part of school life. Language and culture are closely linked so our programme of activities and excursions is designed to activate your English while you learn about British life and culture. You can visit many interesting places, share new experiences with students from all over the world, get to know your teachers outside of the classroom and have lots of fun.

Our Social Activities Organiser, a full-time member of staff, organises the social programme. When you arrive at the school in Chester on your first day, we’ll introduce you to our Social Activities Organiser, explain how activities work and what you have to do to sign up (reserve a place) on the activities, trips and excursions that you’re interested in.

The weekly social programme includes a range of activities, half-day excursions and full-day excursions at weekends. We also offer weekend excursions through a local company BusyBus.

  • activities include a walking tour of Chester on your first day, conversation club, book club, cream tea. Activities typically cost between £6 and £15.
  • half-day excursions include Anfield, Liverpool. They typically cost £15 to £30.
  • full-day excursions include the Lake District, North Wales, Manchester. Excursions cost £25 to £60.

Once you’re in school, we can also help you to plan other things you might like to do independently.

Social programme

Tuesday 12 May (afternoon) Walk-and-Talk

Join our “walk and talk” in Chester — a relaxed way to practise English while exploring the city. Chat with others as you walk, build confidence, and improve your speaking skills in a friendly, real-life setting.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.30


Free

Wednesday 13 May (afternoon) Craft Club

A friendly craft club where students come together to learn new skills, share ideas, and make simple handmade items in a relaxed, social setting.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16.00


Free

Thursday 14 May (afternoon) Film Club

A friendly film club where students watch movies, meet new people, and socialise while practising English in a relaxed setting.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00


£8 +

Friday 15 May (afternoon) Cream Tea

Enjoy a traditional English cream tea and chat with fellow students.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00


£8

Saturday 16 May (full day trip) Chester Zoo

A fun day out at Chester Zoo exploring animals from around the world, walking through different habitats, and learning about wildlife conservation.
Location: Chester Zoo, CH2 1EU
Suggested Activity


£37

Sunday 17 May (full day trip) North Wales Trip

Explore the rugged mountains, historic castle, and picturesque villages of North Wales on a guided journey through its stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30


£77

Monday 18 May (afternoon) Kahoot!

Kahoot! is a fun, interactive quiz where participants answer questions in real time using their devices, making learning and competition exciting.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:15


Free

Tuesday 19 May (evening) Bowling

Can you get a strike!
Meet: Office
Time: 16:00


£8

Wednesday 20 May (afternoon) Craft Club

A friendly craft club where students come together to learn new skills, share ideas, and make simple handmade items in a relaxed, social setting.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16.00


Free

Thursday 21 May (afternoon) Chester City Walls Walk

Join the walk along the oldest, longest and most complete city walls of Britain. The walk provides fantastic views of the city and an insight into Chester's history.
Meet: Office
Time: 16:00


Free

Friday 22 May (afternoon) Football

A football game provides friendly competition, while having fun and staying active! Bring trainers and water.
Meet: Office
Time: 16:00


£5

Saturday 23 May (full day trip) North Wales Trip

Explore the rugged mountains, historic castle, and picturesque villages of North Wales on a guided journey through its stunning landscapes and rich heritage.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30


£60

Sunday 24 May (full day trip) Lake District

Discover the stunning lakes, charming villages, and rolling fells of England’s Lake District on a guided journey through its natural and cultural highlights.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 08:30


£60

Monday 25 May (afternoon) Games Afternoon

A fun and friendly club where students can relax, socialise, and enjoy a variety of board and card games.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16:15


Free

Tuesday 26 May (afternoon) Spinners - Bowling & Activity Bar

A fun activity bar where social where students can relax, play games like virtual clayshot, interactive golf, and shuffleboard, meet new people while practising English in a lively, friendly atmosphere.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00


£8 +

Wednesday 27 May (afternoon) Conversation Club

A great way to improve your communication skills, meet other students and discuss interesting topics.
Meet: Office
Time: 16.00


Free

Thursday 28 May (afternoon) Craft Club

A friendly craft club where students come together to learn new skills, share ideas, and make simple handmade items in a relaxed, social setting.
Meet: Common Room
Time: 16.00


Free

Friday 29 May (afternoon) Badminton/Pickle Ball

Fun, relaxed sessions for all skill levels. Play, move, and meet new people in a friendly and active environment.
Meet: Northgate Arena
Time:16.00


£5 +

Saturday 30 May (afternoon) Chester Racecourse

A thrilling day of racing at Chester Racecourse, fast horses, big crowds, and a lively atmosphere at the UK’s oldest racecourse.
Location: Chester Racecourse
Time: First Race 13.20 - Last Race 17.20
Suggested activity


£20 +

Sunday 31 May (full day trip) North Wales Trip

As part of the North Wales sightseeing tour you will visit charming Welsh seaside towns, an ancient castle, and an amazing National Park.
Book your ticket at ELC Reception!
Meet: Chester Railway Station
Time: 09:30


£60