What is the highest level class?
We usually have general English classes at C1/C2 level. We also run a Cambridge Proficiency course 3 times a year.
IELTS exam preparation course at ELC Eastbourne
The IELTS course at ELC Eastbourne is designed to give you complete and careful preparation for all aspects of the academic module of IELTS.
- Maximum students: 12
- Minimum age: 16 (15)
- Course duration: 4 weeks
- CEFR entry level:
- B1
- B2
- C1
- C1+
* Minimum age: please see more information regarding levels of care and supervision for 16 and 17 year olds in international classes. We occasionally accept 15 year olds in international classes provided they are part of a group with a group leader.
Our course is full time, Monday to Friday, and takes place during both the morning and afternoon of each day. Your teachers will be experienced in teaching IELTS preparation courses, and some of our teachers are also IELTS examiners.
The IELTS course includes:
- guidance and practice in all 4 papers of the IELTS exam (reading, writing, listening and speaking)
- mock examinations under authentic exam conditions
- regular tutorials with your teacher to give you individual help and study advice.
Course intensity options
This is an intensive course which lasts 4 weeks with a core of 25 lessons per week of IELTS preparation (18.75 hours). You can, however, instead choose to study:
- 30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week
Your CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level must be between B1 to CEFR C1+ to be eligible for the course.
If you choose the 30 lesson option, for the extra 5 lessons you will study on one of the following electives:
Speaking, pronunciation & listening
Develop your real-life conversation skills and fluency. Improve your pronunciation so that people will understand you better.
Reading, writing and vocabulary
Build your vocabulary and learn techniques to remember and use more words and phrases correctly. Practise vocabulary in context.
Academic English IELTS/EAP*
Preparation for the academic IELTS exam and for university study. Study all 4 IELTS papers, practise listening for lectures and giving presentations.
English for Work*
Introduction to English used in work situations. Focus on making phone calls, language for presentations, meetings and negotiations.
Please note: Electives are subject to availability. *Academic English and English for work require an intermediate to advanced level of English.
Extended study
If you are planning to study for 24 weeks or more, the IELTS Preparation Course can be taken as part of our Study Year Programme.
| Course options | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/30 lessons | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 | 09:00–10:30 |
| 25/30 lessons | 11:00–12:30 | 11:00–12:30 | 11:00–12:30 | 11:00–12:30 | 11:00–12:30 |
| 25/30 lessons | Lunch break | ||||
| 25/30 lessons | 13:30–14:30 | 13.30 – 14.25 | 13.30 – 14.25 | 13.30 – 14.25 | |
| 30 lessons | 14:35–15:30 | 14:30–15:30 | 14:35–15:30 | 14:35–15:30 | |
| 1 ‘lesson’ = 45 minutes. Lessons are usually combined into larger units of time. | |||||
Course features
- Before arriving, you do an online test so your class is at the right level for you.
- We conduct regular progress checks and set homework every day.
- You’ll be in a multi-national group for your English classes.
- Regular individual tutorials with your teacher for private help and study advice.
- All course books and materials are included.
- At least one lesson a week in the computer laboratory.
- You’ll take mock exams under authentic exam conditions.
- You can use the self-access study centre after lessons to practise and improve.
- End of course certificate with hours of study and final level.
- You get your exam results about 2 weeks after the exam.
Who is this IELTS preparation English course for?
Our IELTS Exam Preparation course is perfect if you are an international student aged 16 or over, and you are committed to preparing for the IELTS exam. You’ll need to be ready to work hard during lessons and in your own time after lessons, as we’ll give you homework to complete each day.
You must also have an existing CEFR level of B1 to C1+.
Exam information
The IELTS exam is usually held on the Saturday immediately after your course finishes on the Friday. Please contact us for exact exam dates.
The test centre for ‘standard’ academic IELTS is usually in Eastbourne (subject to availability) but may be Brighton or London. Please note that the nearest test centre for a IELTS as a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is London or Portsmouth.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the closest airport to ELC in Eastbourne?
London Gatwick airport is the nearest airport to Eastbourne, then London Heathrow airport. From Gatwick there are direct trains to Eastbourne (about 55 minutes). From Heathrow the train takes about 2 hours 35 minutes and you will have to go into central London. Alternatively we can arrange taxi transfers. These take about 60 minutes from Gatwick to your accommodation and 90-105 minutes from Heathrow.
What is the maximum length of visa that I can get to study English?
To study English language, you can study for a maximum of 11 months. You need to apply for a Short-Term Study Visa
Is the exam fee included in the course fees?
No it isn't. Please see our price list for the cost of the exam.
Blog articles about IELTS preparation
IELTS preparation tips and tricks for the Writing Test
In this post we are going to look at the IELTS writing test and in particular we are going to give advice on IELTS exam preparation for the academic IELTS module.
IELTS preparation tips and tricks for the Listening Test
Here we take a look at the tips and tricks you can use when tackling the IELTS Listening Test
IELTS preparation tips and tricks for the Reading Test
In this post we are going to look at the IELTS reading test and in particular we are going to give advice on exam preparation for the academic IELTS module.
IELTS preparation tips and tricks for the Speaking Test
In the IELTS speaking test you will need to talk about yourself, the things you do and like and experiences you have had. Here's how to do it.
Our other English Exam Preparation courses in Eastbourne
Cambridge Advanced CAE exam preparation
Our Cambridge C1 Advanced exam preparation course in Eastbourne is a comprehensive study programme designed to fully prepare you for this challenging examination.
Cambridge First FCE exam preparation
The Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Exam Preparation course at ELC Eastbourne will get you in top shape for this exam.
Find your English level
Our language learning levels relate closely to how the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) define them, but with a difference which we have found to help our students at Elementary level.
| ELC level | Equivalent CEFR levels | |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | ||
| A1 | ||
| Upper A1 | Lower A2 | |
| A2 | ||
| B1 | ||
| B2 | ||
| C1 | ||
| C2 | ||
We offer an English level test which anyone can take. It involves 50 questions and, depending on your level, will probably take you from 10 to 20 minutes. At the end of it, we will tell you your probable level.
But when you book, we will ask you to take a more detailed and accurate test, to make sure that you start in the class which is best for you.
Mm, that's great, but I have questions...
We hope you like the look of our IELTS preparation course, and we hope you’ll book with ELC. You might still have questions for us, or worries, because we know how important it is to get this right. Tell us what’s concerning you, and let us help you!
You might have more questions like:
- How do I know how long to study for?
- How do I book a General English course and then an IELTS preparation course?
- Can I test my level first so you know how long I need?
- Can you guarantee what grade I will get at the exam?
- Will people on the IELTS preparation course be as motivated as me?
Drop us a line and we’ll be in touch, or you can use the chat function on this page if you prefer.