Do you accept complete beginners at ELC Eastbourne?
Our minimum level is normally elementary. We only take beginners for one-to-one classes.
Our General English plus one-to-one lessons at ELC Eastbourne
ELC Eastbourne’s General English plus one-to-one course is a comprehensive programme where you receive daily morning input on our core General English course. Each afternoon you will then receive extra, in-depth private English lessons that are unique to you and your personal English language requirements.
- Maximum students: 12
- Minimum age: 16 (15)
- Minimum duration: 2 weeks
- CEFR entry level:
- A1
- A2
- 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 General English Plus One-to-One course has a core of 20 lessons (15 hours) per week of General English plus one of two options plus 5 lessons (3.75 hours) or 10 lessons (7.5 hours) per week of one-to-one intensive, personalised input.
For your one-to-one classes you can:
- choose to develop your general English skills further, in areas such as conversation, pronunciation or writing
- have specific preparation for an exam – for example, IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, CAE or FCE
- focus on a specific area related to your job – for example, an important presentation, telephoning, medical English.
| Course options | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/30 lessons | 09:00-10:30 Core GE lessons | 09:00-10:30 Core GE lessons | 09:00-10:30 Core GE lessons | 09:00-10:30 Core GE lessons | 09:00-10:30 Core GE lessons |
| Morning break | |||||
| 25/30 lessons | 11.00-12.30 Core GE lessons | 11.00-12.30 Core GE lessons | 11.00-12.30 Core GE lessons | 11.00-12.30 Core GE lessons | 11.00-12.30 Core GE lessons |
| Lunch break | |||||
| 25/30 lessons | 13.30-14.30 One-to-one lessons | 13.30-14.30 One-to-one lessons | 13.30-14.30 One-to-one lessons | 13.30-14.30 One-to-one lessons | Free time or supervised self-study |
| 30 lessons | 14:35-15:30 One-to-one lessons | 14:35-15:30 One-to-one lessons | 14:35-15:30 One-to-one lessons | 14:35-15:30 One-to-one lessons | Free time or supervised self-study |
| Free time or supervised self-study until school closes | |||||
| 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 can use the self-access study centre after lessons to practise and improve.
- End of course certificate with hours of study and final level.
- One-to-one classes to focus on your specific needs.
- We conduct a pre-course needs assessment to get your course just right.
Who is this English course for?
ELC Eastbourne’s General English course plus one-to-one lessons is a good option for you if you are an international students over 16 years of age, and you would like to speed up your rate of progress by having extra private English lessons with your teacher to focus on a specific area of language.
This option is also ideal if you would like to develop your English skills around a topic which isn’t usually covered by our General English classes.
Frequently asked questions about General English courses
Do I need a visa to study at ELC?
For stays up to 6 months, it depends which country you come from. For all EU and some other countries, you do not need to apply for a visa before you travel. For other countries, you should apply for a standard visitor visa for stays up to 6 months. You can check if you need to apply for a visa before travel. For stays of 6 to 11 months, you need to apply for a short-term study visa before you travel.
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
I'm from Switzerland. Is a visa necessary or is a passport sufficient?
For stays up to 6 months in the UK, arrivals from Switzerland do not need to apply for a visa but you do need to travel with your passport - an ID card is not accepted.
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.
I'm from the EU. Do I need a visa to study in England?
You can stay up to 6 months and study without applying for a visa. You will need a valid passport and you can use e-gates on arrival at a UK airport. If you wish to study English with us for between 6 and 11 months, you should apply for a short-term study visa. You will also need to pay a health surcharge.
How much is a taxi from the airport to Eastbourne?
We can organise a taxi for you and the price (2024) is £115 each way for Gatwick and £160 each way for Heathrow.
How can I change level?
It usually takes about 12 weeks to progress to the next level. There are regular progress tests to check your level and if you do very well in a test, your teacher may recommend that you move up a level.
How can I join the social programme?
You can sign up for social activities and weekend excusions at reception when you arrive at the school. Our full-time social organiser works at reception so you can ask them for more details.
I am an older student and I don't want to study with teenagers. What can you offer me?
We offer serious study programmes and often get students in their 30s, 40s, 50s and older who succesfully join our General English course. However, we do offer a 25+ course year round in Chester which is suitable for older learners who would like to study in small classes.
Is the school open on UK public holidays? Is the school open at Christmas?
We are open on every public holiday except for 2 weeks over Christmas when the school closes for lessons. However some of the administration team will check emails over the Christmas period.
Can I use contactless cards and digital wallets to pay for things in England?
Yes, you can. In the UK it’s very common to pay with contactless in shops, taxis, buses and at school.
Is the school wheelchair accessible?
The school has buildings built more than 100 years ago with many staircases so it is unfortunately not suitable for wheelchair access.
When do General English courses start?
Our General English courses start any Monday and finish any Friday. You can book a minimum of 2 weeks. Please note that the school is open year round except for 2 weeks around the Christmas period – usually the last 2 weeks for the calendar year.
Can I use my credit card at the school
Yes, you can, we accept all major credit/debit card providers.
Is there a canteen/cafeteria at school?
We have a student 'kitchen' with microwaves and kettles. There are also vending machines for hot drinks and snacks. Within 5 minutes' walk of school there are many shops, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets.
What is the best choice of English programme for studying 6 months or more?
Our most flexible and economic option is our Study Year Programme. You will normally start on the General English course, then when you have reached a B1 intermediate level you can join an exam preparation course (e.g. IELTS or Cambridge First). The Study Year Programme includes one free airport taxi transfer on arrival and one free examination.
Do I have to buy course books?
All study materials are included in your course fees. You can buy additional grammar books for self-study at home if you wish.
Is there a car park at school in Eastbourne?
No, we don’t have a student car park available. However, there is a public car park about 5 minutes’ walk from the school. The price is around £7 per day.
What is the highest level class?
We usually have general English classes at C1 level. We also run a Cambridge Advanced course 5 times a year.
Where can I buy lunch?
The school is centrally located and there are many options within about a 5-minute walk - cafes, restaurants, supermarkets.
What should I bring with me on my first day?
On your first day of school please bring your passport, pen/pencil and a notebook/paper. You can also buy some stationery in the school office.
Can I book my course with a credit card?
Yes we accept payment with Mastercard or Visa.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, you should get travel insurance. ELC can provide travel insurance and you can add insurance when you book your course. Alternatively you can buy travel insurance in your own country through your local agent.
How long will it take me to move up a level?
All students learn in different ways and at different paces, so we are not able to give you a specific answer. Sometimes students expect that they will improve much faster than it is possible. On average it takes around 12 weeks for you to move up to the next level.
Some blog articles you might find interesting
How to improve your English vocabulary – top tips
Vocabulary is a huge part of English language learning - the richer your vocabulary, the more you express who you are.
How to choose a good English language school – part 1
You may have been saving up a long time for your English language course, so it's important you choose carefully.
Is learning English your biggest challenge? These 7 tips will help you
When you start to learn English, it can be a challenge. However, there are some great ways for you to improve your language skills and learn about the culture of…
Other General English courses in Eastbourne
Here are some more of our General English courses for you to consider.
General English
The General English course is our most popular option in Eastbourne, and it prepares to communicate effectively in English in everyday situations.
Study year programme
Study for 24 weeks or more in Eastbourne on this academic year programme where you'll learn as much about English life as English language!
General English plus activity
Combine your favourite English school's classes with tuition in your favourite sports and activities in Eastbourne.
Summer English for teenagers 16-22
Our English summer classes in Eastbourne for ages 16 to 22 are a combination of serious study and fun excursions and activities.
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.
Is this English and one-to-one course right for you?
Let us know if this option is right for you, or if you have any questions for us. Maybe there is something very particular you would like to work on with your one-to-one lessons, and you’d like to check we can teach what you need. Speak soon!