Learn to teach English

The CELTA* course is probably the world’s most renowned initial qualification in English language teaching (TEFL) and in just four weeks you’ll go from being able to speak the English language fluently, to having the all the key principles of how to teach the language to non-native speakers, at all levels of ability.

This might feel like an exaggeration, but it really is the case. That said, we think the CELTA is a little like taking your driving test. At the end of it, you have the licence to teach, but it will be in the ongoing practice and an openness to continual improvement that will see you emerge as a competent and confident teacher of English.

We offer 4-week intensive CELTA courses in Eastbourne and the same format CELTA in Brighton. These courses really are very intensive, and require several hours of self study and preparation each day after your classroom sessions finish. It is recommended that you don’t try to juggle this course with part-time work and other responsibilities, if at all possible.

For people who are working we also offer part-time CELTA courses over 11 or 12 weeks in Brighton and Eastbourne.

* The abbreviation CELTA stands for the Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. In spite of the name, the course also touches on teaching English to younger learners. This course does not fall under the British Council accreditation scheme. It is moderated by the University of Cambridge.

Course features

  • This is a 4-week, intensive and highly challenging course.
  • Part-time courses also available in Brighton and Eastbourne.
  • Minimum of 120 contact hours between participants and course tutors.
  • 6 hours’ assessed teaching practice per candidate, supervised by a course tutor.
  • 6 hours’ observation of lessons taught by experienced ELT professionals.
  • Peer observation of teaching practice, i.e. watching the other candidates’ lessons.
  • Supervised lesson planning to give you maximum support.
  • Individual feedback on the impact of your teaching practice.

Where to study CELTA preparation in England

Here you can see which courses are available at each of our locations.

If you know where you would like to study, you can choose your course and location here. If not, see our explore the courses below or learn about our locations.

Courses Brighton Chester Eastbourne
CELTA preparation

CELTA courses in England

We offer CELTA courses in Brighton and Eastbourne, UK. Each CELTA course is identical in format, and you apply for the course by downloading the application form, completing it online and emailing it back to us.

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 levelEquivalent 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.

Test your English level now

Cool places that are small enough to be friendly, big enough to be fun

We offer year-round English language courses in three English locations. All our schools are classic, historical buildings with up-to-date, modern language learning facilities, and a warm and friendly welcome.

Map of ELC’s locations in England at Brighton, Chester and Eastbourne, with indications of their distance from major cities, airports and national parks. Brighton and Eastbourne are on the south east coast next door to the South Downs National Park and not far from London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports. Chester just to the east of north Wales is close to Liverpool and Manchester airports and roughly half way between Snowdon National Park and the Peak District National Park. An overlaid scale of 50km helps to show that Brighton and Eastbourne are about 120km from central London, and that Chester is about 35km from central Liverpool and 65km from central Manchester.
A photo of the seafront at Brighton which shows an array of white buildings and the sand-coloured pebble beach. There is a large white ferris wheel in the foreground, and a scattering of people sitting looking out to sea.

Brighton

Brighton and Hove is a lively, cosmopolitan seaside city of about 300,000 people with a vivid cultural life. It is about 85 km – 1 hour – south of central London and surrounded by the beautiful Sussex countryside. Learn more about Brighton

A photograph of the famous Eastgate clock in Chester which stands high above the road on a section of the Roman walls. The clock has a round white face with black roman numerals and hands, and lots of ornate black metalwork filled in with orange and gold panels. The letters VR are above it, visible against the turquoise dome roof, and the date 1897. This was erected in memory of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee.

Chester

Chester is an English city with 2,000 years of heritage, excellent shopping and a lively nightlife. It is 30km from Liverpool and 60km from Manchester – major cities of around half a million people each. Learn more about Chester

A seafront photo of Eastbourne taken from the west side. The pier can be seen jutting out into the sea towards the top of the photo, as the beach extends round to the left and the emerald sea takes up most of the rest of the shot. The sun is shining and the white hotels on the seafront are very noticeable.

Eastbourne

Eastbourne is a traditional seaside town that’s regularly the UK’s sunniest place. It is about 120 km from central London. The beautiful South Downs national park rises up directly from the western end of its seafront. Learn more about Eastbourne