How to Find a Language School in the UK: A Practical Guide

Choosing a language school in the UK takes more than a quick Google search. You need to check teaching quality, location, fees and whether the school fits your learning style. This guide covers the key factors that matter when evaluating your options.

Check Accreditation and Quality Standards

Start by verifying that a language school has proper accreditation. In the UK, look for schools approved by British Council, Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), or Quality English. These bodies inspect teaching standards, staff qualifications and facilities regularly.

Accredited schools have met minimum standards for classroom sizes, course materials and teacher training. This isn't a guarantee of perfection, but it removes obviously unsuitable providers from your list. You can check the British Council website to see which schools hold their approval in your chosen region.

Decide Your Learning Goals and Course Type

Different schools specialise in different areas. Know what you actually need before comparing providers.

General English courses suit people wanting conversational skills or preparation for exams like IELTS and Cambridge
Business English courses target professionals needing workplace communication
Intensive programmes pack lessons into short timeframes, often 25+ hours weekly
Part-time evening or weekend classes work for employed adults
Online courses offer flexibility if you can't travel regularly
One-to-one tuition provides personalised attention at premium rates

Once you've narrowed down the course type, check whether schools offer it during times that suit your schedule. A brilliant school with no evening classes won't help if you work full-time.

Compare Costs and What You Get

Language school fees vary significantly across the UK. London schools typically charge £250–350 per week for full-time general English, while regional schools might be £150–250 weekly. Always check what's actually covered in the fee.

Ask schools directly about these specific costs:

Tuition hours and class size (fewer than 15 students is standard)
Materials and books, or if you provide your own
Exam registration fees if pursuing qualifications
Accommodation services (not always included)
Social activities or cultural outings
Discounts for long-term enrolment beyond 4 weeks

Some schools bundle accommodation with courses; others focus purely on education. Your location matters too—studying in central London costs more than living and studying in Manchester or Edinburgh, both for tuition and living expenses.

Review Teacher Qualifications and Class Experience

Your learning depends almost entirely on your teachers. Ask about instructor credentials. Most reputable schools require teachers to hold CELTA, DELTA, TEFL or equivalent qualification, plus native or near-native English proficiency.

Experience matters as much as qualifications. A teacher with five years of classroom time handles mixed-ability groups better than someone fresh from teacher training. If possible, try a trial lesson before committing to a full course. Many schools offer free or discounted sample sessions.

Check whether the school gives regular feedback on your progress. Monthly one-to-one tutorials, written reports, or informal check-ins keep you motivated and help identify areas needing extra work.

Look at Location, Facilities and Student Support

Where the school is located affects your experience. The location should be accessible by your regular transport. A city-centre school is convenient but may feel crowded. One in quieter suburbs offers more relaxed learning but requires travel time.

Visit the campus if possible. Look for comfortable classrooms with working heating and cooling, reliable Wi-Fi, a library or self-study area, and a common room where students socialise. Poor facilities won't stop you learning, but they make studying harder and less enjoyable.

Ask about student support services. Good schools employ coordinators who help with visa matters if you're an international student, arrange accommodation in host families or dorms, and provide guidance on local transport and settling into the area. This matters especially if you're moving to the UK for study.

Read Student Reviews and Speak to Existing Learners

Online reviews show what real students experienced. Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the school's own website for testimonials. Look for patterns—if five reviews mention poor teacher quality, that's a genuine concern. If one person complains about class size and no one else does, it may be an outlier.

Speak directly to current or recent students if the school allows it. Ask straightforward questions: Did you improve noticeably? Were teachers responsive to questions? Was the social side worth the cost? Did you pass any exams you took?

Be sceptical of only positive reviews on the school's own site. Schools naturally highlight glowing feedback, but if their official page has zero criticism, seek independent reviews elsewhere.

Compare Multiple Schools Before Deciding

Never enrol at the first school you investigate. Gather information from at least three providers that match your needs. List the criteria that matter most to you—price, location, exam preparation, class size—and score each school against those criteria.

Contact schools directly with specific questions rather than relying on websites alone. Their response speed and helpfulness reveal how they treat students. A school that ignores your emails won't prioritise your learning queries once you've enrolled.

Ask about trial lessons, sample timetables and sample student materials. Schools confident in their teaching are happy to show what you'll actually receive.

Final Steps Before Enrolment

Once you've shortlisted 2–3 schools, arrange individual conversations with their student advisors. Confirm everything in writing: course dates, hours, costs, cancellation policy and what happens if you need to pause study. Don't rely on verbal promises.

Check the school's refund policy carefully. Reputable schools typically refund unused portions if you withdraw with reasonable notice, but some have strict non-refund policies. Read these terms before paying anything.

When you're ready to decide, gather quotes detailing exactly what each school offers. This ensures you're comparing the same services and pricing.

Compare quotes from three language school providers in your target location to weigh up accreditation, teaching quality, cost, and student support before making your choice.