Compare courses from accredited schools, find the best prices, and start your English learning journey today.
As well as providing some of the best student accommodation in London, we at Home from Home Student Services are also committed to improving your English language ability. Wherever you are from in the world, being able to speak and understand English is one of the most important skills you can have. Whether it’s to progress your education, your career or just to assist you when travelling, the ability to communicate in English will help you achieve your goals.
Helpful checklists and city tips to make the most of your study experience.
Choosing where to study English is a significant decision, and London consistently ranks among the world’s top destinations for language learners. The city offers an impressive range of course options through its prestigious language schools, complemented by flexible accommodation solutions and specialised home tuition programmes.
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This guide helps students and agents understand how to choose an English language course in the UK, explaining why British Council Accreditation UK matters, how to compare real study time using weekly contact hours, and how to match course types, locations and intensity to their goals.
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Finding the right place to live can make or break your English language course experience. Over the years, we’ve helped thousands of language students from around the world find accommodation in the UK, and we’ve learned that language school students have very different needs from university students.
Read moreLearn with qualified tutors wherever you are staying. We match every learner with a trusted teacher who builds a personalised study plan, schedule, and support.
Learn English through fun, interactive UK-themed games.
Join our network of accredited schools and reach motivated international students. We promote your programmes across web, social, and agency channels.
This of course varies from person to person and is completely up to you. However. For a broad general understanding of the language we recommend studying a general English course. General English courses are designed to develop your reading, writing, speaking and listening abilities. These courses are ideal as either a ‘base’ course for a few weeks while you gain confidence in London, speaking English with the locals and at your school. After you have completed this course you can then either continue on the general English course of move on to specialise to either a qualification or a practical (e.g. business) course.
In addition to this you have the choice of either group classes or private one on one lessons. If time and budget permits we would recommend studying in a mixture of both options. This will allow you to have the benefit of meeting and studying with new people of a similar level in the group class (making friends is one of the best and most fun ways to learn any language) with the one on one lessons supplementing your group classes, allowing you to focus on the areas of English you wish to improve.
For those short of time or who want quick results, most schools offer ‘intensive’ or ‘super intensive’ course options. Although expensive, this can be a good way to study a lot in a short space of time. Please bear in mind that learning a language takes practice and time therefore for best results we would recommend a longer, less intensive course at a school with a busy social program.
As a member of English UK and having participated in the Accreditation UK inspection process and been recognised by the British Council, we only work with language schools who are also English UK members and are accredited by the British Council. This accreditation is widely seen by many as an indication of the quality of the lessons offered by the school and means you can have confidence in booking a course with the school.
Now you know the schools listed are accredited, the next considerations are the price and the facilities. Although all of schools listed are accredited, the all have different prices and target different sections of the market. Some are more expensive offering high tech facilities such as interactive white boards, large classrooms, student canteens and free computer rooms. Others offer good value budget packages where the teaching is of a good standard but the facilities are maybe a little more cramped, basic or dated.
When you first arrive your school you will usually take part in an English test to establish your language ability. From here you will be placed in a class with other students of a similar ability. This will hopefully ensure you are able to have a good understanding of what is being taught, be able to participate in class and communicate with your classmates.
If you find your class too easy or too difficult, the school staff will of course be able to help you to move class.
In general, most schools follow the following level structure for their classes:
Even if teachers distribute handouts or post lesson notes online, you will want to take your own notes. Therefore we recommend you take a note pad and pen. Some students find it useful to bring a dictionary (either traditional or electric) and/or iPad/tablet.
Yes! Most schools are happy to help complete beginners and have special courses and teachers who can assist you. Please make it clear when booking as the school may want to make special provision or arrangements to speak to you in your own language before you book.
Most schools will issue you with a certificate of attendance which will state the course you have studied and the level you obtained. This varies from school to school and is not an official qualification.
If you would like an official qualification you should enrol on a course that studies exam preparation towards a specific qualification such as IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge English.
Students from outside of the European Economic Area or Switzerland do require a visa to work or student in the UK.
Different types of visas are available, and some will be more suitable than others, depending on how long you want to study and your language level. Further information on student visas can be found here.
Although a number of schools offer summer courses of under 16’s, the minimum age to join an adult course is 16 years old. On average most students are in their 20’s, however we have helped students in their 80’s find accommodation and a course in London before. There really is something for everyone.
This varies from school to school. In general most schools limit their class size to 10 or 12 students with the average class size being around 8 or 9 students.
Most schools allow you to take holidays during your course, with the amount of holiday time usually dependent on the length of your course (Longer courses having more holiday time). Many schools ask for a 2 week notice period, although as each school differs slightly, we advise clarifying the rules with your school upon arrival. Holiday time can offer you a great opportunity to explore the rest of the UK and Europe.
“It has been a pleasure to work with a trusted partner, consistently introducing students to Speak Up school. The team is professional, supportive, and clearly focused on student experience, making the referral process smooth and reliable.”
Kat Jeffries, Head of Operations, Speak Up London
“We have been working with London Homestays for over 5 years. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
“Having worked with them since 2013, I can state that London Homestays have always taken care to match our students with suitable host families. They have a very friendly yet professional approach to their work. Our students have enjoyed staying at their homestays. Overall, students say that their host families are attentive and welcoming.”
Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
Eliane Tomasi, Accommodation & Welfare Officer, Burlington School
“LSC Stanton has been working with London Homestays since 2011 and we are very pleased with the quality of accommodation and service they give to us. We have a good relationship with the team and they are always on hand to deal with any last-minute requests.”
Nick Bray, Managing Director, London Study Centre
“Cooperation with London Homestays is always great! We highly appreciate proactive approach and effort to ensure the best possible services for our groups. We always had a great clean accommodation, friendly family and smart local organisers. Students of our groups were satisfied and they enjoyed staying in London very much. We would like to recommend this agency. The whole team is very kind.”
Miroslava Foltýnová, Owner, CK Bus Tours
“We offer internships in London to European students and looked for a reliable partner to provide accommodation to our candidates. We have been very happy with the services provided by London Homestays, as have our candidates, as they have always received quickly information on families, the possibility to book a room in a short delay and also a good quality of families. I would recommend without any doubt this agency. The team is very professional, efficient and friendly :). We hope to send new trainees soon!”
Stéphanie Frassanito, Program Manager, Work Overseas
“Our school from the Czech Republic has had great experiences with London Homestays. They are one of the only hosting agencies who would accept our very young guests (under 12). The host families were generally welcoming, kind, and accommodating. The service provided by the coordinator Kate O’Connor and other admin staff is second to none.”
Kate Powers, Vice Principal for English Studies, Sunny Canadian International School
My homestay host Debra transformed my stay into the most amazing experience of my whole life!
Florian, student from Belgium: Homestay booking in Zone 3
It was an amazing experience, I’ve found a new home where I feel as comfortable as I do in my own home!
Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
I felt completely at ease and very comfortable with my host! She was really kind…many thanks!
Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting (SCIC) has worked with Home from Home many times and they have provided a very professional service.
Chan Sen, Director at Shanghai Chelsea International Consulting
