Burlington School of English
British Council accredited school in South London with on-site accommodation, offering General English, exam preparation and specialist business courses since 1990.
Who London suits
London works for ambitious students who want maximum opportunity and accept the investment required. You’ll access the UK’s best course selection, unlimited cultural resources, and genuine career networking—but you’ll pay higher costs, commute further, and need self-discipline to maximise your learning. The city rewards initiative and punishes passivity. If you’re motivated, comfortable with urban complexity, and ready to compete globally, London delivers returns that smaller cities can’t match.
Why the English learning works
London’s power is preparation for global English. You’ll hear British, American, Australian, Indian, Nigerian, and Caribbean accents daily—the exact diversity you’ll encounter in international business. Your classmates will represent over twenty countries. Every major cultural institution offers world-class English content: the British Museum, British Library, Tate Modern, National Gallery, Science Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum—all with free entry.
Professional networking happens nightly: industry meetups, language exchanges, university lectures, seminars, and conferences. London hosts global companies, international organisations, and professional networks that can advance your career. You’re learning English where it actually gets used in business, diplomacy, media, and international work.
Course choice is unmatched: every level, every exam (IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL, PTE), business English, academic pathways, and specialised courses (legal English, medical English, aviation English, finance terminology). Classes include multiple nationalities, making English essential. London attracts all demographics—gap-year students, working professionals, executives, and academics.
The challenge is that London rewards active effort. Unlike smaller cities where English immersion is unavoidable, here you can find communities from your home country. Language bubbles exist. People speak quickly, use contemporary slang and business terminology, and expect you to keep up. The transport system requires English literacy from day one. Success means choosing English conversations deliberately, attending events outside your comfort zone, and building recurring relationships—returning to the same cafés, joining clubs, attending regular meetups. The city provides unlimited resources; you must use them.
Daily rhythm
Weekdays typically involve commuting to school—35 to 50 minutes from Zones 3–4 is normal—followed by morning classes, lunch near school or in parks, and afternoon study or cultural visits. Evenings offer endless possibilities: professional networking events, theatre, live music, language exchanges, international cuisine, and university lectures. You can curate your experience based on your goals—career networking, cultural immersion, or specific interests.
Weekends invite exploration of different neighbourhoods, famous markets such as Borough, Portobello and Greenwich, or day trips to Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, or Canterbury (60–90 minutes by train).
Living areas
Many international English students live in Zones 3–4, occasionally Zone 2 in less central areas. Zone 1 accommodation is essentially hotels and not realistic for students. Student residences, if your school offers them, are usually in Zones 1–2, modern and convenient but expensive (£450–550+ per week). Homestays and private accommodation are the most common options, found mainly in residential suburbs.
- Walthamstow/Leyton: Zone 3 northeast; residential, multicultural, good Victoria Line access.
- Balham/Tooting: Zone 3–4 south; family areas, Northern Line, good value.
- Wembley/Harrow: Zone 3–4 northwest; residential suburbs, Metropolitan/Jubilee lines.
- Stratford/Forest Gate: Zone 3 east; diverse areas, excellent transport links, affordable.
Expect 40–60 minute commutes from Zones 3–4. This is typical London student life and significantly reduces accommodation costs while keeping you well-connected to central areas.
Practical realities
Budget
London is the UK’s most expensive study city. Accommodation varies dramatically by type and zone:
- Student residences (Zones 1–2): Often £450–550+ per week for en-suite room or studio.
- Homestays (Zones 3–4): More affordable and typically include meals.
Add transport costs (Zones 1–4 travel), food, course fees, and daily expenses. Request itemised quotes—including tuition, enrolment, materials, accommodation type and zone, and extras—to compare total costs accurately. If budget is your priority, Manchester, Liverpool, or Leeds cost roughly 40–50% less overall.
Transport
You’ll use Transport for London (Tube, buses, Overground) daily. Use Oyster or contactless payment with daily and weekly fare capping. Peak times are busy but manageable. The network runs late into the evening, with Night Tube on some lines at weekends and 24-hour night buses.
Getting around
The Underground is fastest; buses allow you to see the city. Most areas are well-connected. Walking long distances isn’t practical—London is vast. Cycling requires confidence in traffic. Fast rail and coach links connect you to Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton for most international routes.
Demand
London schools operate year-round with consistent availability. Summer (July–August) is the busiest period. Popular schools fill two to three months ahead for summer arrival, so book early if you want specific schools or locations.
Safety
London is generally safe with normal city awareness. Use standard precautions such as watching belongings on transport and avoiding empty areas late at night. Research your accommodation neighbourhood before booking. Late-evening transport is well-established and reliable.
Visa support
Some accredited providers are licensed Student route sponsors; many enrol learners on visitor or short-term study routes. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK and confirm the right visa route with your chosen school.
Is London right for you?
London is ideal for students who want the highest level of choice, diversity, and professional opportunity, and who can handle the scale and pace of the capital. It rewards ambition and self-direction but requires energy and good organisation.
London suits you if you:
- Want maximum course choice and career networking opportunities.
- Thrive in diverse, fast-paced, competitive environments.
- Value global connections and professional development.
- Come from major international cities and are comfortable with urban complexity.
- Have adequate budget for the investment.
- See commuting 35–50 minutes as normal city life.
- Self-motivate and actively seek learning opportunities.
- Want access to unlimited cultural, professional, and educational resources.
Consider alternatives if you:
- Need calm, focused study environments → Oxford, Cambridge, Bath.
- Want budget-friendly costs → Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds.
- Prefer walkable cities with recurring personal connections → Canterbury, Bath, York.
- Seek slower-paced English in quieter settings → Bath, Canterbury, Cheltenham.
- Feel overwhelmed by large cities → Any smaller UK city.
- Want guaranteed daily English immersion without effort → Smaller cities where English is unavoidable.
Prefer the full form? Go to enquiry page
