English Courses UK
British Council Accredited Centre
At BLS we run courses for both juniors and adults all year round. We accept students from the age of 10+ at various times of the year both as individuals and as groups. For dates of school holidays please scroll to the bottom of the page.
Perhaps you have a particular reason for studying? You may have an exam you would like to sit now or in the future? Let us know and we will do our best to help. We aim to support and advise you from start to finish.
Before you arrive or on your first day in school you will be sent an English language test which will help us to choose your class to make the most of every minute.
You will have daily homework and weekly progress tests so we can check your progress and help you achieve your goals.
We want you to be happy and the BLS Team will do everything we can to make this experience as positive as possible.
Summer Adult Courses
Intensive courses for vacation success. Weekend cultural and historical activities and excursions. Local host accommodation for total immersion. Exams and certificates possible.
General English Courses
English Immersion courses of 16, 20 or 24 hours per week for students who want to quickly improve their level of English as part of a small, mixed nationality group. You will use the latest course books and learn through interesting discussions and traditional grammar approaches. Pronunciation is also an important component of the course. Mornings cover the four main skills of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening with some grammar. Afternoon classes give opportunity to work towards an exam such as University of Cambridge FCE or IELTS. Exams are not compulsory and the classes are still very useful for those who do not wish to sit an exam. There is also the Business and Life Skills class for A2 / B1 level for classes that will make living in the UK easier.
Intensive English with IELTS
This option consists of 24 hours per week and is an extremely intensive programme that combines 15 hours of General English classes with 8 hours of classes focusing on IELTS exam skills and technique. There is one hour guided learning at the end o fthe week for test practice. This programme will help maximise your IELTS score for university, your career or any other reason. We will polish your grammar, look at exam technique and ensure you have the key vocabulary to boost your essay writing and spoken interview performance. The academic content of this course helps to prepare for life at university.
Intensive English with FCE Examination Preparation
To help prepare you for your FCE exam, BLS English will provide the grammar, vocabulary and skills essential for most English language exams. You will study 24 hours per week, combining 15 hours of General English classes with 8 hours of Exam focused classes and 1 hour of guided self-study or exam practice each week. there are two hours per week dedicated to the FCE while the other 6 hours are more general exam skills. We can give you advice on which exam is best for you and offer additional practice for home.
Part-time English Courses
Part-time courses are a great option for people already living locally and need a flexible course to fit around work or family commitments. There are morning or afternoon classes available.
One-to-One English Courses
Extremely intensive one-to-one programmes for your chosen area of business or to achieve your personal goals. You will be carefully assessed and interviewed on arrival and your learning targets planned out. This course aims to get the most out of any individual in the shortest possible time.
Teacher Training (August)
A course for teachers or group leaders who work with young learners in their home country. This course is designed with professional development in mind. It allows you the opportunity to practise and improve your English language knowledge and share ideas with teachers from other schools and other countries.
Course dates
The English courses at BLS English are very flexible so that you can start your course most Mondays in the year. BLS runs a “rolling registration” system with students able to join nearly any week of the year.
Your English Level
Adult students will be tested before arrival wherever possible. You will also have a chat with the Director of Studies on your first day. We want to be sure of your English level and understand your learning objectives. There is also the option of sitting a grammar and listening test on your first morning if time allows. The Director of Studies will monitor all students’ performance and progress in discussions with the teaching team and from weekly class tests. The aim of this is to make sure students are in the best class possible.
Your First Day
On your first day, you will be shown around your BLS centre (adult or junior) and the town. New adult students will speak with the Director of Studies to see how you feel about your class level and any other issues. You can also discuss your exam options and work experience or paid work options for those who are eligible. The BLS welfare team will speak to you during the early part of your course to check you are settling in and to help with any problems.
Activities
The activity programme is a very important aspect of your course. You can sign your name against any activity you would like to try. You will be able to visit London, Cambridge, Colchester, Norwich, Ipswich and Newmarket. You will also explore the local restaurants and night life. The idea is that you pay as you go. The activities will help you settle in and meet other students from different countries. They will also support your English learning in a more relaxed setting. We suggest you sign up for as many as possible. Some are free!
The BLS Team is here to help
We are here to help. Our Team are professional and sensitive to student needs. Our aim is for all students to feel comfortable enough to maximise their learning experience at BLS.
Public & School Holidays 2026:
3rd April: Good Friday
6th April: Easter Monday
4th May (Monday): May Day bank holiday
25th May (Monday): Late May Bank Holiday
31st August: August Bank Holiday
School Closed – 21st December 2026 to 1st January 2027
