BLS is a British Council Accredited English School
The BLS Adult centre offers English courses in central Bury St Edmunds. The adult centre is close to the modern Arc shopping centre, the Apex live entertainment centre and the historic market square. Bury St Edmunds city centre has plenty of shops, restaurants, pubs and places to go in the evening. BLS students enjoy exploring the busy city centre before and after classes. Many of your activities will also take place in the city centre. You can walk everywhere so no buses needed! We will test you before or on arrival to check your level and choose your class. There will be regular tutorials with the Director of Studies and welfare team to support you during your stay.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Learn English through your hobby or enthusiasm. Classic cars, horses or perhaps football? Share your passion in English! Choose 1 or 2 weeks in May. Meet like-minded people from other countries. You will stay in local host accommodation for total immersion.
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.
Adult students will be tested before arrival wherever possible. We will advise you how many levels are running before you book. There may only be one level running at quieter times of the year. You will also have a chat with the Director of Studies (or assistant) on your first day. The academic team will monitor your performance and progress in discussions with the teaching team and from weekly class tests.
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 (Robert White) 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. There will be the opportunity to visit nearby cities of interest each weekend. London, Cambridge, Colchester, Norwich, Ipswich and Newmarket are all possible. You will also explore the local restaurants and night life. The idea is that you sign up on the student activity board and pay as you go. There will be a student rep or Intern to accompany you and support where needed. 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 2024:
29 March: Good Friday
1 April: Easter Monday
6 May (Monday): May Day bank holiday
27 May (Monday): Late May Bank Holiday
26 August: August Bank Holiday
School Closed – 23rd December 2024 to 3rd January 2025
