Hero image

English courses in London

Study and live in the global capital of the English language through a tailored language experience.

English courses in London
London
5 / -2
4.8/5 icon

average Google rating for our advice and support services across all our offices

30+ icon

years of experience supporting students around the world

97%

of our students recommend ESL as a partner for organising language travel 

40+ icon

ESL offices across Europe

English courses in London: study and live in the global capital of the language

4.6
3649 reviews

London: the biggest city in Europe, the iconic centre of England’s rich cultural heritage and your next English adventure! Choose one of our English courses in London and find out why millions of students choose it every year!

  • Live and study in iconic UK neighbourhoods, from central London to Camden
  • Courses from one week to a year (and everything in between!)
  • Personalised guidance from language travel experts
International students walking by the River Thames with the London Eye in the background on a cloudy day

Pick your dream English school to reach your goals in no time

All ages
Adults (Over 16)
Juniors (8 - 17)

Schools for all ages

List view
Map view
— Please select —
Junior school

London Central (14-17)

London, England
4.1 Great (82 reviews)
Junior school

London City (14-17)

London, England
Junior school

London Woldingham Campus (10-17)

London, England
4.3 Great (105 reviews)

Kaplan International - Academic Year Abroad

London, England
4.2 Great (14 reviews)

Adapt your English course in London to your needs

Whether you want to study for the IELTS in London or just have an amazing time with new friends, we have a wide range of courses from our qualified school partners. 

General English

Whether you’re looking to build a foundation for your new language, improve your current skills, or just looking for a fun, educational holiday, our general programme is for you! Have lessons throughout the week and spend your weekends and evenings doing fun activities and excursions to get an appreciation of your new destination. 

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks

  • Minimum age: 16

  • Class size: 12-15

  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Intensive Courses

Our intensive course is based on the same model as the standard course, but at a faster pace and delivered with more depth to allow students to make faster progress.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks
  • Minimum age: 16
  • Class size: 12-15
  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced
Exam preparation

If you’re looking to transform your language skills into a marketable qualification, there’s no better option than a language certificate. Our exam preparation courses will give you dedicated lessons alongside tried and tested exam techniques to make sure you get the grade you need to get your dream job or get into your dream university.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks
  • Minimum age: 16
  • Class size: 12-15
  • Entry level: Depends on chosen exam
  • Exams offered: IELTS, Cambridge Certificates
Business English

Learn to work and thrive in an international company through our Business English course. Get dedicated industry vocabulary, interview and CV making skills, Networking alongside international peers, and everything else you need to function in the globalised modern world.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks
  • Minimum age: 16
  • Class size: 6-10
  • Entry level: Intermediate - Advanced
Junior & Teen Programmes

Younger learners soak up knowledge like a sponge when you combine learning with fun activities and excursions. Our summer camps offer children engaging language lessons in the morning, alongside fun activities in the afternoon and at weekends. Each of our camps also has accommodation and meal options, alongside 24/7 supervision, so you can rest easy knowing we’re handling everything!

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ weeks
  • Minimum age: 8
  • Class size: 12-15
  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced
One-to-one lessons

Looking to achieve a specialised goal with your language course? Or do you just want a break from group classes? Our one-on-one courses offer you personalised tuition to fit your needs in a quiet environment—it’s the fastest way to achieve your goals. The best part? You can combine it with general classes, so you can still enjoy the social atmosphere of a group class while working on your personal goals in a private course.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1+ week
  • Minimum age: 16 (10 if including juniors)
  • Class size: 1-2
  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Our long-term programmes offer you a way to go beyond the standard study abroad experience and will allow you to make a new life in London. Whether you choose to specialise your lessons towards a goal like exam preparation or professional skills through an Academic Year Abroad, or just extend your courses through a Gap Year, you’ll stop being a student and start being a local!

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 2+ months
  • Minimum age: 16
  • Class size: 12-15
  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Our 50+ courses are designed with senior learners in mind. Each class will exclusively have students your own age and will feature activities for more mature learners in mind.

Key Information 

  • Course duration: 1-2 weeks
  • Minimum age: 50
  • Class size: 8-12
  • Entry level: Beginner - Advanced

Once you have a B1 level in your chosen language, you can continue your Academic Year with a focus on exam preparation. This course is designed to give you the necessary assistance and coaching to help you ace the accredited language exam of your choice, and will help you secure your spot in a prestigious university. Alongside university campus visits, expert guest speakers, and unique access to our university partners, this programme is the perfect way to secure your academic future!

Key information

  • Course duration: 2+ months
  • Minimum age: 16
  • Class size: 12-15
  • Entry level: B1 level - Advanced

Accreditations and memberships

IALC logo
IALC logo

Living and Learning in London: every day is a new adventure

Studying English in London isn’t just about exploring and having fun; you will have a few new systems to learn and habits to get into. But navigating this new adventure using your language skills can be just as fulfilling and educational as any activity or lesson! Here are just some of what you’ll get the hang of in London: 

How transport works while studying abroad in London

London is one of the most well-connected cities in the world, with a huge network of buses, overground trains, trams, and the oldest and most famous metro in the world: the Tube. You can use a contactless bank card for the majority of public transport; however, if you are a frequent or long-term visitor to London, you can also acquire an Oyster card, which will make your travel slightly cheaper in the long term. If you decide to go for an Oyster card, make sure to check if your school is eligible for a student discount, as this can make travel significantly cheaper. 

Group of young friends relaxing indoors, representing a house-sharing lifestyle concept

Accommodation for English courses in London

Each of our English schools in London offers a diverse range of accommodation to fit all preferences and budgets. If you’re looking to live the local life and immerse yourself in London culture, you should choose a host family, where you can practise your English and get local recommendations. If you want a more international student experience, our student residences will give you a fun social stay, with dedicated facilities and a choice of private and shared rooms or entire studio apartments. Whatever you’re looking for, our expert team will find it for you!

Teen ESL boys posing piggyback with Tower Bridge in background, London — English learning fun at International Language School

City attractions

London is home to some of the most iconic attractions in the world. You may be picturing Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The Tower of London, or any number of postcard-worthy sights to fill your Insta feed. But you’ll find just as many attractions off the beaten path, from the trendy markets in the renovated Battersea Power Station, to the cheap eats and live music of Mercato Metropolitano in Elephant and Castle–you’ll never run out of things to do.

Make sure you check with your school, as all of our English schools in London have activities planned and can also let you know about popular events and attractions in your local area!

Choose the best neighbourhood in London for you

Holborn

the imposing home of London’s most important judicial buildings: 20 minutes from the city centre

Covent Garden

The buzzing heart of London’s restaurant and bar scene: 10 minutes from the city centre

Camden Town

The eclectic North London party centre: 15 minutes from the city centre

Book your English course with ESL to get expert assistance at no extra cost

It may feel like magic, but studying English in London doesn’t come at the click of your fingers! It takes a lot of planning, logistics and hard work to make an experience worthwhile; that’s why it’s handy to have our experienced team of experts at your side! 

Yellow diamond icon

Best Agency in Europe: as voted by ST Star time and time again!

yellow arches

We have over 30 years of experience, starting our story as a small Swiss language school, and now one of the top language travel agencies in Europe

Yellow circles icon

Our services are completely free, and if you find your programme cheaper elsewhere, we’ll refund you the difference. 

Yellow lines icon

Our agency status has been accredited by the most prestigious organisations in the language travel industry, including ICEF, WYSE, IALC, ALTO, and many more!

Getting your visa for an English course in London

Getting a visa to study English in London will largely depend on which passport you hold. If you have a European passport, you will only need to get an ETA (Electronic Travel Allowance), which only takes 15 minutes and will allow you to travel up to 6 months in the UK over a period of 2 years. For other passport holders, you may need to apply for a visa, but don’t worry, our team will help you! 

Traveler girl at the airport check-in counter smiling while receiving her passport back

The best price, or your money back!

If you find your programme somewhere else for a lower price, we’ll refund you the difference!

Worried that agencies are too expensive?

Our expert assistance comes at no extra cost!
 

sales agent helping a customer

Too many destinations to choose from?

Contact our team of experts, and we’ll find out more about you to pair you with the perfect school that matches your preferences, budget, and language goals.
 

Get advice Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

View other popular destinations

See more exciting destinations you may be interested in

Special Offers

Special offer

Get a 10% discount on your accommodation fees

England, Scotland

London, Bournemouth, Manchester, Edinburgh, Oxford

Special offer

Get a 10% discount on your tuition fees

England

London

Special offer

GIFT PROMO offer

England, Scotland

London, Torbay, Bournemouth, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bath, Liverpool, Cambridge, Oxford

Special offer

Save on your language stay

England

Ardingly, London, Brighton