School Facilities
19 modern classrooms with interactive screens, a 70-seat café, cinema room, games room and garden.
See the facilities →Home / About
British Council accredited · Est. 1966A family-run school since 1966
Three generations, sixty years, and tens of thousands of students from around the world. This is who we are — and why students keep coming back.
Accredited & trusted
From the owner
Paul Gallina
Owner / Managing Director
Celebrating 60 years
"Since my grandfather founded the school in 1966, we've helped thousands of students from around the world make real progress with their English.
Today I run the school with Kathryn, our Principal, and an expert team of staff and teachers. Together, we have years of experience in helping students get the most from their courses.
We take great pleasure in seeing our students enjoy their time with us here in Bournemouth — and watching their English skills improve.
I look forward to welcoming you very soon!"
Paul Gallina
Owner / Managing Director
Mission statement
Study. Socialise. Experience.
We are a private language school teaching English as a Foreign Language. We are owned by the family that started the school in 1966, which means that we understand what students need for a successful stay in the UK. We know how important it is for students to be happy during their language stay so our aim is to make sure their course and experience meet their expectations. Our Academic, Administration and Activity teams aim to deal with any questions quickly. We are ready to help before arrival and during their stay so that everyone can Study, Socialise, and Experience the UK.
Our story
Sixty years by the sea
Southbourne School of English opened its doors in 1966 in a beautiful residential suburb of Bournemouth. We're still family-run today — which means decisions are made by people who know every classroom, every homestay host and most students by name.
- ✓One of the highest-rated schools in the southRated 4.8+ on Google by students, parents and partners.
- ✓Accredited and inspectedBritish Council accredited; members of IALC, Quality English and English UK.
- ✓A real communityStudents from 40+ countries, homestay hosts who've welcomed students for decades, and staff who genuinely care.
Explore
Get to know us
Gallery
Photos and video of school life, the beach and everything in between.
Open the gallery →Our Team
The teachers, welfare staff and family behind the school.
Meet the team →Testimonials & Accreditations
What students say, and the quality marks we hold.
Read more →Visa Information
Which visa you need — and how we help you get it.
Check visa info →FAQs
Quick answers to the questions we hear most.
Read the FAQs →
Take a look inside
Tour our school by the sea
See the classrooms, garden, games room — and how close the beach really is.
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