Placement test & certificate
A friendly pre-arrival level test and an end-of-course certificate recording your level and attendance.
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British Council accredited · Est. 1966General & Intensive English courses in Bournemouth
Build confident, real-world English at your own pace. Start any Monday, study from one week to a full academic year, and progress through levels A1 to C2 with expert, supportive teachers.
Accredited & trusted
15 or 21Hours per week
Age 15+All nationalities
Any MondayStart dates
A1–C2All levels
About this course
What you'll get
- ✓Morning core lessonsSpeaking, listening, reading and writing — taught communicatively in modern classrooms with interactive screens.
- ✓Optional intensive afternoonsAdd 6 extra hours per week focused on fluency, vocabulary and real-world communication.
- ✓Regular progress checksTutorials and level tests so you always know how far you've come — and what's next.
- ✓An international classroomStudy alongside students from 40+ countries and use English as your shared language all day.
All included
Everything taken care of
Homestay accommodation
Optional caring local homestay hosts with breakfast and dinner — the fastest way to improve your English.
Social programme
Optional activities and weekend excursions to London, Oxford, Bath and the Jurassic Coast.
Free Wi-Fi & facilities
Games room, café, garden and student lounge — yours between lessons.
Welfare support
A dedicated team on call, plus airport transfer options from Bournemouth, Heathrow and Gatwick.
Flexible booking
Study 1 week to 1 year. Extend easily once you're here — many students do.
Lesson times
Your weekly timetable
Lessons run Monday to Friday. In summer (June to August) they start earlier and finish by early afternoon, leaving time for activities and trips.
Low season
September – May| Lessons | Monday – Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| General English15 hours a week | 09:15–10:1510:30–11:3011:45–12:45 | 09:15–10:1510:30–11:3011:45–12:45 |
| Intensive English+6 hours, 21 a week | 13:45–14:3014:45–15:30 | Free time |
| Listening centre | 15:45–16:30 |
Summer season
June – August| Lessons | Monday – Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| General English15 hours a week | 08:30–09:3009:45–10:4511:00–12:00 | 08:30–09:3009:45–10:4511:00–12:00 |
| Intensive English+6 hours, 21 a week | 12:30–13:45 | 12:30–13:30 |
| Activities & local trips | 14:00–17:30 | 14:00–17:30 |
| Evening activities | 19:30–21:30 | 19:30–21:30 |
FAQs
Good questions, honest answers
Quick answers — and we're one WhatsApp message away for anything else.
How many students are in a class?
Classes are small and friendly, so your teacher knows your name and your goals from day one. Exact maximums depend on the season — ask us for current details.
Can I start at any level?
Yes. We teach all levels from beginner (A1) to advanced (C2), and your placement test ensures you join exactly the right class.
What's the difference between General and Intensive?
General English is 15 hours per week of morning lessons. Intensive adds afternoon classes for 21 hours per week — ideal if you want faster progress.
Do you help with visas?
Yes — once you book, we provide the documentation you need for a Standard Visitor or Short-term Study visa application and guide you through the process.
Google reviews
Why students choose Southbourne
★★★★★"An amazing experience. The staff were always kind, helpful and professional. I learned a lot, improved my English, and always felt comfortable in class."
★★★★★"The teachers are very experienced and friendly. The food in the canteen is great, and there are not too many students in the class. Thank you to the entire school team."
★★★★★"The school was like a big family for me. Every student was addressed by name — it was very personal and I felt very comfortable. I'm grateful for the lovely friendships that have developed with people from all over the world."
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