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British Council accredited · Est. 1966

Over 30s Executive English

An intensive, small-group programme designed exclusively for professionals aged 30 and over who need to communicate with precision and confidence at an advanced level in English.

Age 30+Professionals only
23 hrs/week21 in class + 2 one-to-one
Max 6Students per class
B1 to C1Intermediate to Advanced
About this course

English for professionals who mean business

This isn't a standard English course made slightly smaller. It's a programme built from the ground up for working professionals who need to operate confidently in English at the highest level — in meetings, negotiations, presentations and international teams.

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    Maximum 6 students per classGenuine individual attention in every lesson — no hiding, no waiting for your turn.
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    23 hours of English per week21 hours of intensive group tuition plus 2 hours of private one-to-one lessons, tailored to your goals.
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    Entry level: B1 (Intermediate) or higherYou already have a foundation — we take you to confident, nuanced, professional-level communication at C1 Advanced.
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    Highly experienced, specialist teacherYour teacher is selected for their experience working with senior professionals and business English expertise.
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    A peer group of fellow professionalsEvery student in the room is over 30, career-focused and motivated — the conversations are as valuable as the lessons.
Executive English students studying together
What you'll cover

A curriculum designed for the boardroom

Meetings & negotiations

Lead discussions, handle disagreements diplomatically, and close with clarity — in English that commands respect.

Presentations & pitching

Structure arguments, use persuasive language and handle Q&A sessions with the confidence of a native speaker.

Professional writing

Emails, reports, proposals and LinkedIn — written English that is precise, appropriate and impossible to misread.

Fluency & precision

Eliminate hesitation, expand your advanced vocabulary and develop the ability to express complex ideas spontaneously.

Cross-cultural communication

Navigate British business culture, understand nuance and humour, and communicate effectively across cultures.

Industry-specific language

We tailor vocabulary and scenarios to your professional field — finance, law, tech, medicine, engineering or any other sector.

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
LessonsMonday – ThursdayFriday
Morning lessons15 hours a week09:15–10:1510:30–11:3011:45–12:4509:15–10:1510:30–11:3011:45–12:45
Afternoon lessons+6 hours, 21 a week13:45–14:3014:45–15:30Free time
Listening centre15:45–16:30

Summer season

June – August
LessonsMonday – ThursdayFriday
Morning lessons15 hours a week08:30–09:3009:45–10:4511:00–12:0008:30–09:3009:45–10:4511:00–12:00
Afternoon lessons+6 hours, 21 a week12:30–13:4512:30–13:30
Activities & local trips14:00–17:3014:00–17:30
Evening activities19:30–21:3019:30–21:30

Your 2 hours of one-to-one lessons each week are on top of this group timetable.

Southbourne School of English
Everything included

More than just a classroom

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    Placement assessmentA detailed evaluation before you arrive so your teacher prepares exactly the right programme.
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    Premium homestay availableStay with a carefully selected local family in a private room with ensuite bathroom — practise English at the dinner table every evening.
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    End-of-course reportA detailed progress report and certificate recording your level, strengths and areas for continued development.
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    Airport transfersPrivate transfers from Bournemouth, Heathrow, Gatwick or Southampton arranged on request.
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    Flexible durationStudy from one week to as long as you need — most executive students book 2 to 4 weeks.
FAQs

Good questions, honest answers

Who is this course for?

Working professionals aged 30 and over who already have intermediate (B1) English or higher and need to reach an advanced professional level. Typical students include managers, executives, lawyers, doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs.

What level do I need to join?

A minimum of B1 (Intermediate). If you're not sure of your level, we'll assess you before you arrive and recommend honestly whether this course or another programme is the better fit.

How is this different from Intensive English?

Three things: the class size (maximum 6 vs larger groups), the focus (professional and executive contexts rather than general), and the peer group (everyone is 30+ and career-driven). The pace and expectations are higher.

Can the course focus on my specific industry?

Yes. Tell us your field when you book and your teacher will build relevant vocabulary, scenarios and materials around it.

Can I combine this with One-to-One lessons?

Absolutely — many executive students add private lessons for ultra-targeted work on presentations, interview preparation or a specific project.

What accommodation do you recommend?

Our premium homestay with private ensuite is the most popular choice for executive students — it combines comfort with daily English practice. Guesthouse options are also available nearby.

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How much would your course cost?

Pick your course and dates, add accommodation, extras and airport transfers — and watch your personal 2027 quotation build itself as you go. You can even download it as a PDF.

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