English Courses

ELC courses

Intensive English – 5 days / 15 hours per week. (9:30am – 12:30pm)
Flexible English – 2, 3, or 4 days per week. (9:30am – 12:30pm)
ELC provides UKVI visa support documents for students 18 to 88 years old.

Levels:
CEFR A1+ False Beginner, CEFR A2 Low Elementary, CEFR B1 Pre-Intermediate, CEFR B2 Standard Intermediate, CEFR B2++ Upper Intermediate.

Our English language courses will help you to Improve your Speaking and Pronunciation, Listening and Reading comprehension, Vocabulary and Writing with Confidence.
The course will include relevant parts of the IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge, or Trinity College examinations, for those students wishing to prepare for and take these exams.
Students from 18 to 88 years old.
Non-EU visa students must follow a 15 hour per week course. Preferably, students should start on a Monday.

Continuous Enrolment:
You can start your English language course at any time of the year.
All students take an ‘ELC’ English online placement test, together with a student profile needs analysis, to determine their level of ability in English.
They then join the group appropriate to their level.
The enrolment date is flexible – apply today, why not? Application Form
See ‘ELC’ Certificate / Diploma – click for a sample.

Prices 2024 English Language Course Programme: Fees for privately funded independent students

Those students wishing to follow a General English course, including elements of IELTS, Cambridge and Trinity College examination preparation, should have a pre – intermediate level of English equivalent to a minimum IELTS score of 4.0 / 4.5 – CEFR B1

Those students wishing to follow an IELTS and / or other examination English language course e.g. Cambridge First should have an Intermediate level of English equivalent to a minimum IELTS score of 4.5.
This is particularly if they wish to join a University International Foundation Programme in the future which will normally require and entry score of 5.5 or higher for UK Universities.
A University Masters (MSc) course will normally require an IELTS entry level score of 6.5.
A doctorate (PhD) will require an IELTS entry score of minimum of 7.0 or higher.’
TOEFL for US University entrance, a minimum score of 100 on the iBT test, 250 on computer-based test, and 600 on paper-based test (PBT).

All students take an ‘ELC’ online placement test, together with a student profile needs analysis, before they start classes to determine their level of ability in English. They then join the group appropriate to their level.

Levels:

  1. CEFR AI / A2 – false beginner / elementary
  2. CEFR B1 – pre-intermediate – IELTS 4.0 / 5.5
  3. CEFR B2 / B2+ standard / upper intermediate – IELTS 5.5 – 6.5

Books and materials:

Students do not need to buy any books. ‘ELC’ provides all hand outs and materials which will include photo copies of standard texts, specifically prepared materials by ‘ELC’, use of the Internet and audio systems. Our English language courses use a variety of materials to make classes interesting.
Courses are arranged during the morning for General English.
English for Special Purposes courses in ‘closed groups – (4 – 8) students’ can be organised in the afternoons by arrangement.

Morning English classes:

Development of speaking, listening, reading, writing, pronunciation practice and vocabulary expansion, as well as relevant grammar.

A Progress Test may be taken and must be passed before a student moves up a level.

Alternatively, a student may be upgraded, by special recommendation, from the teacher.

Homework will be given at all levels to encourage self-study and academic discipline.

English classes in ‘closed groups’ for Special and Technical Purposes is provided, in preparation for UK ‘in company’ training courses – see the link below:
https://elclondonstreet.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/elc-dec-13-FINAL.pdf

Benefits – After your English language course you will be able to:

  • Speak and communicate more effectively and confidently.
  • Speak and pronounce more accurately and fluently.
  • Expand and develop your vocabulary range.
  • Be able to socialise in English more efficiently.
  • Improve your chance of passing an exam e.g. IELTS, Cambridge, Trinity.
  • Better able to follow and succeed at a University.
  • Learn skills through role-play for interviews, meetings and conferences.
  • Improve your chance of getting a job where English is necessary.

Prices 2024 Programme: Fees for privately funded independent students

Hours Per Week:15 Morning (9.30am until 12.30pm - 3 hours per morning)
Start Date:Any Day, preferably a Monday
Registration Fee:None
Class Size:Normally class numbers are 4-12 students from September until June with a maximum of 15 in July and August
** Students may attend 2, 3 or 4 mornings per week from September to June
Age:18 - 80
Minimum duration: 2 weeks for ‘ELC’ Certification

Term / Semester Dates 2025

Winter / Spring TermOpen: am 13th January
Closed: pm 17th April
Easter vacationClosed: 18th April
Open: am 28th April
Summer / Autumn TermOpen: am 28th April
Closed: pm 12th December
National Public Holidays18th April & 21st April, 5th & 26th May, 25th August.
2026Open: am 12th January 2026
Levels:

CEFR A1+ False Beginner, CEFR A2 Low Elementary, CEFR B1 Pre-Intermediate, CEFR B2 Standard Intermediate, CEFR B2+ Upper Intermediate.

Payment Methods :

‘ELC’ English accepts payment for tuition fees and accommodation by:
1. Direct online Bank Transfer: The ‘ELC’ invoice will show all the relevant banking information so you can make the transfer easily.
2. Cheque drawn on a UK based Bank made payable to:
‘ELC’ ENGLISH COURSES LIMITED
3. Payment by a Friend:
Please, ask a friend, already in the UK, to make payment for you.
4. Western Union or Moneygram
5. Cash
Gabriela

I have a great memory of all at ‘ELC’, excellent teachers, friendly staff and meeting lots of new friends.

Gabriela, Italy

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Alison

‘ELC’ experience for me it has been an amazing experience because I'm confident person when I speak English with people. ‘ELC’ is a friendly school. I recommend ‘ELC’ because I hve learnt a lot, the teachers are very professional. Mr McBurney is a good man. I love ‘ELC’ school.

Alison, Spain

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Adrien

I improved my English day after day. Thanks to ‘ELC’. Reading is a very nice town, great, lively and quiet. I chose ‘ELC’ as my best friend advised me.
I would recommend ‘ELC’ as it is interesting to meet people from different countries and there is nice, friendly atmosphere here.

Adrien, France

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Alessandro

Thank you ‘ELC’ for the period I spent with you. It was one of the best experience of my life.
I would like to greet Mr McBurney and fantastic teachers when I return to Reading.

Alessandro, Italy

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Busra

I have met some good friends at ‘ELC’ from other countries. I will always keep in touch with them. When I came to England my English was rubbish. I see, it’s better now.
Bianca and Mr McBurney are really good teachers. Especially, McBurney teaches very well. I will never forget his different stories and vocabularies. Thank you ‘ELC’.

Busra

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Beatriz

I have had a great experience at ‘ELC’ school not only about the professional teachers but also about the organisation in general. Olena and Mr McBurney, both are very helpful and kind people and they provide you with the best option to attend your classes and also the best home stay accommodation. I strongly recommend the college and the tutors to anyone to coming in UK to learning English.

Beatriz

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Doriana

I learnt a lot of valuable skills and information. The course content met my expectations. The teachers were very knowledgeable in the subject and presentation of lessons was easy to follow and understand. The teachers made course interesting and stimulating. Thanks ‘ELC’. I had a very good time.

Doriana

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Gonzalo

I arrived here by coincidence and I couldn’t be happier. I met a lot of great people and had fun in the classes and I learnt a lot of English too. I would recommend ‘ELC’ if you want to learn English it is the best way to do it, it’s not like learn in a job, because they can correct your mistakes. You meet a lot of people with more or less the same level of English as you and it makes it easier to go out and communicate with other people.

Gonzalo

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Husain Abdul Wahid

On my first day at ‘ELC’, I was afraid that I might not have what it takes to get the grade I needed, but as soon as I met the whole staff, teachers and the principal it all changed . I didn’t thought that they will be so friendly and helpful . When I started to study, teachers really helped me to work on my weak points and to improve what I am good at. Whenever I had a question they always make sure to give me that I need. I recommend ELC to any student who wants to learn English in an academic and a friendly environment. I am sure that all students will feel like home and if you are a student you will get excited to attend every class and every debate.

Husain Abdul Wahid

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Irina

‘ELC’ is a good combination of intensive, productive work and a friendly atmosphere. I improved my English and it makes me feeling more confident.

Above all, tutors and all staff of ‘ELC’ is very attentive to every student, every question and wish.

Reading is a small, nice and beautiful town, situated on the river, not far from London, Oxford and Windsor, so you can combine both studying and a good rest, going sightseeing. Life in Reading is calm and slow and people are polite and friendly, I like it very much.

At the same time you can find everything here – nice restaurants and pubs, shopping centres and concert halls. I’d strongly recommend ‘ELC’ because you feel at home here from the 1st day of classes. You get attention both as a student and a person. Personal of ‘ELC’ is high qualified. At the same time price is very reasonable. Location is also very good – in the centre of the town with its infrastructure. So, it’s the best school so far. If I have chance to come back to ‘ELC’ again, I’ll be happy! Thank you, ‘ELC’!

Irina

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Katharina

Ellie's class is perfect for me. I really like her and her teaching style and I learned a lot during my stay in 2012. Therefore, I am very happy to continue in Ellie's class. I haven't taken any of IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge exams yet, because my University here in Germany didn't accept any of them. The University has its one placement examination which one has to pass in order to study English. Would you recommend that I take one of them? And if yes, which one?

I really look forward to coming back.

Katharina

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Afraa

Dear Mr. Mc Burney,

I hope you are fine and in good health.
I am one of your students I had my best English course ever in 2011, you may not remember me but l'll never forget you. You just came across my mind and I can't stop smiling while remembering all that happy moments you let us feel. I really wish to study with you again and wish you all the best Mr. Mc Burney.

Afraa

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