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Learn General English

We offer an exciting range of General English courses for all levels, from beginner to proficiency, and to suit different budgets. We also offer timetables that give you the flexibility to choose a course that best suits your needs.

Course Features

  • Objectives - Our core class is an integrated skills class. It covers reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary. In this class you'll improve your accuracy (how correct your English is) and fluency (how well you can communicate). Lessons have daily and weekly objectives so you know what you’ll learn and how you’ll learn it.  Our teachers provide you with regular assessments that allow you to keep track of your progress. We use the Communicative Approach, so you'll learn English by using English—not by listening to grammar lectures and doing worksheets. We feel strongly that this is the most effective method to acquire English that students can use in the real world.
    The Syllabus for each level is mapped to the CEFR levels A1-C2. The levels define what you can do and Stafford House believes that language is for communication. Each of our Core Class Course Books is also mapped to the CEFR providing a consistent basis for developing your language skills.
  • Flexibility - From Standard to Intensive and Super Intensive, our range of English language courses offers you a choice on how intensively you want to study - whether that’s 20 lessons a week on a Standard course or 30 lessons a week on our Super Intensive. Plus with our range of modules you get to personalise your course to fit your needs.
  • How you learn - We believe that you will learn faster and more effectively if your lessons are engaging, fun and relevant, that’s why our teachers use a range of techniques and develop classes that are motivating and build your confidence. This will allow time to focus on any areas of weakness. Any weekly programme is influenced not only by the course book syllabus but also by the learning goals and interests of the students in any one group.
  • Testing on arrival - On your first day you will take a language assessment, to assess your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary and how well you are able to understand and speak English. This helps us to understand the class you’ll be happiest and most successful in.
  • Monthly Tutorial - Every month you’ll have a one-to-one tutorial with a senior member of the academic team to make sure you are on track to achieve your goals and fulfil your potential. It’s a great opportunity to review your course choices and learning methods and to really make sure you achieve what you want to achieve.
  • Quality Assurance -  Our Directors of Studies are based in all of our schools to ensure our programmes are of the highest possible quality, our average class sizes are small, and that our students leave having gained the maximum from their time with us.

Quick Facts

Start Dates
Every Monday
Minimum Level
Beginners
Availability
Cambridge, Canterbury and London:
Standard, Intensive and Super Intensive
London:Standard, Intensive, Super Intensive and Super Intensive Plus
Age
16+
Max Class Size
15
Programme In-Class Clock Hours per Week  Number of Proficiency Levels Number of Weeks per Level Number of Programme Lessons per Week
Standard 15 7 12 20
Intensive 19 7 12 25
Super Intensive 23 7 12 30
Super Intensive Plus (London) 27 7 12 35

Students will progress at their own pace. We recommend at least 80% attendance and completion of all homework and self-study recommendations

Sample Modules

All students on our Intensive (core course +1 module) and Super Intensive (core course +2 modules) courses can personalise their learning through the addition of specific modules. These modules allow students to study topics that best fit with their learning goals. Below are just a few for you to think about:

  • ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES | B2-C2

    Gain tools necessary to succeed in an English-speaking academic environment. Learners will gain the needed skills in: listening to lectures, note taking, academic discussion, presentations and essay writing.

  • IELTS SKILLS: READING AND WRITING | B2-C1

    For Intermediate+ students who are on an IELTS path. An overview of the reading and writing components of the exam, the strategies needed for the question types and tasks, and a close look at vocabulary.

  • CAMBRIDGE CLINIC | B1-C1

    Aimed at students studying for the Cambridge First, Advanced or Proficiency.This practical module is full of exam tips, practice tasks, vocab review and activation and will boost the skills of any Cambridge student.

  • SPEAKING FLUENCY | A1-C2

    The purpose of this module is for students to develop their speaking skills for effective verbal communication in a variety of functional contexts such as socializing, complaining, apologizing, and persuading.

  • VOCAB THROUGH LISTENING | B2-C1

    Listen to interesting texts on a range of relevant topics and extract useful or interesting language while engaging with the content. You can also make your own talks, presentations, sketches etc, to practise your new language.

  • PRONUNCIATION MASTERCLASS | B2-C1

    This class will focus on isolated sounds, connected speech, and a look at variation of accent and dialect. People will understand you more easily and you will understand other people’s English faster.

  • IDIOMS & PHRASAL VERBS | B1-B2

    Learn and practise the collocations and phrasal verbs that make speaking natural. Excellent for Cambridge students, or anyone who would like to speak more naturally.

  • ESSENTIAL GRAMMAR | A1-A2

    A chance for low-level students to keep practising using the grammar they have been learning in class but don’t feel confident with. This could include tenses, irregular verbs, sentence structure, articles… anything they like! and make sure you are on track to reach your goals and fulfil your potential.

  • GRAMMAR CHALLENGE | B2-C1

    For higher level students to practise using more complex grammatical structures and begin experimenting with different ways to express themselves.

  • PRESENTATION SKILLS | B2-C2

    Learn to create successful presentations and acquire confidence to speak in front of an audience. Everything from body language to intonation, this module will give students all the tools to become a master presenter.

  • SOCIAL MEDIA | B2-C2

    Students will improve their social media skills to market themselves and their business. Students learn how to post on social media effectively and how to engage with their audience. Study how people use social media in their professional lives.

  • BUSINESS CULTURE | B2-C2

    Explore corporate cultures and traditions within different nationalities. Focus on the diversity of business cultures and their connections to and comparison with other countries. Share your own experiences and learn from others.

Available in

Additional Options

One-to-one English

Our One-to-One English options can be completely tailor made according to your needs and objectives. This option is particularly useful for students who have a very particular need or for students who wish to learn very intensively.

Find out more

Adult Groups 

Stafford House is a specialist in providing bespoke group services. We can adapt a package specific to your needs. Ideal for groups of students who wish to improve their language skills in a particular field of interest.

Find out more

Quick Quote

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Meet our students

To browse our student stories, click on their profile image below

  • Abdullah

    Abdullah

    Saudi Arabia

    “Stafford House is not too big, in fact it’s just the right size for me. I get lots of attention from the tutors and I get to interact with the classes. If I was in a larger school I do not think my English would be improving so quickly! These are the best teachers I have ever met in my life. I have been taught by so many in the past and it’s the teachers at School of English that have affected me the most.

    I love the social side of the School of English, the activities we do really involve me in the culture. When I tell friends of mine who are studying at other English schools about the activities I do here, they become jealous!

    I take part in activities every night; parties, football, music. I especially liked the recent ‘Arabic night’ we had - we cooked Arabic food, listened to Arabic music and dressed in traditional Arabic garments - I meet a lot of different people.”

  • Alexandra

    Alexandra

    Italy

    “I love my morning lessons – my teachers are really good and my English is improving really quickly. The classes really make you think – you get to discuss ideas and this helps you learn better.

    I chose Stafford House School of English because it was recommended by my cousin. I like that there are so many people from so many countries here.

    I love Canterbury, it’s beautiful. I love the shopping, the history, the Cathedral, the coffee shops – I love being here and getting to hang out with my friends.”

  • Arda

    Arda

    Turkey

    I want to share my happy moment with you. I got 6,5 IELTS score.
    Thank you for your assistance, advices and perfect IELTS teaching skills. It really helped me to improve a lot and I'm grateful for this. I think my London adventure is going to continue in September. I spent great time in London and gained very good friends. There's no doubt that I'll visit Stafford House to see my good teachers and friends who are still there. I'm looking forward to seeing you in September.

  • Asako

    Asako

    Japan

  • Asim

    Asim

    Saudi Arabia

    Before Stafford House:
    I have never thought that I am going to be able to speak English in my life. When I see my father speaks English, I used to ask myself, how is it possible to speak another language like this? Until I decided to do my masters in the UK, I thought there might be a good opportunity to learn English language.

    At first, I had an acceptance from an English school in the north of Wales. I was very advocated to see what this country is like and how I am going to experience this completely new life. But when I arrived I was surprised that there are so many students who speak my own language, I even didn’t have a resident arrangement from the school.

    I was really disappointed. After spending 4 months without any improvement in my English, my friends advised me to change this school to another one called Stafford House School of English. To be honest I was afraid that I would end up with the same problems.

    First Day in Canterbury:
    After deep thinking I managed to go to Canterbury. My first impression was quite good. Very nice small city, friendly people and it seemed that every thing is close to the school. I visited the school to get an acceptance. They were very welcoming. It was enough for me that the stuff was trying to understand what I was saying, because my English at that time was very poor.

    Then I got my acceptance with all dilates needed for the embassy including my host family information. I really liked the way they organise their business. After one long day, I went back home to renew my visa and come over again to start my course on 20/07/2009.

    Studying experience:
    My first day was completely different than the one I had in Wales. I saw so many people from all over the world, even people who are from my country they don’t speak my language in the class. There were so many activates during the week, such as, watching movies, playing pools, dancing, social activates and even sports. Even though I don’t like to do sports I started playing some.

    Stafford house has an excellent range of very qualified stuff and teachers. They helped me a lot to see my future direction and set up my plans wisely. Most importantly is that students can share their experiences with each other especially during the international activities. I can say now that I had the chance to enjoy learning not only English language but also every single thing about English culture and the world.

    I spent 10 fruitful months in Stafford House starting with pre-Intermediate level until I reached Advanced level. Throughout that period I did IELTS and FCE courses.

    Finally, This is only a little of the experience I had in this lovely school. I promise to advise every singe student who want to study English to join Stafford House School of English.

    Special thanks to
    Teachers: Marina, Annie and Jane.
    Director of studies: Nicky

  • Bader

    Bader

    Saudi Arabia

  • Bernardo

    Bernardo

    Italy

    I met a lot of great people at Stafford House, and made good friends who I will stay in touch with when I leave. All of our teachers and staff are kind and helpful and I felt really prepared going into my IELTS exam.

     

     

  • Betul

    Betul

    Turkey

  • Bruna

    Bruna

    Brazil

  • Cleide

    Cleide

    Brazil

    "Canterbury is a very nice city because it’s old and rich in history. It’s a chance to meet people from other cultures. It’s nice to open your mind. I’ve enjoyed going to museums and gardens. And pubs! I’ve made friends. It’s very nice. You can meet people from all over the world. The students are very friendly and nice. I think I’ll stay in touch with some.

    I think the teachers are good and very friendly. There are good buildings and computers. It’s a good school and a responsible school."

  • Dani

    Dani

    Mexico

  • Daniel

    Daniel

    France

    I’m really happy here, all the teachers that I have are very good and now that I’ve passed more time in the school and from the marks on different tests I can see that I’m progressing. I have a lot of friends in the school and they are from different nationalities and we can learn about different cultures.
    And I really like people in London – they are very friendly!

     

  • Daphne

    Daphne

    Belgium

  • Eduardo

    Eduardo

    Colombia

  • Einar

    Einar

    Panama

  • Ekaterina

    Ekaterina

    Kazakhstan

    "I like Canterbury, I wish I could live here always – it’s so small, safe, peaceful and clean.”

  • Eva

    Eva

    Switzerland

  • Fahad

    Fahad

    Saudi Arabia

    "The School was recommended to me by my uncle because it has good teachers and a good study atmosphere. All the staff are helpful and you feel that you are in safe hands.

    My English has really improved here and I hope to do well in the FCE and IELTS exams. My plan is to go to university in England."

  • Federico

    Federico

    Italy

  • Giulia

    Giulia

    Italy

    “I hope to study medicine at university. I know that having a good understanding of English will help me with this.

    I love my lessons at Stafford House School of English. My teacher, Marina, really helps me with my English speaking – she is very understanding and friendly.

    There is a lot of freedom here. Everyone is free to do what they like (within reason!). Canterbury is a wonderful town – everything you need is here; shopping, coffee shops and the beach close-by, plus there’s a great social life.”

  • Hani

    Hani

    Saudi Arabia

    “Canterbury is a really friendly and safe city.

    My favourite thing about School of English is the teachers, because they make me feel so welcome - I really feel like I am in my own country!

    The other students are like my sisters and brothers - I feel like I am at home here. Canterbury is not too big or too strange - you can walk anywhere, explore and find great places to hang out.”
     

  • Hosam

    Hosam

    Saudi Arabia

    The teachers here are very very good! I started here as a beginner and I didn’t know what I was saying, it was difficult to talk and understand others, communicate with people from different countries with different accents, now really I find it so easy to communicate with both internationals and native speakers and understand what they say. I think I’m ready to start my university studies and that means I’ve achieved my goal. I’ve passed the exams to start my pre-sessional course so Stafford House helped me to get into university that I wanted.

    Staff here is very helpful they always smile and always friendly – provide us help with everything we need. Stafford House is something else, it’s difficult to explain, it’s like my second home – I will miss it very much.

  • Jan

    Jan

    Netherlands

    “Canterbury has a lot to offer; it has a great social life, it’s really welcoming to international students and it has a friendly atmosphere. I find the School to be an exceptionally pleasant place to study in – a really relaxed environment. The teachers are fun and approachable, and I enjoy mixing with so many other nationalities – learning about other cultures and making new friends."

  • Jinny

    Jinny

    Thailand

  • Jixing

    Jixing

    China

    “We always have fun in the lessons, plus they are always interesting – my English is improving all the time. Canterbury is perfect for studying – it’s so peaceful. Plus the coast is really close by – I love being able to swim in the sea and relax at the beach.”

  • Juan

    Juan

    Chile

  • Juan

    Juan

    Colombia

  • Kevin

    Kevin

    Hong Kong

    Kevin spent 5 months at Stafford House School of English in Canterbury and is now preparing to begin the Pre: Programme at CATS College Canterbury.

    Kevin's story
    Kevin finished F.5 in HK in last July, but the result was disappointing, with an English IELTS of only 2.5.

    His mother visited Stafford House in September together with Kevin, and they decided it would be a good place for him to improve his English before further study.

    Kevin made many friends from around the world - Korea, Saudi Arabia and more.

    After only 5 months at Stafford House, Kevin's mother was delighted to find that Kevin had improved significantly – he is now able to speak English well and his listening skills are also very strong.

    For his accommodation, Kevin chose the homestay option, staying with a local family. This was so successful he has asked to stay with the same family when he moves over to CATS College Canterbury.

    Kevin's aim is to study the A level Business pathway at CATS and is looking forward to going to University in a couple of years.

  • Lea

    Lea

    Switzerland

  • Lee

    Lee

    North Korea

    "A friend recommended the School to me because of the teachers who are so friendly and the nationality mix which means I can speak English all the time.

    I like Canterbury because the people are welcoming and I can take the opportunity to talk with them."

  • Man

    Man

    Hong Kong

    “The teachers do not just teach us English, but they also understand how we are feeling – they are really supportive, they really care about you. Canterbury is good for shopping, and having London so close by is great."

  • Margarita

    Margarita

    Mexico

  • Mizuki

    Mizuki

    Japan

  • Mohammed

    Mohammed

    Saudi Arabia

  • Nasser

    Nasser

    Kuwait

  • Paddy

    Paddy

    Brazil

  • Pat

    Pat

    Thailand

  • Pattanan

    Pattanan

    Thailand

    "The school provides everything a student wants and the teachers are very helpful, cheerful and kind.

    I chose Canterbury because it's a quiet town where I can concentrate on my studies. The environment here is suitable for studying in every way. The most important thing is that the staff care about what students think and listen to them."

  • Samuel

    Samuel

    Brazil

  • Sasha

    Sasha

    Switzerland

  • Selver

    Selver

    Turkey

  • Sohayeb

    Sohayeb

    Saudi Arabia

  • Takamasa

    Takamasa

    Japan

    “The nationality mix at the School is great because there are so few Japanese students and lots of other nationalities. This has made learning English much easier and has enabled me to learn about lots of different cultures at the same time.”

  • Thiego

    Thiego

    Brazil

  • Vivian

    Vivian

    Panama

  • Vivianne

    Vivianne

    Brazil

  • Wenyan

    Wenyan

    China

  • Yasmin

    Yasmin

    Brazil

  • Zhanar

    Zhanar

    Kazakhstan

 
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