Discover Canterbury
Study English in one of the UK’s most historic and charming cities. Canterbury offers a relaxed, student‑friendly atmosphere, rich cultural heritage and easy access to the English countryside and close to the coast, making it an ideal place to focus on your English while enjoying an authentic British experience.
A welcoming school in historic Canterbury
Canterbury offers a peaceful and immersive English learning experience. This historic city is known for its stunning cathedral, traditional streets and friendly atmosphere. Our Canterbury school is just a short walk from the city centre and train stations, making it easy to explore the town and the surrounding countryside.
Student Lounge
Free WiFi
Library
Interactive technology
Outside courtyard
Self study room
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Welcoming reception
Our Canterbury school staff are ready to offer you a warm welcome when you arrive and are here to support you throughout your stay.
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Student Lounge
Our student lounge offers a comfortable space to relax, unwind between classes, and connect with other students.
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Facilities
Enjoy comfortable, well-equipped classrooms with interactive screens and strong Wi-Fi to help you stay connected and engaged.
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School entrance
A friendly and welcoming space where your English journey begins.
Our courses in Canterbury
Stafford House Canterbury offers a range of English courses, including General English, exam preparation and short‑term intensive programmes. All courses are taught by experienced teachers using modern, communicative methods.
Develop everyday English skills while building confidence using the language in real-life situations and cultural contexts.
Prepare for IELTS or Cambridge exams with focused practice, clear strategies, and expert guidance.
Improve professional communication skills for meetings, presentations, and workplace situations.
Gain internationally recognised teaching qualifications and start your career in English language education.
Gain internationally recognised teaching qualifications and start your career in English language education.
Study English in a safe, supportive environment designed specifically for younger learners.
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A friendly team dedicated to your learning
Our experienced academic and student services teams are here to support you throughout your stay. From your first day to your final lesson, you’ll receive guidance, encouragement and practical help to make the most of your time in Canterbury.
School staff
English teachers
Why Canterbury
Canterbury is famous for its stunning cathedral, historic streets and vibrant student community. With a slower pace than London, smaller class sizes and excellent value for money, Canterbury is perfect for students who want a more relaxed learning environment without sacrificing quality or culture.
Life in Canterbury
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![Stafford House]()
Stafford House
General Overview
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![Staff Interview - Pat O´Donoghue]()
Staff Interview – Pat O´Donoghue
Canterbury School Principal
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![Student Testimonial - General English]()
Student Testimonial – General English
Nasser (Kuwait)
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![Staff Interview - Clara Maldonado]()
Staff Interview – Clara Maldonado
Course Director of Junior Groups Canterbury
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![Student Testimonial - General English]()
Student Testimonial – General English
Jinny (Thailand)
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![Staff Interview - Ella Tolfrey]()
Staff Interview – Ella Tolfrey
Canterbury Activities Manager
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![Student Testimonial - General English]()
Student Testimonial – General English
Lea (Switzerland)
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![Student Testimonial - General English]()
Student Testimonial – General English
Daphne (Belgium)
Accommodation
Choose the stay that suits your lifestyle – from a welcoming homestay to independent residence living. Whichever option you pick, you’ll have a safe base in the city and plenty of chances to practise English beyond the classroom.
Canterbury – Knights House
Knights House 1 is a self-catering student accommodation in a modern building on a green, leafy road, 5-minutes walk from the school.
Canterbury Homestay
Students wanting a more authentic and cultural experience can choose to stay in Homestay accommodation while studying in Canterbury.
Canterbury – Holmes House Residence
Holmes House is a modern student residence offering students fully furnished rooms with private bathroom, study area with desk and chair as well as plenty of storage space.
Canterbury – St George’s (summer residence)
Canterbury – Chaucer (summer residence)
This residential accommodation is for students aged under the age of 18, with both a residence supervisor and a welfare assistant on site.
How can we help?
Get in touch with our team for course information, guidance, or any questions about studying with us. We’re here to help.
+44 (0) 1223 341 333
Canterbury Walking Tour
Get to know Canterbury on your first day with a lead walking tour around the historic city, visiting key historical sights, helpful shops and even our favourite restaurants and cafes!
Badminton
Come and play badminton. All are welcome to play whether you are new to the sport or a regular participant. This is a great way to meet new people and have fun while exercising.
Badminton can be played as singles or doubles and is an excellent way to improve hand eye co-ordination while having fun.
O18 Pub Night
Enjoy a relaxing evening in one of Canterbury's finest pubs – The Old City. Play games with friends or just relax and enjoy the ambiance, the choice is yours! There is a large variety of drinks to try from beers and ciders to spirits and cocktails. They also have a variety of soft drinks including juices and fizzy drinks which you will pay for yourself.
U18 Disco
Get ready for an unforgettable night at our Under-18s Disco! Packed with high-energy music, dazzling lights, and non-stop dancing, it’s the ultimate place to let loose, meet new friends, and enjoy an electric atmosphere. With a safe, super fun environment and all your favourite tunes, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
Conversation Club
Conversation Club is a place for you to come and practise your speaking skills in a café with your friends and a member of staff. Enjoy a coffee, tea or hot chocolate or why not try one of their delicious baked goods to have with your drink, that will be paid for by yourself.
Escape room
Ready to challenge your mind and have some fun? Join our exciting Escape Room experience designed especially for adult students! Whether you are new to puzzles or a seasoned problem solver, this session is a fantastic way to build confidence, meet others, and take a refreshing break from your studies.
Cookery Club
This week come and have fun making mini baked cheesecakes. Whether you are an experienced cook or have never cooked before all are welcome. While cooking enjoy chatting with friends and then eating what you have made. Cookery club is an excellent place to have fun and practice your English with fellow students and staff.
U18 Disco
Get ready for an unforgettable night at our Under-18s Disco! Packed with high-energy music, dazzling lights, and non-stop dancing, it’s the ultimate place to let loose, meet new friends, and enjoy an electric atmosphere. With a safe, super fun environment and all your favourite tunes, this is a night you won’t want to miss!
Bowling
Strike up some fun with a game of bowling! Perfect for families, friends, parties, and team outings, bowling combines friendly competition with great entertainment. Whether you're aiming for a strike or just enjoying the atmosphere, every game is packed with laughs and excitement. Suitable for all ages and abilities, bowling is the perfect way to spend quality time together. Visit today and see who will be crowned bowling champion!
Football
Whether you're an experienced player or completely new to the game, football sessions are welcoming, social and focussed on teamwork, enjoyment and community. It's a fantastic way to relax, boost your wellbeing and feel part of student life.
U18 Activity
Canterbury Cathedral
Come and visit the Canterbury Cathedral. Over 1,400 years old this Cathedral is one of the most influential and stunning architectural buildings to this day.
Cat Cafe
Discover Canterbury’s purrfect escape at the Cat Café. Enjoy delicious coffee, homemade treats, and relaxing time with friendly rescue cats in a cosy setting. Whether, meeting friends, or unwinding, every visit brings comfort, and feline companionship. Come along with us and experience pure happiness for all ages alike. Pay for your own meal.
London
Spend an exciting day exploring the vibrant City of London. Discover world-famous landmarks, fascinating museums, iconic shopping streets, beautiful parks, and diverse food from around the globe. From Buckingham Palace to the Thames riverside, London offers something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for a memorable full-day adventure.
Cambridge
Experience Cambridge, a beautiful and historic city perfect for adult English language learners. Walk through world-famous university colleges, peaceful riverside paths, and charming streets filled with cafés and bookshops. Cambridge offers a friendly, international atmosphere where you can practise English every day with locals and other students. Visit museums, join guided tours, or relax in green parks while improving your language skills. The city is easy to explore and safe for independent learners. Whether you enjoy culture, study, or social activities, Cambridge provides an exciting and inspiring environment to build confidence in English and create unforgettable memories.
Whitemills Water Park
You must be able to swim 25meters to partake in this activity and be comfortable swimming outside! Life jackets and wetsuits provided.
This is an outdoor water sports event with a large floating obstacle course on the lake featuring climbing walls, slides, and balance challenges.
Blean Woodland Walk
Join us for a refreshing walk through Blean Woods, one of the largest ancient woodlands in England. This relaxing activity is a great way for international students to explore the local countryside, enjoy nature, and meet new people in a friendly setting. We'll take a gentle walk through the woodland trails, providing opportunities to chat, take photos, and learn more about the area's wildlife and natural beauty. Come along for some fresh air, exercise, and great company!