Frances King School of English London
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Frances King is located in South Kensington, one of the most beautiful and exclusive parts of central London, near the city’s most visited attractions. The school offers a wide selection of programs, activities, and accommodations for every budget, allowing students to improve their English skills while exploring one of the world’s most exciting cities. London has everything to offer from culture and shopping to entertainment and food – whatever students love to do, they’ll find it in London.
South Kensington, where Frances King is located, is a grand and very important district of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It is bordered by equally impressive and significant districts such as Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Kensington and Earls Court. Its Gloucester Road and South Kensington underground stations (in Zone 1) provide easy access to the rest of London.
Beginning in the 1860’s, street after street of grand and elegant houses and mansions were constructed in South Kensington. It is one of the most famous parts of London, filled with gigantic tourist attractions, local and international students, and it is inhabited by wealthy residents.
The tourist attractions located in South Kensington include the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, (all of which are free), and the Royal Albert Hall. There is also the Lord Leighton Museum in Holland Park, the Army Museum, and Kensington Palace. There are some beautiful gardens in Holland Park as well as in Kensington Gardens (inside Hyde Park). Many of the area’s attractions are within walking distance of each other. For students and visitors, there are also plenty of affordable hotels and places to eat. South Kensington is also the home of Imperial College London.
FRANCES KING LONDON AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1973
- City: South Kensington, London
- Position in the city: Southwest part of the center (Zone 1)
- Minimum age in adult school: 16
- Number of students in school: average 225, maximum 300
- Main type of public transport: Buses, underground and trains to and from Central London
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 60+
Frances King School of English Locations:
Adult Main Building: 77 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4SS
Annex building for adults in summer: Queens Gate, SW7 5HE
Annex building for families in summer: 5 Grosvenor Gardens, Westminster, London SW1W 0BD
Teenager Summer Camp: Kensington Square, Kensington, W8 5HH
“London became my second study abroad destination, after New York. Frances King was only one of two IALC affiliated schools in London at the time, 2003, so I went to see it right away. The main building is located in the beautiful South Kensington neighborhood, just across the street from Gloucester Road station, which is connected to three of London’s main underground lines. Through the years, some of the school’s offerings and accommodations have changed, but one thing does not, and that is my client’s complete satisfaction with this school. From the many people I have sent on different types of courses (Frances King has one of the widest selection of courses of schools in London) and accommodations, from inexpensive shared apartments to upscale hotels, I have not had a single complaint about anything from anyone. Many clients have also returned to the school in subsequent years. Frances King has always stayed at the forefront of quality and delivering what students really want. As a result, their courses have evolved to suit changing demand, and their accommodation offerings, while they have never been undesirable, are continuously updated to offer the best and newest in London for students at a good price, and not too far from the school. Since I first began working with Frances King, I have become acquainted with many other language schools in London, also good ones, but for students who want to study English and stay in the center of the city, this is almost always the school I recommend to them.”
Frances King School of English London
Why Study English at the Frances King School?
There are many, many English language schools in London, one of the world’s top cities for English language learning. Frances King distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- Founded in 1973, Frances King has taught more than 200,000 students over the last 40 years.
- The staff has an international reputation for their professionalism, friendliness and the attention they give to each and every student.
- Frances King schools are in excellent locations, in beautiful parts of our cities, within walking distance of world-famous tourist attractions, parks and museums.
- The programs are designed above all to improve spoken English, and the school offers a variety of activities to ensure students make the most use of their English skills.
- Frances King has a fantastic nationality mix, with students from over 60 different countries every year.
- The school is connected to the city center with excellent transportation links.
- The courses are competitively priced for the London market and offer good value for money
- In a city with a lot of language schools offering host family accommodation, the school is able to offer excellent homestays and a wide selection of other options at all price levels, including high quality student residences and apartments.
- Frances King is a member of both IALC and Eaquals, two certifications that are more difficult to attain than the others for language schools around the world.
The facilities
FRANCES KING FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- 22 Classrooms with interactive boards in the main adult school
- Annex schools have 12 – 18 classrooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Comfortable common room
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
FK Lunch Club
The FK Lunch Club is offered to students taking intensive programs. Groups of students enjoy a light lunch in a local café or restaurant once a week. The Club is led by a native English speaker, and it is a great opportunity for students to practice their English while socializing.
Tutorials
From time to time, students will have meetings about their progress with one of their teachers to help them use their time well. On longer programs students take regular progress tests.
Student Welfare and Guide
Frances Kings has a Client Services Team available to support students in a professional and confidential manner with any problems that might arise while they are away from home. It also provides a student guide with information about the school, staff, emergency contacts, rules, health and legal matters, personal safety, public transportation, and things to do in London.
University Placement Service
Frances King’s University Placement Service can help students enter a UK university.
The courses
GENERAL ENGLISH AND EXAMINATION COURSES
- Minimum age: 16 years (General English and Exam courses) 21 or 24 (Club 8 courses)
- Course duration: 1 – 24 weeks, 25- 32 weeks (Academic Year Programs)
- Length of each lesson: 50 minutes
- Start dates: Most Mondays for General English courses, see dates and fees for Examination and Christmas courses
- Number of students in class: average 12, maximum 14 (maximum 8 for Club 8 courses)
- Students may continue their courses for more than 24 weeks as the Academic Year Program
FRANCES KING COURSE FOCUS AREAS
Focus on Speaking
This develops the student’s fluency, with structured input on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation to improve the accuracy and range of English.
Skills sessions:
– Useful phrases for travel, such as restaurants and hotels
– Writing emails, social media posts
– Getting information from notices, brochures and magazines
– Understanding announcements and radio programs
– Understanding different accents
– Making your pronunciation sound more natural
Topics Session:
– Entertainment and the Arts
– Daily life (shopping, eating, socializing etc.)
– News and current affairs
– Social media
– Customs and events around the world
– Research and report on a hobby or interest
– Special interests negotiated with the teacher
Tasks session:
– Giving a talk or presentation
– Planning and promoting an event
– Teaching someone a new skill
– Inventing and marketing a product
– Producing an information sheet
– Writing and recording a podcast
– Storyboarding a promotion video
FK Lunch Club
Once a week, a native English speaker takes students to a light lunch, allowing them to practice English in a relaxed environment.
Standard and Standard Afternoon General English Courses
The Standard basic program focuses on spoken English. The Standard Afternoon program is the same quality as morning programs with a lower price.
- Minimum English level: A1
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes) Standard English, or 18 lessons (15 hours) Standard Afternoon
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday (Standard), 13:40- 15:25 Monday to Thursday and 15.40-17.30 Monday to Friday (Standard Afternoon)
- Frances King course focus areas: Focus on Speaking (Standard and Standard Afternoon), Skills Session (Standard)
General English Intensive Course (with optional IELTS lessons)
This more intensive program brings additional course focus areas to the standard course. Students may choose to follow exam preparation lessons for the IELTS examination on 4 afternoons per week.
- Minimum English level: A1, B1 (with IELTS)
- Number of lessons per week: 28 lessons (23 hours 20 minutes)
- Timetable: 09:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday and 12.45 – 15.25 Monday to Thursday (optional IELTS preparation lessons in the afternoon)
- Frances King course focus areas: Focus on Speaking, Skills Session, Topics Session, FK Lunch Club, Task Session (General English Intensive Course) Focus on Speaking, Skills Session, FK Lunch Club (General English with IELTS)
Part-Time General English Evening Course
This course is suitable for persons studying or working in London and offers flexible starting dates and an evening-only timetable.
- Minimum English level: A2+
- Number of lessons per week: 6 lessons (5 hours)
- Timetable: 18:30 – 20:30 Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Standard and Intensive IELTS Preparation Course
This course is intended for students who are preparing for the IELTS exam.
- Minimum English level: B1
- Course length: 4 or 8 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes) for Standard, or 28 lessons (23 hours and 20 minutes) for Intensive
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday (Standard IELTS), 09:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday + 13:40 – 15:25 Monday to Thursday (Intensive IELTS with topics and tasks)
- Additional Frances King course focus areas: Topics Session, FK Lunch Club, Task Session (Intensive IELTS only)
Part-Time IELTS Preparation Course
- Minimum English level: B1
- Number of lessons per week: 8 lessons (6 hours 40 minutes)
- Timetable: 13:40 – 15:25 Monday to Thursday
Intensive Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) or Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) Preparation Course
This intensive course focuses on spoken English and preparation for all aspects of the Cambridge examinations.
- English levels: B1 (FCE), C1 (CAE)
- Course length: 4 – 8 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 lessons (23 hours and 20 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday (General English) + 13:40 – 15:25 Monday to Thursday (Exam preparation)
- Additional Frances King course focus areas: Skills Session, FK Lunch Club
Standard / Intensive Summer First Certificate in English (FCE) or Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) Preparation Course
Both the standard and intensive examination preparation courses are available during the summer. All programs include 4 lessons of exam preparation each day.
- English levels: B1 (FCE), C1 (CAE)
- Course length: 4 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes) for Standard, or 28 lessons (23 hours and 20 minutes) for Intensive
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday (Standard), 09:00 – 12:35 Monday to Friday + 13:40 -15:25 Monday to Thursday (Intensive Cambridge with topics and tasks)
- Additional Frances King course focus areas: Skills Session (Standard FCE and CAE), Topics Session, FK Lunch Club, Task Session (Intensive FCE and CAE)
Academic English
The Academic English course is suitable for those intending to study academic courses in English. Classes focus on building confidence and ability in all four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- English levels: B1 and above
- Course duration: 2 to 16 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday
University English
The University English program is designed for each student depending on English level and program length. The school recommends adding 2 private lessons per week to focus on English for their university subjects.
- English levels: B1 and above
- Course duration: 12 to 36 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 lessons (23 hours and 20 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday and 13:40 – 15:25 Monday to Thursday
Summer Academy
The Summer Academy is suitable for students who are studying or are going to study a subject in English. Students can combine Academic English with English for Law, Medicine, Engineering, IT or Architecture.
- English levels: B1 and above
- Course duration: 3 or 6 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 lessons (23 hours and 20 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday and 13:40 – 15:25 Monday to Thursday
- Start dates: see dates and fees
Individual Lessons
Students may choose One-to-One Standard or Intensive courses.
- English levels: All
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes) for Standard, or 30 lessons (25 hours) for Intensive
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 Monday to Friday (Standard), 09:00 – 15:25 Monday to Friday (Intensive)
Christmas and New Year English Course
Frances King is one of the few language schools in London that remains open over the most of the Christmas holidays, allowing students to combine an English course with a special leisure and sightseeing program oriented toward Christmas time in the city. The course focuses on speaking and listening for fluency in everyday English. Special low prices are available in centrally located student residences for students aged 18 and over.
- English levels: All
- Number of lessons: Week One, 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes), Week Two, 12 lessons (10 hours)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 13:00 Monday to Friday (Standard)
ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONALS
Club 8 Standard, Club 8 Intensive, and Club 8 Standard with One-to-One courses
Club 8 courses are suitable for professionals and mature students, and are designed with smaller classes with respect to the General English and Exam courses to ensure communication and interaction with the teachers. Club 8 offers three options of intensity: standard, intensive, and standard with one-to-one lessons.
- English levels: B1
- Number of students in class: Average 8, maximum 10 (Standard) 5 – 8 (Intensive)
- Course duration: 1 – 12 weeks
- Length of each lesson: 50 minutes
- Number of lessons per week: 20 lessons (16 hours 40 minutes) for Standard, or 28 lessons (23 hours and 20 minutes) for Intensive, 22 – 40 lessons (21 hours 30 minutes – 33 hours 20 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday (Standard), 09:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday + 13:40 -15:25 Monday to Thursday (Intensive), 9:00 – 15:30 Monday to Friday (Standard with One to One)
- Frances King course focus areas: Focus on Speaking and Skills Session (Club 8 Standard and Standard + One-to-One), + Topics Session, FK Lunch Club, Task Session (Club 8 Intensive Course)
Business Apprentice
Business Apprentice is a program suitable for school leavers, graduates and those on a gap year who want to learn English and gain the knowledge and skills for international business, professional network building and career path exploring. The program consists of 3 terms which includes Language Development, Language in Action and Business Apprentice.
- Minimum age: 17
- English levels: B1 and above
- Number of students in class: maximum 14
- Course duration: 8 weeks
- Length of each lesson: 50 minutes
- Number of lessons per week: 28 lessons (23 hours and 20 minutes)
- Timetable: 9:00 – 12:45 Monday to Friday and 13:40 – 15:25 Monday to Thursday
- Start dates: see dates and fees
Internship Program
Students can enhance their career prospects with a period of work for a London company. Professional internships are available in fields such as sales, marketing, tourism, fashion and foreign trade. This program requires an English course at Frances King for a minimum of 2 weeks, and 4 to 24 weeks of internship. The school can arrange accommodation for the student’s whole stay in London.
- Age of participants: 18 – 30 years
- Minimum English level: B2
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to learn more about the people of London is to choose homestay accommodation. All homestays are carefully selected and visited regularly to ensure consistently high standards. Homestays are in fact the accommodation of choice for the majority of students. The school and Marshall Language Services recommend this form of accommodation the most for language learning. Family life is informal and the people are welcoming, friendly and talkative, so students will have plenty of opportunities to practice their English with native speakers. By booking homestay accommodation, students will also not have to worry about shopping for food and preparing meals every day. Mealtimes are often the occasions in which families converse most with the students.
Additional homestay provisions and information
- Meal plan: Use of kitchen only (private home) Breakfast only, Half Board (breakfast and dinner every day) or 4 dinner plan (Breakfast every day and dinner from Monday-Thursday). 3 Dinner plan available for executive homestays.
- Free wireless internet.
- All bed linens and towels are furnished. The school advises students to bring one extra towel.
- Most homestays are located within 15 – 45 minutes from the school by public transportation.
- Rooms are cleaned weekly, and bed linen and towels are changed weekly.
- Frances King offers 4 different types of homestay, all with single or twin rooms upon request.
- A Private Home: single room with shared bathroom, and use of a full kitchen but no meals. Students can expect less contact with the host than in the other types of homestay. Homes are located in zone 3.
- Standard Homestay: twin or single room with shared bathroom in zone 2 (and 3 June – September).
- Premium Homestay: twin or single room with a shared bathroom in zone 2 (and 3 June – September). Private bath is available with supplement.
- Deluxe Homestay: executive-quality rooms with private bath, zones 1 and 2 all year.
Accommodation is from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
STUDENT RESIDENCES
Francis King offers a variety of student residences. The minimum age for booking is 18.
Vega Residence
Vega Residence is located in Vauxhall, near Victoria Station and is an impressive property with 37 floors, with a spacious rooftop terrace with views of the River Thames. It is a five-minute walk from Vauxhall station which provides easy access to Frances King School and the many attractions of central London. Amenities include an on-site gym, gaming zone, cinema room, rooftop terrace, and private dining area. Social spaces and regular events make the student experience more enjoyable.
Vega Residence also offers:
- Single ensuite room.All single studios have a kitchen area with electric stove
- Each room contains a bed with under bed storage, wardrobe, bookcases, cupboards, study desk with chair. Size: 13m².
- It will be provided: 1. Linen Pack – 1 Duvet Cover, 2 Pillow Cover, 1 Bed Sheet. 1 Bedding Pack – 1 Duvet, 2 Pillows
1 Bathroom Pack – 1 Face Cloth (30x30cm), 1 Hand Towel (50x90cm), 1 Bath Towel (70x137cm), 1 Toiletry Kit (1 Shampoo, 1 Hair Conditioner, 1 Shower Gel, 1 Soap), 1 Toilet Rolls, Bathroom Mat. - A shared, well-equipped communal kitchen with TV
- Super-fast Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities available
Pure Hammersmith
Pure Hammersmith is a modern, newly built self-catering residence offering large, stylish studios with private kitchens and bathrooms. It is located in the heart of West London, on average 15 minutes by underground to the school.
Pure Hammersmith also offers:
- Standard or Superior Studios with a double bed, a lockable pedestal with drawers, wardrobe, work desk and chair, notice board and bean bag
- Modern private bathroom facilities
- Bed linen and towels are provided
- Kitchenette with electric stove, combined oven/microwave and fridge/freezer, a kettle, sink, storage space, and small table with 2 chairs
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Lounge area and game room
- Secure parking for bicycles
- Outdoor courtyard area
- 24 hours reception
The Curve
The Curve is a newly refurbished student residence with single rooms in cluster flats, shared with other students. It is located in the now fashionable East London, 25 minutes by underground to Frances King.
The Curve also offers:
- Single studios with private bathrooms
- Kitchenette
- Free Wi-Fi
- Game room
- Study room
- Gym
Fulham Palace Studios (Summer Only)
Fulham Palace Studios, located in the heart of West London, offers self-catering, large, en-suite studios suitable for students only, with a double bed for one person or twin beds for 2 people. Parent and child (minimum age 12) can book a twin room.
Fulham Palace Studios also offers:
- Studios with private bathrooms
- Single or twin beds
- Kitchenette
- Free Wi-Fi
- Bed Linen provided
- Laundry room
- TV room
APARTMENTS AND FLATSHARES
Chelsea Cloisters
Chelsea Cloisters offers attractively designed self-catering studios and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with private kitchens and bathrooms. Chelsea Cloisters is a 15-20 minute walk to the main school building and 20-25 minutes by underground to other Frances King schools.
Chelsea Cloisters also offers:
- Lounge and kitchen area in apartments
- Bed linen and towels
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Modern, private bathrooms
- Daily cleaning service
- Laundry facilities
- TV
- Wi-Fi at extra cost
Citadines
Attractively designed self-catering studios and 1 bedroom apartments with private kitchens and bathrooms. Citadines is a 5-minute walk to the main school building and 15 minutes by underground to other Frances King schools.
Citadines also offers:
- Ensuite bathroom with toiletries
- Bed linen and towels changed weekly
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Weekly cleaning service
- Laundry facilities
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Safe deposit box
Go Native Fulham
Modern, attractively designed serviced apartments with private bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. 2 bedroom apartments for up to 4 people. Air mattress available for a 5th person. Go Native is 20 minutes by underground to Frances King’s Kensington schools. Suitable for families and professionals.
Go Native Fulham also offers:
- Ensuite bathroom with toiletries
- Bed linen and towels changed weekly
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Weekly cleaning service
- Laundry facilities
- TV
- Free Wi-Fi
Budget Flatshares
Simply furnished, self-catering flats in Earl’s Court, Gloucester Road, Barons Court and Shepherd’s Bush shared with students and young professionals. They are located 15-30 minutes by underground to the Frances King main school building and are suitable for students and young people on a budget (18-30 years).
The Budget flatshares also offer:
- Single or twin rooms
- Shared bathrooms
- Bed linens
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Laundry facilities
- TV
Insurance
Insurance covering medical and travel assistance, personal liability and trip cancellation is not included in the price of the program. Marshall Language Services has a policy available through Guard.Me that covers these elements, as well as an additional policy through CareMed that covers cancellation under a wider range of circumstances, including the need to repeat school exams. A summary of these policies may be downloaded below.
Dates and Fees
Calculate your own approximate quote
The following tool will help you to get a good idea of the cost of a language course and accommodation, if requested, at this school. It may not include all the courses and accommodation options available or take into account promotional offers or costs associated with student visas, insurance, study materials or exam fees. For these reasons, the availability of any course, accommodation option (especially in the high season) and the final price of a package will always have to be verified with Marshall Language Services prior to enrolment.
Contact us for information about dates & prices
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