Excel English, London
THE DESTINATION | THE SCHOOL | MAP | RACHEL’S TAKE | WHY THIS SCHOOL? | FACILITIES | THE COURSES | FROM OUR CLIENTS | HOUSING | SOCIAL LIFE | INSURANCE AND PRICING | REQUEST AN ESTIMATE | OTHER PROGRAMS | SIMILAR PROGRAMS
Excel English is located in Muswell Hill, a desirable, residential area and the highest part of London, with spectacular views from Alexandra Park across the center of the city. The school is connected to Central London with excellent transportation links, and all the main tourist attractions are only minutes away.
Muswell Hill is a fashionable residential area with beautiful architecture, many sports and entertainment centers with quick access from the center of London. The Sunday Times newspaper recently named Muswell Hill one of the top 5 places to live in London and a survey for Time Out magazine found it is the friendliest part of the city. Muswell Hill is an area home to real Londoners, not tourists.
London is one of the world’s most fascinating and visited capital cities and has everything to offer, from historic buildings to art galleries, designer shops, and the latest exciting non-stop nightlife. It is a youthful city with 43 universities and over 300,000 students.
EXCEL ENGLISH AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1989
- City: Muswell Hill, London
- School’s position in the city: Suburbs
- Minimum age in adult school: 16
- Average age in adult school: 26
- Number of students in school: maximum 180
- Main type of public transport: Buses, underground and trains to and from Central London (24 hours)
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 50
Excel English: 8 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TD, United Kingdom
“I got to know the owner of the school, Judy Loren, about 10 years ago, and since then have seen the school enter the IALC and Quality English associations that I know well. I visited the school in 2016, have sent students there since then, and can attest to how present and involved Judy is in the everyday management of the school and in her relationships with agents. I was also very pleased to see how highly this school has been ranked by the EL Gazette and British Council. I’ll explain a bit how this ranking works: every four years, the British Council carries out an inspection of its 500 + member schools in the UK (nearly all reputable language schools in the UK are accredited by the British Council). During the inspection, in which two examiners inspect the school for days, they grade a school in 13 areas like teaching, care of students, accommodation, etc., and in 15 areas if the school also has programs for young learners. For each area, a school can receive a grade of “acceptable,” or it can exceed the expectations of the examiner. When the latter is the case, the school receives what’s called a “strength” in that area. As a result of these inspections, language schools typically receive about 3.5 strengths. On its last inspection, Excel English received 12 out of a possible 15, placing it among the top 5 schools in London!
As for the area of the school, Muswell Hill is located in zone 3 of London, and is very well-connected to the center of the city. The area itself is beautiful, with all the conveniences of a good neighborhood, and is a place to see many original Londoners and their families. When a student books a school in the center of the city with host family accommodation (as I always recommend for learning the language), most likely he or she will be traveling 45 minutes to an hour to get to school. This school has more than half of its host families and one very good student residence within walking distance of the school. When a student does an intensive English course, much of the day will be spent in class or doing homework, so in turn for much of the week the student will be staying in the local area, and being close to the accommodation is important for that. However, for the weekends and some evenings, all of the attractions of London are still just half an hour away. In that sense, the school offers the best of both worlds—and at a reasonable price for the London market.”
Excel English
Why Study English at the Excel School?
There are many, many English language schools in London, which is one of the world’s top cities for English language learning. Excel English distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- Excel English has been ranked in the top 1.5% of all language schools in the UK and has been welcomed into membership of several prestigious international language school associations.
- Excel English is 1 of only 5 London schools accredited by “Quality English” and “International Association of Language Centers,” two certifications that are more difficult to attain than others for language schools around the world.
- Excel English only employs trained teachers who consistently deliver high quality teaching.
- All permanent teachers are DELTA qualified and have an average time of 8 years working at Excel English.
- The possibility of acquiring a DELTA certification requires a minimum of 4 years’ experience of English as a second language teaching.
- The staff has an international reputation for their professionalism, friendliness and the attention they give to each student.
- Excel English ensures students study in an international community with an English-only policy in and out of the classroom.
- In a city with a lot of language schools offering host family accommodation, the school is able to offer excellent homestays and its own student residences.
- The courses are competitively priced for the London market and offer good value for money
The facilities
EXCEL ENGLISH FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- A purpose-built school building in a quiet area with an abundance of natural light
- 8 classrooms, 5 of which have interactive whiteboards
- Student room with a self-catering kitchen
- Beautiful Gardens
- Free Wi-Fi
- Self-access center with materials such as books and DVDs
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Needs Analysis
During the student’s course their needs and interests are taken into consideration in careful planning, attention and monitoring from the teachers.
Tutorials and Homework
All courses give tutorials and homework (1-2 hours per day) to support classroom learning. Each student has regular tutorials with their teacher to discuss their study plans and goals and also to discuss their overall learning experience and welfare. Tutorials are given every 2 weeks and progress tests are taken every 2 – 4 weeks.
Self-Access Center
Excel English provides space and various resources students can use for self-study outside lessons.
Student Welfare
Excel English has a 24-hour emergency line in case students have problems on arrival or during their stay.
The courses
GENERAL ENGLISH AND EXAMINATION COURSES
Super Intensive, Intensive, and Intensive Combination General or Business English courses
The Intensive English Language Courses are the most popular options and they will help students improve in all areas of the English Language: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, pronunciation, reading and writing. Student may choose to take the Intensive Combination course with Business English lessons.
- Minimum age: 16
- Minimum English level: A1
- Course length: 1+ weeks
- Number of hours per week: 21 hours Super Intensive, 15 hours Intensive English, 15 hours group + 7.5 hours individual or business Intensive Combination
- Timetable: 8:30 – 11:50 General English lessons for all courses Monday to Friday, 12:50 – 14:20 Monday to Thursday (skills lesson for Super Intensive, individual lesson for Intensive Combination)
- Start date: Most Mondays
- Class size: maximum 12
One-to-One English Lessons
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Minimum English level: A1
- Course length: 1+ weeks
- Number of hours per week: Minimum 7.5 hours
Cambridge Examination Preparation Courses (FCE, CAE)
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Minimum English levels: B2 (FCE), C1 (CAE)
- Course length: 8 weeks
- Number of hours per week: 21 hours
- Timetable: 8:30 – 14:20 Monday to Thursday, 8:30 – 11:50 Friday
- Start date: see dates and fees
- Class size: maximum 12
IELTS / Trinity ISE Preparation Courses
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Minimum English level: B1
- Course length: 5 weeks
- Number of hours per week: 21 hours
- Timetable: 8:30 – 14:20 Monday to Thursday and 8:30 – 11:50 Friday (IELTS), 15:00 – 17:15 or 18:30 – 20:45 Monday and Wednesday (Trinity ISE)
- Start date: see dates and fees
- Class size: maximum 12
30+ Language and Culture Course
The 30+ Language and Culture course offers lessons based on the individual needs of the participants (as determined by a detailed questionnaire), but with an emphasis on improving speaking and listening skills in both social and business contexts. Students will have 18 hours of English tuition which are focused on stimulating and up-to-date topics, including Business English and aspects of British culture. The sessions include a 1 hour talk and question and answer session with an outside speaker (for example, a solicitor, bank manager, prison visitor or architect).
Lesson topics could include:
- “Britishness”
- Advertising Campaigns
- Breaking News
- Office Politics
- Great journeys
During the course, students will also take part in a half day London excursion and an evening event. The actual activities are decided each week by the participants but could include:
- visit to the City of London and Bank of England
- legal London walk
- exploring the Southwark area of London
- traditional afternoon tea*
- visit to a famous historic pub*
- fish & chip supper*
- (*costs not included)
Outside the classroom, students can take part in an optional 2 hours of guided self-study and use the Excel English App.
For an even more intensive course, the school can offer participants the opportunity to add 6 extra hours of individual lessons each week to work on particular language needs. The individual lessons take place after the 3 afternoon Language and Culture lessons so that students can still benefit from the weekly excursion and evening activity.
- Minimum age: 30 years
- Minimum English level: B1
- Course length: 1-6 weeks
- Number of hours per week: 24 hours
- Timetable: 8.30 – 10.00 and 10.20 – 11.50 Monday to Friday, 12.50 – 14.20/16.50* (Lesson or excursion, not Monday or Friday) 19.00 – 21.00 (Evening activity)
- Timetable note: in summer and at busy times, the school operates a zigzag timetable where all students have a mixture of morning and afternoon lessons.
- Start date: Most Mondays
- Minimum class size: None (courses are guaranteed to run. For fewer than 3 students, the course will have 15 hours of general group lessons and 9 hours of 30 + Language and Culture.)
- Maximum class size: maximum 6
TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS
These professional courses are ideal for teachers or educators with experience in either teenage or adult classrooms. Students will update your English and learn practical techniques and share your expertise with other teachers.
Courses offered:
- New Ideas for the English Classroom
- English for Teachers
- Teaching Speaking & Listening
- Teaching with Technology
- British Culture for Teachers
Features of all teacher training programs:
- Minimum age: 21
- Minimum English level: B2 (New Ideas for the English Classroom, Teaching Speaking & Listening), B1 (English for Teachers, Teaching with Technology, British Culture for Teachers)
- Course length: 1 – 2 weeks
- Number of hours per week: 22.5 hours
- Timetable: 8:30 – 14:20 Monday to Thursday, 8:30 – 11:50 Friday
- Start date: see dates and fees
- Class size: maximum 12
ENGLISH + EXPERIENCE COURSES
Features of all experience courses:
- English levels: A2
- Course length: 1 – 3 weeks depending on Experience
- Number of hours per week: 15 hours of English per week
- Timetable: 8:30 – 11:50 (with coffee break)
- Start date: see dates and fees
Sports Experiences
Minimum age for sports experiences is 18 years or older. Sports experiences offered:
- Olympic Volunteer
- Golf
- Horseriding
- Tennis
Lifestyle Experiences
Minimum age for most lifestyle experiences is 18 years or older. Lifestyle experiences offered:
- Aromatherapy and Massage
- Flower and Garden
- London Tea Experience
- Vintage Fashion
Artistic Experiences
Minimum age for artistic experiences is 18 years or older. Artistic experiences offered:
- Flower Arranging
English Experience for Mature Learners (45+)
This course is available to mature learners. Students have the option to book individual or group experiences. Students will have three afternoon or evening activities each week and a weekend trip outside London is included each Saturday.
- Minimum age: 45+
- Number of hours per week: 15 hours of General English per week
- Timetable: 8:30 – 11:50 General English lessons + Afternoon or Evening Excursions Monday to Friday, Full day day excursion on Saturdays
- Start date: Most Mondays (individual experience), see dates and fees (group experience)
- Class size: maximum 12
From our clients
Dear Rachel,
When Matteo, his younger brother Luca, and I arrived in London for Matteo’s English course, we went directly to Chester House, where we were shown the facilities and Matteo’s room, which was small but comfortable. We very much liked the neighborhood, which we explored along with the center of the city.
On Monday Matteo started school. The staff member who received us showed us the school, which we also liked very much, and I saw the teachers.
I have to say that Matteo is truly happy—at the beginning he was bit a fearful, as he realized that he would be by himself after we left. The residence is occupied for the most part by English university students, and he was afraid that he wouldn’t make any friends. However, in just a few days, he settled in, and he likes the school. He says that it is not too difficult for him, and that he is learning a lot. His teacher, with whom he will be studying for a long period, meets with him every two weeks to check his language needs and to make sure that the course is right for him.
Therefore, as you may imagine, Matteo and I are very satisfied with this choice of school. I was a bit apprehensive when he told me that he wanted to take a gap year, but given that his passion is the English language, I thought to send him to London (one of his favorite cities) for a long period. From a linguistic point of view, his level was already fairly good, but not enough for an English language university.Thank you again for your recommendations, which were helpful in this choice of school in London.
–Roberta C., Varese”
Do you have a positive experience to share? Write to Rachel.
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to learn more about the people of Britain 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. Excel English offers 2 types of homestay, all with single or twin rooms upon request: a standard homestay with shared bath or a Superior homestay with a private bath (if available).
Additional homestay provisions and information:
- Minimum age: 16 (Standard), 21 (Superior)
- All homestays are located up to 25 minutes by bus from the school.
- Average journey to school takes about 10 minutes by bus
- 3 options of meal plan: Bed and Breakfast (Breakfast only 7 days per week), Semi Board (Breakfast every day and 3 dinners per week), or Half Board (Breakfast and Dinner 7 days per week).
- All homestays offer wireless internet.
- Homestay families provide all bed linens and towels, changed weekly.
- Accommodation is usually from Sunday to Sunday. It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
- Students aged 16 have curfews at 10:00 pm.
- Students aged 17 have curfews at 11:00 pm.
- Adults aged 18 + do not have curfews.
STUDENT RESIDENCES
Chester House
The residence is located in a lively area in walking distance of the school and plenty of green space and great connections to central London. It has a wide range of shops including pharmacies, stationers, cafés, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and a 99p Shop. There is a superstore a short bus ride away. Nearby parks and open spaces include Highgate Woods, Queens Wood, and Alexandra Palace and Park. Chester House is a diverse community of up to 159 people from the UK and countries all over the world. Most of them are students aged 18-25, but are also postgraduate students, interns and career-starters who are looking for affordable accommodation (with all bills included).
Bedroom features:
- Fully furnished with a desk, chair, washbasin and plenty of storage space
- En-suite rooms provide private toilet and shower
- Standard rooms have one shower for every 5 residents on the floor
- Most floors are female-only or male-only
- Room cleaning service every week
- All bed linens are provided, but students must bring their own towels
- Twin rooms are available upon request
- Breakfast and dinner are included in the price
- Lunch is provided on weekends
Chester House offers:
- Communal study area with desks, armchairs and library of reference books
- Super-fast Wi-Fi
- Lounge with TV, DVD player and LED projector in the movie room
- Game room with pool and ping-pong table
- Dance studio
- Gym
- Music room
- Bike storage area
- Laundry facilities
- Guest rooms are available
- Weekly room cleaning service
- Laundry facilities
Tufnell House
Tufnell House is a newly-refurbished self-catering residence equipped with the latest modern facilities. It is located 35 minutes from Muswell Hill by direct bus. Rooms are set within 5 bedroom flats which are fully furnished. All rooms are en-suite and have a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and shelving unit. Students will be provided a set of bed linen, but not towels.
Tufnell House also offers:
- Fully equipped kitchen and dining area
- Student lounge with Sky TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Study rooms
- Game rooms
- Onsite gym
- Outside space to relax
- Playing fields with football pitch next door
HOTELS
Excel English offers two hotel options: a local guest house hotel, or a 3-star hotel. Both are located approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the school and close to the shops, bars and restaurants in the center of Muswell Hill. Minimum age for hotels are 18 years old. Both hotels offer en-suite single / double rooms with breakfast
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
Contact us for information about dates & prices
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