English in Chester
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English in Chester, established in 1976, is an independent language school ranked in the top 10 of all English schools in the United Kingdom. The school offers a relaxed and friendly learning environment in a historic and classically English city, and a wonderful range of high-quality courses to suit students of different age groups and needs.
Chester is a picturesque town on the River Dee in Cheshire, in the North West of England, close to Liverpool and the border with Wales. It is a wonderful location to live and study for students of all ages, and an excellent base for exploring the vibrant cities as well as the beautiful countryside nearby. Students will feel comfortable and experience the typical English style city with black and white houses, beautiful parks and gardens, and traditional English pubs. Chester is a perfect combination of traditional and modern culture and one of Britain’s most famous heritage cities with a 2,000 year history.
ENGLISH IN CHESTER AT A GLANCE
- Year of foundation: 1976
- City: Chester
- Position in the city: Center
- Minimum age in adult school: 16
- Number of students in school: average 90, maximum 300
- Main type of public transport: bus
- Approximate number of nationalities in school each year: 50
English in Chester: 9-11 Stanley Pl, Chester CH1 2LU, United Kingdom
“I have long known Richard Day, the founder director of English in Chester, through its association with IALC and my experience in sending clients on some of its programs. Chester is a beautiful, quintessentially English city with a 2000-year history (it was founded by the Romans—the word “Chester” as the name of this city and as a suffix in other names comes from the Latin Castrum. or military base). The main reason to go here, however, is that students will be be able to study at one of the very best English language schools in the UK. Along with BEET in Bournemouth and four others, it is tied for a second place ranking by the EL Gazette and British Council. I’ll explain how this ranking works: when the British Council inspects a school, it spends days examining all aspects of the school in terms of the facilities, teaching, accommodation, student welfare, and other areas, and when one of these aspects exceeds the inspector’s expectations, the school is awarded what’s called a “strength” in that area. On the average, schools in the UK receive 3.5 strengths on their inspections, whereas English and Chester and the others in that rank received 14! The school has also been in existence for decades, and although it has had the opportunity to become much larger as a result of its success, Richard has purposely contained it so that he could offer a more controlled, high quality service. Students attending this school also have the advantage of studying at the only full-time, British Council accredited school in the city. As a result, it is able to offer the best host families, and students will have the opportunity to make friends with a population not dominated by foreigners. Students will also be able to appreciate the North of England in general. It is an area that is less frequented by international language students, yet it offers some of the most beautiful and historic cities in the country, and a cost of living that is 15% lower than in the South.”
English in Chester
Why study English at this school?
There are many English language schools in UK, which is one of the world’s top destinations for English language learning. English in Chester distinguishes itself in the following ways:
- English in Chester was recently designated a Centre of Excellence by the EL Gazette and the British Council, and ranked in the top 5 of UK language schools.
- English in Chester is the only full-time, British Council accredited English language school in Chester, allowing its students more opportunities to meet English people.
- English in Chester is located in a beautiful, historic city with a young and lively atmosphere. Its central position in the United Kingdom allows students to visit other cities easily.
- English in Chester guarantees a quality homestay experience with friendly northern English hospitality.
- The school has excellent staff, facilities and resources to provide students with everything they need. It maintains 8 permanent, full-time teachers who have worked for the school for years, plus many others part-time.
- English in Chester is able to offer a variety of academic and social activities to ensure students make the most use of their English skills.
- English in Chester has a fantastic nationality mix, with students from over 50 different countries every year.
- The courses offer exceptionally good value for money in the UK English language school market.
- English in Chester is an official Cambridge Examination center.
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
- 4 elegant buildings
- 27 bright classrooms
- Computer room / language lab with 12 computers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fully-resourced Study Center with student computers
- Coffee room
- Common area
- Beautiful patio garden
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
e-Chester Virtual Learning Program
E-Chester is a virtual learning platform, which will improve students’ study experience by allowing them to use a range of interactive online materials to help their language studies outside the classroom. All students on General, 25+ and Examination courses can take advantage of free e-learning program from their enrolment to 6 months after their course ends.
Tutorials and Homework
Students are offered regular tutorials with their teacher to discuss their study plans and progress and to discuss their overall learning experience and welfare.
Executive Training Center
Executive courses for students over the age of 25 are held in a separate building called the Language Training Centre. The Language Training Centre boasts 7 training rooms for a maximum of 30 students, a computer room, language laboratory and lounge area with coffee and tea throughout the day.
Self-Access Study Center
English in Chester has a self-access study center, which contains computers, DVDs, audio materials and a library. Its supervisors will be able to help direct students to the appropriate resources to suit their level and academic needs.
English Plus and Evening events
English in Chester provides “Plus” events to provide students with more opportunities for English practice. Weekly events include Conversation Club, Book Club, Film Club and a city walk. Monthly events include a coffee morning, a CV workshop and English Corner.
Student Welfare
English in Chester’s Student Services team will ensure that students are well-looked after throughout their time at the school.
The courses
GENERAL ENGLISH AND EXAMINATION COURSES
- Minimum Age: 16
- Duration of each lesson: 45 minutes
- Number of students in class: average 8, maximum 12
General English
In the General English Courses, students can choose from a range of afternoon classes, which students can change as their needs change. These options include British Life, Vocabulary, Conversation and Writing skills, English for Work, Listening and Speaking, Grammar, Pronunciation, IELTS Introduction, Reading, Film, Literature and many more.
- English levels: all levels A1 to C1
- Course duration: 2 + weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 (21 hours)
- Timetable: 9:30 – 13:00 Monday to Friday + 14:15 – 15:45 every day except Wednesday, 15:45 – 16.45 optional supervised self-study
- Start dates: Any Monday
General English with Cambridge English Exam Preparation (FCE and CAE)
English in Chester offers long and short First Certificate in English (FCE) and Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) preparation courses throughout the year. Tuition fees include a text book and examination fees.
- Minimum English levels: B2 (FCE), C1 (CAE)
- Course duration: 5 or 10 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 30 (22.5 hours)
- 20 core morning General English lessons and 10 exam focus group lessons
- Timetable: 9:30 – 15:45 Monday to Friday
- Start dates: see dates and fees
General English with Cambridge English Exam Preparation (KET and PET)
English in Chester offers Key English Test (KET) and Preliminary English Test (PET) preparation courses three times a year. Each includes 20 lessons on the General English Course, 4 lessons of afternoon options and 4 lessons in an Exam Focus group.
- Minimum English levels: A2 (KET), B1 (PET)
- Course duration: 4 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 (21 hours)
- Timetable: 9:30 – 13:00 Monday to Friday + 14:15 – 15:45 every day except Wednesday, 15:45 – 16.45 optional supervised self-study
- Start dates: see dates and fees
General English with IELTS Preparation
This is an intensive course to prepare students for the IELTS exam. It includes 20 lessons on the General English Course, 2 lessons of academic writing and 6 lessons in an Exam Focus group. Students below B1 level may take the IELTS Introduction afternoon class of 4 lessons (3 hours) per week and progress into the IELTS Preparation course.
- Minimum English levels: B1
- Course duration: 2 + weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 (21 hours)
- Timetable: 9:30 – 13:00 Monday to Friday + 14:15 – 15:45 every day except Wednesday, 15:45 – 16.45 optional supervised self-study
- Start dates: see dates and fees
Intensive IELTS Booster Course
This two-week intensive IELTS booster course is held three times a year.
- Minimum English level B1+
- Course duration: 2 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 28 (21 hours)
- Timetable: 09.30-13.00 Monday to Friday + 14.15-15.45 every day except Wednesday, 15.45-16.45 optional supervised self-study
- Start dates: see dates and fees
Age 50 + Course
This course is a General English course specifically designed for adults over 50 years of age. The 50 + Course enables students to practice their English, explore the region, meet new people and make new friends. The course includes language development and an inclusive social program. The social program is planned by experienced staff who accompany students on all the trips. Each course includes two afternoon events and one half-day excursion each week with a full-day excursion on mid-course weekends. There is an optional weekly evening event at extra cost. Sample activities include introducing students to the beautiful city of Chester and the surrounding area, visiting major tourist attractions, visiting the beautiful National Parks e.g. North Wales, The Lake District or The Peak District and to towns and famous cities like Liverpool and Manchester.
- Minimum age: 50
- English levels: all levels
- Course duration: 2 or 3 weeks
- Number of lessons per week: 20 (15 hours)
- Timetable: 9:30 – 13:00 Monday to Friday + afternoon activities
- Start dates: see dates and fees
- Class size: maximum 10
EXECUTIVE ENGLISH COURSES
English in Chester has experience in delivering courses for clients from many different professional areas and has been working in the corporate market for many years.
- Minimum age: 25
- Average age: 43
- English levels: A1 to C1
- Course duration: 1 – 6 weeks
- Start dates: any Monday
- Class size: average 3, maximum 6
Age 25+ Course
The 25+ course is held in the executive Language Training Center, and focuses on spoken English and conversation skills so that students may develop confidence in both social and professional situations. The environment, social events and excursions tailored for adults will help students make the most of a short stay in Chester.
- Number of lessons per week: 30 (22.5 hours)
- Timetable: 9:30 – 15:45 Monday to Friday
Age 25+ Combination Course
The highly intensive 25+ Combination Course features both group and individual lessons to meet students’ specific needs in General English, Work-related English or English for Special Purposes (ESP). The course includes 30 lessons (22.5 hours) or 35 lessons (26.25 hours) plus optional early evening social activities at an additional cost.
Among the specialties that the school is able to offer are:
- English for Tourism Management
- English in the World of Finance
- English for Human Resource Management
- English for Marketing
- English for Customer Services
- English for Journalism
- English for Aviation
- English for Transport/Logistics
Age 25+ One-to-One or Two-to-One courses
English in Chester is able to offer executive students full-time 1:1 or 2:1 courses for a fully enhanced individual learning experience. These courses normally include 22.5 hours of tuition per full week.
Specialist English Courses for Groups from One Source
English in Chester can offer specially designed courses for a group of employees from the same company. Full-time courses typically include 22.5 hours of tuition per week, often with an accompanying program of professional visits.
Development Courses for Teachers
English in Chester offers 1-week development courses for teachers. The Methodology Booster Course provides practice in different methodologies, techniques and ideas for effective English language teaching. The CLIL Booster Course explores key principles, materials design and practical activities for teachers of other subjects in English.
- Minimum age: 25
- Minimum English level: B1+
- Course duration: 1 week
- Number of lessons per week: 30 (22.5 hours)
- Timetable: 9:30 – 15.45 Monday to Friday
- Class size: maximum 10
- Start dates: see dates and fees
HOST FAMILY
One of the best ways to experience the British way of life 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
- Homestay accommodation includes a single bedroom (shared rooms are available for two students traveling together).
- Meal plans: Half board (breakfast and dinner) or Bed and Breakfast every day.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Bed linens and towels are included.
- Most homestays have shared bathrooms. Private bathrooms can be requested by clients at The Language Training Centre or mature students on short courses.
- The maximum distance of homestays is 6.5 kilometers from the school and the city center.
- Accommodation is from Sunday to Saturday. It is possible to book extra nights at an additional cost.
SELF-CATERING STUDENT RESIDENCE
Waterside Court
Waterside Court is a modern, student residence just a short walk from English in Chester and the city center. Waterside Court has apartments with single rooms and private bathrooms, and shared living and dining areas. Waterside Court is available year-round for students aged 18 + for a minimum of 2 weeks.
Waterside Court also offers:
- Fully furnished single bedrooms with queen sized beds, mini-fridge and safe.
- Large, fully equipped kitchen/dining room with sofa and TV
- Free Wi-Fi
- Weekly cleaning service and change of linens
- Laundry facilities
- 24 hour security
- Sunday arrival and Saturday departure
HOTELS
If students prefer to stay in a hotel or a guest house, English in Chester can suggest some good places in which their professional students have stayed and recommend. Prices vary from place to place depending on the season and availability.
Express by Holiday Inn
Recommended for adult or professional students, this modern hotel is just 2 minutes’ walk from English in Chester and 5 minutes’ walk to the city center. The hotel offers Wi-Fi and parking. For full details visit the hotel’s website.
Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel
This traditional, quality, city center hotel is also an English in Chester partner hotel. For full details visit the hotel’s website.
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
Other Programs by this School
English in Chester Junior Summer Program
English in Chester’s junior summer program for students aged 13 – 16 offers English classes combined with projects to develop leadership, team building skills, arts, drama, sports and cultural activities and excursions. Please enquire for more information.
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