With its award-winning beaches, Victorian architecture and iconic palm trees, Torquay is the jewel of the English Riviera. International students will love its warm summers, its fine English language schools, the town itself and the beautiful surrounding area of Southwest England.
About the Destination
You can’t get much more of a “traditional British seaside” resort than the vibrant and cheerful town of Torquay. Set at the very heart of the English Riviera on the South Devon Coast, Torquay is famous for its sandy beaches, family attractions and genteel Victorian appearance. Made famous by the legendary comedy series Fawlty Towers, Torbay is distinctly Mediterranean and is a family favorite with plenty of attractions and things to do.
Torquay was a relatively minor settlement until the mid-Nineteenth Century when the railway linked it to the rest of the UK. The improved transport connections saw Torquay expand rapidly to cater for the area’s popularity with the Victorian’s desire to explore everything and everywhere, including the furthest flung corners of Britain. After the First World War, the Great Western Railway Company extensively promoted Torquay, helping the town to become a very popular UK holiday resort.
TIS Adult School: 15 St Marychurch Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 3HY, England
RACHEL’S TAKE
“I had heard of the Torquay International School and known Judith Hands, one of the owners, for years before I saw it. A woman from the UK who was not associated with the school had spoken to me one time of the area around Torquay as being the only “real” beach holiday destination in England—it was where she vacationed as a child with her family. I had met Judith at the IALC workshops and always received very warm invitations from her to visit the school—she was even ready to lend me her car! I finally saw the school in 2010, and none of the photos of the location had ever prepared me for how beautiful the destination actually was. I had been to the Côte d’Azur in the South of France, and with the blue waters, palm trees and sunshine, it was the only region of England that I had ever seen that looked almost exactly like it. TIS itself is also beautiful, and surrounded by a large, landscaped garden. In the afternoon of that visit, I had a fascinating drive through Dartmoor, a protected area, and then back at the school, a delicious dinner was provided in the school café by the two persons who usually cook for the students. For accommodation, I stayed in Club TIS, which was as nice any commercial hotel as I had seen in England. I also had the opportunity to see Exeter, Bath and Bristol in that part of the country, and recommend a visit to those places to anyone who goes to study in Torquay. The whole Southwest of England is the most beautiful part of the country, in my opinion, and I can’t wait to go back to see more of it. All of the clients I have sent to the Torquay International School, not surprisingly, have been very happy there.”
The Torquay International School
This video will show you the Torquay International School, some of its students, and the town
Why Study at this School?
Accreditations: TIS is the only school in Torquay that is accredited by the prestigious IALC association in addition to the most important British associations. It is not only accredited by the British Council, but after its last inspection by them, the school was ranked in the top 5% of language schools in the UK.
Range of Programs: TIS offers a wide range of programs for its size, from General English, a 30 + program, English for Professionals (TIS started out as the school of a company to train its professionals), a 50+ program, a program for junior students and a program for families.
School and Class Sizes: TIS offers small classes in an intimate atmosphere, where students are treated as an individual from an academic and welfare point of view. TIS is a smaller school than its competitors, where the owner is on site, taking care of everything.
High Quality Accommodation: TIS’ host families have a high standard of living and offer international students a truly British experience, who genuinely take care of them as welcomed guests in their homes.
Age of students: for older students, the average age of students at the Torquay International School is substantially higher than in other schools, meaning that these students will be better able to meet other students their age without attending a very large school or one that is only dedicated to professionals. However, there are also enough younger students in the school, so that they, too, will feel welcome.
School Location: The school is in a residential neighborhood, far enough from the center to be quiet, but close enough to be in walking distance of it.
Decades of experience: TIS has been helping its students to improve their English since 1972, more than 40 years.
The Beauty of the Location and the TIS’ Exceptional Social Program: The English Riviera has it all – award winning beaches, busy towns and cities, breath-taking coastline and traditional English villages. All of these places can be explored with new friends or on TIS’ many organized activities and excursions.
Where the students come from
The facilities
THE FACILITIES AT A GLANCE
20 Classrooms
Study Centre and Library: the Study Centre is open all day with books, resources and DVDs for students to use and borrow.
Club TIS Café: the school serves delicious home-cooked hot meals daily at the Club TIS Café opposite TIS. Students will be taken there for lunch on their first day.
Games and Games Room: in nice weather, students can play volleyball on the school’s volleyball court in the garden. In the winter months, two classrooms become game rooms where students can spend time on their free afternoons. The school has table tennis, a pool table, darts and a giant jenga game.
Cinema Room: TIS shows films in its cinema room every Monday afternoon. Students can ask at the Reception desk if they want to watch films at other times.
Computers: WIFI is available throughout the School. Students can borrow a laptop from Reception for use within the school building.
Study Room: the Study Room at the top of the school is free every afternoon as a quiet space for students to do independent study and homework. We have a range of resources available in the Study Room and you should come to reception if you need any help.
Garden: TIS is surrounded by a large, fenced-in and well-maintained garden with a deck.
MORE ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Concierge Services
The school can help with any questions including local attractions, restaurant bookings, coach and train tickets, car hire, bus tickets, local gyms and sports clubs, doctor appointments and visas.
Student Welfare
The welfare of TIS students is a top priority for the school. It has an excellent staff to student ratio (at least 1:4) to make sure that it gives students the best care and attention possible all year round. Its student welfare has these features:
A full-time Welfare Manager dedicated to giving support and advice
A 24-hour emergency number for support outside of school opening hours
Students who are under 18 receive a special orientation and one-to-one welfare chat in their first week, as well as ongoing support.
Long stay students receive one-to-one orientation and ongoing one-to-one academic tutoring and welfare support.
Special Services for Long Stay Students (8+ weeks)
Student Tutorials
During the first week the school will schedule a short meeting to give the student some information. The student will then have regular tutorials with a senior teacher to check that he or she is satisfied with his or her progress, and to offer advice and support for the students’ studies.
Monitoring Progress
Long term students will be given the option of taking weekly tests during their time at TIS to monitor their progress in English. Any student who would like additional help or support in monitoring his or her progress may speak with the Director of Studies.
Taking Exams
TIS offers preparation for IELTS and Cambridge exams with the possibility of taking the exams in Torquay. Students can move to an exam preparation course for no extra cost.
Further study in the UK
TIS can help students to find more information about further and higher education in the UK. The school’s Senior Teacher and Director of Studies have more information about this.
The courses
Adult General English Course
Torquay International School’s General English courses are planned to help students achieve fluency, accuracy and confidence when communicating in English. They are ideal for students who want to improve their speaking, reading, writing and listening skills. In the mornings, the courses focus on grammar, vocabulary, speaking, pronunciation, listening, reading and writing. In the afternoons, students have a choice of studying Language Development, Academic Skills or IELTS Preparation.
Course facts
Minimum age – 16 years
Course duration: 2-50 weeks
Number of lessons: 15, 19, 23 or 23
Length of lesson: 60 minutes
Class Size: Maximum 12, Average 7
Language levels: Beginner to Proficiency
Start dates: Most Mondays, except for Beginners who start on the first Monday of every month on English 15 only
Timetable: 9-12:20, afternoons as booked
Average number of students on General English courses in high season: 130
Average number of students on General English courses in low season: 60
40+ nationalities each year
Mini Group 30 + English Course
This course is perfect for students aged 30 + wanting to combine their English studies with a relaxing holiday by the sea. The course is very social, with ample opportunity to make friends during class time as well as the organized lunches and evening activities. Afternoons are left free for participants to join the school’s busy social program or to explore the beautiful county of Devon independently.
The opportunity to practice Social English
Students on the 30 + courses can join the program’s two free evening activities each week, including pub nights or talks and discussions on culture, business and politics.
Lunch with the Teacher
Students on these courses can join their teachers and other 30+ and professional students every day for lunch. It is a great way to put new language skills to immediate use!
Mini Group 30+ Individual Program
This program combines the morning mini groups with 5 hours of afternoon private lessons each week, tailored to a student’s specific needs.
Course Facts
Hours per week: 15, 19, 23 or 30
Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
Class Size: Maximum 4 students
Starting on: Any Monday
Level: Elementary to Proficiency
Timetable: 08:45 – 12:00
Afternoons are free, or students can add afternoon classes to their program as follows:
5 hours of afternoon private lessons per week (Mini Group 30+ Individual Program)
3, 6 or 8 hours of afternoon Options classes as part of the General English Course
Cambridge Exam Preparation Courses: First Certificate (FCE), Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE)
Why prepare for your exam at TIS?
The Torquay International School’s Cambridge Exam Preparation courses have a proven success rate. The teachers are experienced and dedicated and offer a high level of individual attention to students. The class sizes are small, and all of the exams are available in Torquay after the courses.
Cambridge Flex 23 Exam Preparation Course
TIS offers a flexible exam course allowing students to join on any Monday during the first seven weeks. During the final three weeks of the course, the groups are closed. The Cambridge Flex courses run three times per year, starting in January, April and September. The exams are held in Torquay at the end of each course in March, June and December.
Cambridge Flex 23 Course Facts
Hours per week: 23
Duration: 3 – 10 weeks
Starting on: Fixed dates (see dates & fees)
Class Size Maximum 8 students
Minimum Age: 16
Timetable: 09:00 – 12:20 and three afternoons
Exams offered: FCE, CAE, and CPE
Cambridge Intensive 23 Exam Preparation Course
TIS offers an intensive 5 week summer preparation course for the Cambridge First Certificate and Certificate in Advanced English. This course is a closed group, meaning students must join it for the full 5 weeks. The Cambridge Intensive summer courses run once per year starting in July, with the exam in Torquay at the end of the course in late August.
Cambridge Intensive 23 Course Facts
Hours per week: 23
Duration: 5 weeks
Starting on: Fixed dates; summer only (see dates & fees)
Class Size Maximum 10 students
Minimum Age: 16
Timetable: 09:00 – 12:20 and three afternoons
Exams offered: FCE and CAE
Study Year Program for General English
Student can change their lives with TIS’ Study Year Programme. Whether they want to improve their English to study at an English-speaking university, pass an exam or progress in their careers, TIS’ Study Year Program offers them full immersion in the English language and lifestyle to ensure they meet their goals! For students in this program, the school offers a high level of support and attention: monthly tutorials, a university placement service, academic counselling, a free CV workshop and conversation club. The school’s small class sizes allow for maximum learning progression. During the program, the school staff meets regularly with its long stay students to ensure they are happy with their course, accommodation and progress in class and to help with any general questions they may have.
Study Year Program Course Facts
Minimum age – 16 years
Course duration: 24-50 weeks
Number of lessons: 15, 18, 21, 23
Length of lesson: 60 minutes
Class Size: Maximum 10, 12 in summer, average 7
Language levels: Beginner to Proficiency
Start dates: Most Mondays, except for Beginners who start on the first Monday of every month on English 15 only
Timetable: 9-12:20, afternoons as booked
The Study Year Program Includes:
One free exam entry for IELTS or Cambridge
Free upgrade to IELTS or Cambridge courses
Monthly tutorials
Individual Study Plan
University Placement advice
Flexible afternoon program with a choice of study topics
Business English Courses
TIS’ Business English Courses are highly intensive, fast moving and ideal for anyone needing to make maximum impact in the minimum time. They are suitable for personnel from international companies and organizations who need to improve their communication skills for their work. TIS prepares individually for each Business English Course student using a placement test and needs analysis, and each student is constantly monitored to ensure maximum progress. TIS understands the importance of networking and the correct use of social English, so it provides plenty of opportunity for students to practice these skills in professional, social settings.
Business English Course Facts
Hours per week: 30
Duration: 1 – 4 weeks
Level: Pre-intermediate (B1) to Advanced (C1)
Starting on: Any Monday
Minimum Age: 25
Includes: Two free evening activities (and lunches from Monday to Friday with a teacher for students on the Professional Communication, Minigroup 30+, and Intensive/Combination Business English courses).
Mornings
Afternoons
Business Topics Covered
Business and General English
General English
(Maximum 10 or 12 per class)
Mini Group Business English
(Maximum 4 per class)
• business language
• meetings and negotiations
• telephoning
• social language
• presentations
Intensive Business English
Mini Group General English
(Maximum 4 per class)
Combination Business English
One-to-one
Personal Intensive Course
The Torquay International School can plan a program of one-to-one classes to suit clients’ specific needs, whether they need to prepare for an important presentation or exam, improve their General English, prepare for a new job, or simply improve their English for their hobbies or their leisure pursuits. Possible course topics include English for overseas aid work, teacher trainers / university lecturers, presentations, banking and finance, medicine and nursing, fashion, retail, military personnel, aviation, sailing, hospitality and catering, tourism. Marshall Language Services can check with the school to confirm availability.
Personal Intensive Course Facts
Hours per week: 15, 20, 25, 30
Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
Level: Beginner (A1) to Proficiency (C2)
Starting on: Any Monday
Minimum Age: 21
Includes: Lunches with a teacher and two free evening activities.
Riviera Golf Programme 30+
Torquay Golf Club is a thriving and traditional members club situated just three miles from TIS and Torquay’s centre with its stunning marina and harbour, and a short distance from picturesque St Marychurch and Babbacombe. Students can combine the passion for golf with their English courses with this TIS English Plus Golf Programme. Students learn English in the mornings and enjoy 3 included golf sessions in the afternoon. Course content is negotiated with and guided by the teacher.
Riviera Golf Programme Course Facts:
Hours per week: 15
Level: Every level
Starting on: Any Monday
Class size: Max 4 students
Minimum Age: 30
Includes: 3 afternoon golf sessions per week; networking Lunch with fellow students and a member of staff
(Monday to Thursday); pre-course placement test; needs Analysis; Certification of level; report; course materials
Legal English
Students will spend week one focusing on developing their command of legal English. The second week, students will hone their examination technique. During their stay, students also visit a local Crown Court, to observe legal English in action. Students will be equipped to deal confidently with the TOLES Examination, becoming familiar with the examination components. The Legal English course covers fifteen areas of law and includes the study of real court trials in order to enhance your learning experience. Topics covered include: Commercial law, contracts, litigation process, employment, bankruptcy and insolvency. You will work on all four English language skills within a legal context as well as learning specific legal terminology and how to use it appropriately.
Legal English Course Facts:
Hours per week: 20
Duration: 2 weeks
Level: Elementary and above
Starting on: Any Monday
Class size: Max 4 students
Minimum age: 21
Exams offered: TOLES (Test of Legal English Skills )
Includes: Networking Lunch with fellow students and a member of staff (Monday to Thursday); pre-course placement test; needs Analysis; report; course materials; Local Crown Court visit
From our clients
I went to Torquay for two weeks in the summer of 2014 and attended a course at the Torquay International School. Even though I started in one of the lower levels, the teacher was able to involve all of the students, rendering the two weeks of lessons very useful to me. The school is well organized, and it offers events and outings to allow students to get to know Torquay and the surrounding area better, while at the same time accepting our own suggestions and requests concerning things to do in our free time.
This vacation study was organized directly in Rome, thanks to Rachel Marshall’s agency, who handled all the communication between the school and me–the enrolment and all other logistical and administrative details. It was truly a job well done, and very helpful for me!
–Valeria, Rome
Valeria’s photo of Torquay at dusk
Do you have a positive experience to share? Write to Rachel.
Housing
Host Family
Homestay is the school’s most popular accommodation option and is recommended for students of all ages and nationalities. This is the “full immersion” option that allows students to practice their English at home with their English families and also learn about the British culture and way of life. TIS offers two categories of homestay, three star, in which the student will have a private bedroom with a shared bathroom, or a four star homestay, where the student will have a private bedroom and a private bathroom. TIS tries to match each student with the perfect family for them. All its families aspire to be excellent hosts and are in constant contact with our Accommodation Manager. TIS Homestays include:
• A private bedroom
• WIFI
• Breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday, all meals on Saturday and Sundays
• Light laundry each week
• Free meeting service on arrival in Torquay What a student can expect from a TIS Homestay:
• A family that is friendly and dedicated to taking care of their guests
• A clean, comfortable home with a good standard of living
• A family that is carefully selected from a long list of applicants and constantly monitored by TIS Accommodation and Welfare Manager.
• A convenient locations within walking distance of the school, the town center and beaches, and served by an excellent bus service
• The student will always be the only guest that speaks his or her own language
Additional homestay information:
• TIS homestays are an average of 20 minutes’ walk from the school, 40 minutes maximum.
• The weekly price for homestay accommodation is for 7 nights. If one week is of 6 nights, the weekly price will be reduced on a pro rata basis
• The last bus in Torquay runs at 11 pm during the week
• TIS can help with bicycle rental or purchase, if desired
Residential accommodation at Club TIS
The Torquay International School owns a small student residence, known as the Club TIS, just opposite the school. The building was a former hotel, and thus the school can provide a traditional English hotel-quality accommodation for its students onsite. Club TIS is ideal for students aged 30+ who want an independent and sociable accommodation close to the school. It is particularly popular with more mature students and Business and Professional clients.
Club TIS Hotel Additional Information
Minimum age: 20 WIFI: available throughout the building Breakfast: Continental buffet breakfast is included from 7:45 – 8:45 from Monday to Friday, 8:30 – 9:30 Saturday and Sunday. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available in the room.
Evening meals: simple meals can be cooked in the guest kitchen, or students can buy a meal from the café at lunch time to heat up in the evening. Eating out in the evening with other Club Tis guests is a great way to make friends. Study Room: the study room is available all day every day. Students are welcome to use the computer in there and borrow any of the books. Café and terrace: Students can eat their dinner or do homework in the café in area in the evenings; smoking is permitted only on the terrace. Cleaning: the room will be cleaned and tidied each morning from Monday to Saturday. Beds are changed once a week and towels will be changed three times a week. Laundry: a laundry service is available.
Self-Catering Apartments
The Torquay International School also works with two blocks of self-catering apartments in Torquay for its students. General Apartment Information: Meals: Students are responsible for their own meals Cleaning: Students are responsible for cleaning the apartment or a cleaning service is available at extra cost. TIS will change the bed linen once every two weeks and clean the flat after the student checks out. Laundry: there is a washing machine and washing powder provided for students to do their own laundry. TIS provides two sets of towels, but students are responsible for washing them. Cedar Cottage Apartments
The Cedar Cottage Apartments are available as a whole apartment ideal for couples or small families of up to 4 people, or as flat shares for individuals aged 20+, particularly those staying for long periods or studying for exams. Flat shares are available from September to June (private bedroom / private bathroom).
Size of apartment: Two bedrooms / two bathrooms WIFI: available Distance from TIS: 3 minutes’ walk Minimum age: 21
Rosa Apartments
The Rosa Apartments are situated above the harbor and ideal for individuals, couples or small families of up to 4 people. They are executive apartments with sea views.
Size of apartment: one or two en-suite double bedrooms WIFI: available Distance from TIS: 15 minutes’ walk Minimum age: 25
No Accommodation
It is also possible to book only a course at the Torquay International School. For students who would prefer to stay in a hotel other than the Club TIS or a bed and breakfast, the school can assist in making these arrangements.
Social Life
Free Time at the Torquay International School
The Social program is an important part of a student’s stay, helping him or her to make friends, practice speaking English and have fun while exploring the beautiful local area. TIS’ full time Social Manager runs activities almost every day and is dedicated to showing students everything the school’s wonderful location has to offer.
Examples of afternoon and evening activities:
Boat trips
Coastal walks
Local attractions
Fish and chips
Pub nights
Folk nights
Sports:
Football
Volleyball
Golf
Climbing
Fishing
Watersports
Full-day weekend excursions:
Stonehenge
Bath
Dartmoor National Park
Bristol
Cornwall
You can download a more detailed list of the Torquay International School’s social program here.
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.
“I had heard of the Torquay International School and known Judith Hands, one of the owners, for years before I saw it. A woman from the UK who was not associated with the school had spoken to me one time of the area around Torquay as being the only “real” beach holiday destination in England—it was where she vacationed as a child with her family. I had met Judith at the IALC workshops and always received very warm invitations from her to visit the school—she was even ready to lend me her car! I finally saw the school in 2010, and none of the photos of the location had ever prepared me for how beautiful the destination actually was. I had been to the Côte d’Azur in the South of France, and with the blue waters, palm trees and sunshine, it was the only region of England that I had ever seen that looked almost exactly like it. TIS itself is also beautiful, and surrounded by a large, landscaped garden. In the afternoon of that visit, I had a fascinating drive through Dartmoor, a protected area, and then back at the school, a delicious dinner was provided in the school café by the two persons who usually cook for the students. For accommodation, I stayed in Club TIS, which was as nice any commercial hotel as I had seen in England. I also had the opportunity to see Exeter, Bath and Bristol in that part of the country, and recommend a visit to those places to anyone who goes to study in Torquay. The whole Southwest of England is the most beautiful part of the country, in my opinion, and I can’t wait to go back to see more of it. All of the clients I have sent to the Torquay International School, not surprisingly, have been very happy there.”
