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Top 10 English Schools in London 2024 – Candid Reviews

London, the vibrant capital of England and the place I call home. So, you can call me somewhat of a London “expert”. From its rich history to modern innovation, it is no surprise that it is one of the top destinations for students all across the globe. Whether you’re keen on visiting its iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace or up for a spot of shopping on the infamous Oxford Street, the city offers something for every interest, desire and need.
If you are fortunate enough to study in this world-class city, forego the tourist traps and visit the likes of Bricklane, Portobello Market and even Brixton to immerse yourself in the diversely rich culture that is London


Schools on this page have been selected based on client reviews from independent sites, popularity (research of annual student intake), and appeal to different student types and budgets. Poorly rated schools have been discarded.
Every language school on this page has been personally visited by me. I’ve inspected the classrooms, facilities, and spoken with students and staff. My reviews reflect my honest opinion. I never accept money from schools. If you book through a link on this site, LingoTraveller may earn a commission from LanguageCourse.net, and you’ll pay less than booking directly with the school. Win-win. Click on the schools to see my detailed review and YouTube video of each school visit.


1 West London English School Full Review

West London English School © Debbie

The good

  • Community, laid-back atmosphere, the director knows every student by name.
  • Spacious classrooms with ample natural light.
  • The most affordable school, the best value for money for learning English.

The bad

  • It is a small school with very few facilities.
  • Further travel to the centre of London.

Ideal for students looking for an affordable school with a family dynamic.
West London English School is located 15 minutes from Ealing Broadway station.
This school would be perfect if you want a quieter, simpler trip to London, exploring at your own pace and without breaking the bank. This school is ideal for students in their late 20s (27+) or locals who live in London and want to improve their English professionally.

Rating of former students
4.8 (8 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 14 students in General English course
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Excellent Diversity
No nationality more than 12%
AccreditationsBritish Council, Ofsted, English UK
Price 
Standard Group course
27 lessons/week: 60min/lesson
1 week: £250
3 weeks: £750
Additional feesInscription fee: None
Course material fee: £60
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£10.00 per 60 minute tuition
Address: West London English School, Shaftesbury House, 49-51, Uxbridge Road, London Borough of Ealing, London, Greater London, England, W5 5SA, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of West London English School

West London English School Review

See my full review of West London English School including inspection report and student interviews

Book West London English School with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


2 Bayswater College London Full Review

Bayswater College London © Debbie

The good

  • The staff are all very energetic and know the students on a personal level.
  • They have a spacious communal area and a well-equipped student kitchen.
  • Inclusive areas, i.e. gender neutral toilets and a prayer room.

The bad

  • Does not cater to immobility, there are no lifts but there are 4 floors within the building.
  • The classrooms are less spacious than many other schools.

Ideal for students who are looking for a tight-knit community at school, this school is small and doesn’t take on many students, so rapport is easier to build.
Bayswater College London is a great school for students seeking a community vibe and are passionate about social causes.
I recommend this school to students in their mid-20s who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of London but are still within a close enough distance to explore.

Rating of former students
4.7 (33 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 15 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Excellent Diversity
No nationality more than 15%
Accreditations British Council, English UK, Young Learners English UK, British Accreditation Council, ALTO
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 45min/lesson
1 week: £366
3 weeks: £1098
Additional feesInscription fee: £95
Course material fee: £30
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£27.10 per 60 minute tuition
Address: 167 Queensway, London W2 4SB, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of Bayswater College London

Bayswater College London Review

See my full review of Bayswater College London including inspection report and student interviews

Book Bayswater College London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


3 EC English London Full Review

EC English London © Debbie

The good

  • New modern building, fitted with air-conditioning, heating and with great views of London city.
  • 30+ Lounge, with classrooms dedicated to the 30+ courses.

The bad

  • There are not many facilities on-site i.e. a library or cafeteria.

Ideal for generally more mature students looking specifically for 30+ English courses, their general English courses have an average age of 26.
EC English London was my type of school. There was a classy feel about the school and the definition of “getting your money’s worth”.
If I were a student in my mid-late 20s, this would be the perfect school for me as the average minimum age of students that attend this school is 25.

Rating of former students
4.7 (62 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 15 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Average Diversity
No nationality more than 20%
AccreditationsBritish Council
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 45min/lesson
1 week: £375
3 weeks: £1125
Additional feesInscription fee: £55
Course material fee: None
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£26.20 per 60 minute tuition
Address: Angel, Islington High Street, Angel, Clerkenwell, London, Greater London, England, N1 9LQ, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of EC English London

EC English School London Review

See my full review of EC English School London including inspection report and student interviews

Book EC English School London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


4 Burlington School of English London Full Review

Burlington School of English London © Debbie

The good

  • Boarding school design: they have residences on-site for younger students and offer full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.
  • They have a varied social programme that is open to direct suggestions from students.
  • The diversity of students is vast, with the highest percentage of any ethnic background being 5%.
  • One of the best value for money for General English courses in London.
  • Several varied courses for different age groups, including General English courses, Business English courses, FCE, CAE and IELTS Exam Preparation.

The bad

  • It is located in the suburbs so there are not many shops near the school.
  • A very young demographic, which may be a nuisance to mature learners.
  • The rooms on-site, whilst convenient, are very small.

Ideal for all students who want the convenience of a UK boarding school-style education.
Burlington School is located in the London suburbs, it has a traditional UK secondary school feel, and is uniquely set in a converted church. It is quite modern, but it retains a rustic homey ambience.
If you are a student in your late teens or early twenties, and prefer the convenience of living and studying in the same place where you will meet students from diverse backgrounds, Burlington School will be a great fit for you. And when you factor in the affordable rates, you can’t go wrong.

Rating of former students
4.6 (33 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 15 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Excellent Diversity
No nationality more than 5%
AccreditationsBritish Council, English UK, English UK Young Learners, Trinity Registered Exam Centre
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 55min/lesson
1 week: £255
3 weeks: £765
Additional feesInscription fee: £50
Course material fee: £35
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£18.90 per 60 minute tuition
Address: 146A Bedford Hill, London SW12 9HW, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of Burlington School of English London

Burlington School of English London Review

See my full review of Burlington School of English London including inspection report and student interviews

Book Burlington School of English London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


5 St Giles International London Full Review

St Giles International London © Debbie

The good

  • One of the best locations in London (located in central London)
  • Boarding school setup: they have very large bedrooms on-site for students and offer lunch in their fully equipped canteen.

The bad

  • Their social programme is less diverse than other schools.

Ideal for all students who want the convenience of a UK boarding school-style education (residence, accommodation and perfect location).
St Giles International London is an impressive school. It is a combination of convenience and PERFECT location. This school is the best of both worlds.
St Giles is a mix of the old and the new. While the building is old, there are modern residences, classrooms, and a Platinum student suite on the upper-level floors. Overall, this school is ideal for students in their early-mid 20s.

Rating of former students
4.3 (69 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Small
Max. 12 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Excellent Diversity
No nationality more than 14%
AccreditationsALTO, British Council, Eaquals, English UK
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 50min/lesson
1 week: £392
3 weeks: £1176
Additional feesInscription fee: £80
Course material fee: £50
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£26.10 per 60 minute tuition
Address: 154, Southampton Row, St Giles, Bloomsbury, London, Greater London, England, WC1N 3AF, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of St Giles International London

St Giles International London Review

See my full review of St Giles International London including inspection report and student interviews

Book St Giles International London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


6 Twin English Centre London

Twin English Centre (Twin Group) London © Debbie

The good

  • Located in one of the most historic neighbourhoods in London.
  • Discounted or free access to different facilities in the Greenwich centre (gym, pool and library).
  • Courses for different age groups, from 11+ to 50+.

The bad

  • There is no on-site cafe.
  • There is no strict enforcement of English spoken in the classroom or during classes.

Ideal for students who are self-motivated and willing to put time in outside of the classes (mature/motivated students).
Twin English Centre London (Twin School) is set in the modern Greenwich centre in the heart of Greenwich. Greenwich is a UNESCO historical area, one of the oldest, greenest and safest neighbourhoods in the city of London.
In my opinion, the Twin School is well suited to students in their mid-late 20s and upwards who want to stay in a safer, cleaner and quieter part of London, but with easy links into the city centre.

Rating of former students
4.4 (16 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 15 students in General English course
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Good Diversity
No nationality more than 17%
AccreditationsALTO, British Council, ERSA, English UK
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 45min/lesson
1 week: £310
3 weeks: £930
Additional feesInscription fee: £55
Course material fee: None
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£21.90 per 60 minute tuition
Address: Twin English Centre London, 12, Lambarde Square, Lambarde Square, East Greenwich, London, Greater London, England, SE10 9GB, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of Twin English Centre London

Twin English Centre London Review

See my full review of Twin English Centre (Twin Group) London including inspection report and student interviews

Book Twin English Centre (Twin Group) London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


7 Kings London Full Review

Kings London © Debbie

The good

  • Often utilise educational visits as part of their teaching technique, and not merely as a reward or for social activities
  • Several residence types, all within a 5-20 minute walk from the school.
  • One of the best value-for-money General English courses in London.

The bad

  • The large majority of students are between the ages of 17-24.
  • Located in the suburbs so a longer journey into the centre of London.

Ideal for younger students who are interested in progressing their English within a tight-knit private school.
Kings London is a great school for young students who are seeking a traditional school, small in size and with an intimate teaching environment.
The teachers utilise a range of different teaching techniques i.e. using an online platform for homework and lessons, interactive lessons on the smart TVs and out-of-class field trips. The combination of techniques ensures classes remain engaging. I would highly recommend this school to students in their late teens to early twenties who prefer the quietness of the suburbs within an intimate school setting, creating an enriching educational experience.

Rating of former students
4.3 (307 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 14 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Excellent Diversity
No nationality more than 12%
Accreditations British Council, Pearsons, UAL, Ofsted
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 55min/lesson
1 week: £340
3 weeks: £1020
Additional feesInscription fee: £85
Course material fee: None
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£17.50 per 60 minute tuition
Address: 25, Beckenham Road, Beckenham, London, Greater London, England, BR3 4PR, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of Kings London

Kings School London Review

See my full review of Kings London including inspection report and student interviews

Book Kings London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


8 Kaplan International Language London Full Review

Kaplan International Language London © Debbie

The good

  • Strong social programme and sense of community.
  • Career/university planning assistance from teachers.

The bad

  • Not suitable for people with mobility issues.

Ideal for students under 30.
Kaplan London was a school right up my street for many reasons. Firstly, they are the first school to have a strong identity of who their target students are under 30. This immediately shows that the school caters to an adventure-seeking, carefree student.
The school does not have a cafeteria, which is a drawback, however, being based in central London, there are 100s of restaurants you can try for lunch. Overall, this is a school I could see myself attending and, in my opinion, is ideal for students in their late teens (18 years) to their late 20s.

Rating of former students
4.2 (479 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 15 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Excellent Diversity
No nationality more than 15%
AccreditationsALTO, British Council, Preferential Terms, English UK
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 45min/lesson
1 week: £360
3 weeks: £1080
Additional feesInscription fee: £135
Course material fee: None
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£27.00 per 60 minute tuition
Address: 4, Southampton Place, Seven Dials, Bloomsbury, London, Greater London, England, WC1A 2DB, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of Kaplan London

Kaplan International London Review

See my full review of Kaplan London including inspection report and student interviews

Book Kaplan London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


9 International House Full Review

International House London © Debbie

The good

  • Well-maintained facilities, spacious classrooms and up-to-date technological equipment.
  • Business courses are offered, with an exclusive Executive Centre for Business English students.
  • Truly multicultural and inclusive, no class has more than 2 people of the same ethnicity.

The bad

  • They have a large intake, this can feel a bit impersonal.

Ideal for students who are very independent and want to take an autonomous approach to their learning.
International House London is a great school for students looking for a fantastic location to learn while exploring London.
As far as education is concerned, I believe IH provide high-quality education, but beware, you will have to be proactive inside and outside the classroom if you want your English to improve rapidly.

Rating of former students
4.0 (54 reviews)
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 14 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Good Diversity
No nationality more than 13%
AccreditationsBritish Council, Eaquals, Private Further Education and International House World Organisation
Price 
Standard Group course
20 lessons/week: 55min/lesson
1 week: £466
3 weeks: £1398
Additional feesInscription fee: £98
Course material fee: None
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
£26.40 per 60 minute tuition
Address: 16 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LQ, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of International House London

International House London Review

See my full review of International House London including inspection report and student interviews

Book International House London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


10 EF International Language Center (EF) London Full Review

EF International Language Center (EF) London © Debbie

The good

  • Excellent location, only an 8-minute walk to Waterloo Station (a key transportation hub in London)
  • The school is large, with bright spacious classrooms, secured within a gated campus.
  • Several self-study and communal areas and a prayer room.

The bad

  • There is a maximum of 17 students per classroom which is more than the average number of students per classroom of other schools in London.
  • More expensive than many other language schools by an average of at least £10 per lesson.

Ideal for students who are between the ages 18-25, who are vibrant and want to experience a more traditional ‘high school’ learning environment.
EF London is a great school for generally younger students seeking a young, vibrant environment to learn English whilst exploring London.
Regarding teaching, the teachers use a communicative approach but with a heavy emphasis on real-world/real-life interaction and being able to carry out life skills outside the classroom.I recommend this school to students looking to improve their English and who want to explore the hustle and bustle of London.

Rating of former students Insufficient number of student ratings
Class sizeLingo Traveller rating: Average
Max. 17 students
Diversity of nationalitiesLingo Traveller rating: Not disclosed
AccreditationsBritish Council
Price 
Standard Group course
26 lessons/week: 40min/lesson
1 week: €670
3 weeks: €2010
Additional feesInscription fee: €150
Course material fee: €55
Price Level – Standard Group course
(based on 3 weeks incl. all fees)
€41.50 (£35.95) per 60 minute tuition
Address: EF International Language Center, 74, Roupell Street, South Bank, Waterloo, London, Greater London, England, SE1 8SS, United Kingdom

Watch my review and tour of EF International Language Center London

EF International Language Campus London Review

See my full review of EF International Language Center London including inspection report and student interviews

Book EF International Language Center London with exclusive discount When booking via the above link to the online booking platform LanguageCourse.net you get a lower price and better cancellation and payment terms than when you book directly at the school’s website. I also earn a commission, but I recommend them because it is the best option for booking your course.


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