The General English Courses are aimed at adults who want to improve their language skills for educational or professional purposes. Every student is assigned a personal tutor to monitor progress and to offer encouragement and advice. These tutorials are included in the fees but are not counted as tuition time.

General English A: Half-day programme

The course offers 15 hours' tuition per week.  Half-day students are very much part of College life and can join all the activities on the social programme, as well as the excursions.

Price: £50 booking fee + £190 per week + accommodation

Discounts applicable to tuition fees for long-term courses (8+ weeks).

General English B: Full-day programme

Students receive 22.5 hours' tuition each week. In addition to the morning tuition, a carefully structured afternoon programme includes extra reading and listening practice, linked to some of the famous sites in the city.  It also includes literature and extra speaking skills, including student-led presentations.

Price:  £50 booking fee + £220 per week + accommodation

Discounts applicable to tuition fees for long-term courses (8+ weeks).

Dates available (both courses):

2nd January to 15th June  and  10th September to 23rd December

Guided e-Learning

All General English Course students can use the school's guided e-learning system.This virtual environment helps students plan their studies, contact other students and participate in the school's social life. Students continue to have access to the system for 3 months after their departure.

For over 45 years students have come to this school to learn English and to live in one of Britain's most interesting cities. It is located in Holgate, close to the city centre but away from the crowds, and offers space to relax, peace to study and the assurance of quality which comes with experience.

The school arranges high quality English courses for all ages and for all levels.  There are General English courses, adult and junior vacation courses, courses for the over 50's and  courses for groups, often with special additional programmes.  In addition to classroom-based lessons, the school arranges a variety of social events, excursions, activities and accompanied visits to places of interest in and around York, all of which helps students to make the most of their time in England.

The school itself is in a carefully converted Victorian building with extensive private lanscaped grounds, developed over the years to suit the changing needs of its students, yet it is only a short walk from the heart of York.  In its beautiful garden students can study in peace, play tennis, basketball and table-tennis or just relax. There is also a large terrace for barbecues and other social activities.

The classrooms are superbly equipped, and there is also a lecture theatre, a library, a computer room, common rooms, conservatories, a self-access centre, a café, and free Wi-Fi access.  All this in one building, spacious, safe and secure.

Most students choose to stay in one of the school's 140 carefully selected host families, many of which are within walking distance of the school. Living in an English household is a wonderful way to practise your English. Some families have been looking after students for the school for over 20 years! As a guest in homestay accommodation you will have a single room, you will eat with the family and be able to join in with family life. If you are sharing the family with another student they will not speak your language.  There are many different types of host; families with children, couples and single people.  Whe school is always willing to try and help with requests.

Host Families provide:

• A safe environment (compliance with safety regulations)
• Single Room for students over 18 (unless otherwise requested)
• Adequate heat and light
• Space to hang/store clothes
• A desk to work at in your bedroom
• Reasonable access to toilet/washing facilities (bath or shower daily)
• Reasonable mealtimes
• Breakfast and a substantial, cooked evening meal, eaten with your host(s)
• Lunch at the weekend
• A packed lunch is provided in the College for students on full board
• A reasonable amount of washing (but not ironing)
• The opportunity to chat and practise your English
• All hosts undertake to comply with the school's Welfare Regulations

Price: 

Adult students (18+):  £112.35 per week

Junior students (under 18):  £170 per week

Executive homestay is available for students over the age of 25. This includes private facilities (WC plus bath or shower.)  Supplement to Homestay price:  £87.50 per week.

Hotel, bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation can also be arranged for adult students.