Business Details
21 Years
experience
Affordable English Courses in London | Islington Centre for English
Islington Centre for English has been delivering high-quality English language education since 2005, founded on a commitment to flexibility, affordability, and academic excellence. Our British Council accreditation and membership with English UK underscore our adherence to rigorous educational standards, while our boutique approach ensures personalized attention for every student. With over 30,000 students trained globally, we combine experienced native-speaking tutors, small class sizes (max 15 students), and a vibrant cultural programme to create an immersive learning environment.Our central London location offers unparalleled access to cultural landmarks, complemented by competitive pricing that has earned recognition as London's Best Value Budget Language School. We provide tailored courses including General English, IELTS preparation, online tuition, and professional development, alongside accommodation support and social activities designed to enhance language acquisition through real-world experiences.
Services
General English
IELTS Preparation
Online Tuition
Business English
Accent Reduction
Teacher Training
Junior Summer School
Volunteering Programmes
Exam Preparation
Corporate Training
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20 years of experience training over 30,000 students globally
- British Council-accredited with industry-leading teacher-to-student ratios
- Smallest class sizes in London (max 15 students, typically 8)
- Certified exam preparation for IELTS, Cambridge, and Trinity exams
- Award-winning value with central London's lowest-priced accredited courses
Associations and certifications
- British Council
- English UK
- Cambridge English
- Trinity College London
What people say
Amazing location
Best value
Experienced teachers
Small classes
Vibrant social programme
Services
General English
Our General English programmes develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through interactive lessons focused on spoken fluency. Students benefit from experienced native-speaking tutors, small class sizes (max 15 students), and a curriculum designed to build confidence and proficiency. The courses cater to all levels, with flexible scheduling options including part-time, full-time, and intensive formats.
IELTS Preparation
Specialised IELTS exam preparation courses equip students with targeted strategies for achieving required scores for UK university admission or visa applications. Experienced tutors focus on test-specific skills through practice exams, feedback sessions, and technique development. Courses include access to official preparation materials and simulated exam conditions to ensure optimal readiness.
Online Tuition
Flexible one-to-one online English lessons with qualified native-speaking tutors cater to all proficiency levels and goals. Sessions utilise interactive tools for grammar, vocabulary, and conversation practice, with customised lesson plans for general, business, or exam-specific needs. Students can book single lessons or discounted packages for structured progression.
Junior Summer School
International summer courses for juniors combine English language instruction with cultural excursions to London landmarks. Morning classes focus on core language skills, while afternoons feature guided visits to attractions like Madame Tussauds and the London Eye. Safeguarded environment with DBS-checked staff and group leaders ensures student safety and engagement.
Accent Reduction
Specialised courses target phonetic accuracy and spoken clarity through structured practice of challenging English sounds. Small-group instruction with native-speaking tutors focuses on intonation patterns, stress, and rhythm to improve intelligibility. Techniques include auditory discrimination exercises, repetition drills, and real-time feedback for professional or personal communication improvement.
People
Tim
Founder
Co-founded Islington Centre for English in 2005, leveraging family educational legacy to create a boutique language school focused on accessibility and quality. Oversees strategic direction while maintaining commitment to teaching excellence.
Kerry
Director of Studies
With 20 years' experience in English language teaching, Kerry leads pedagogical innovation and teacher training programmes. Specialises in CLIL methodologies and curriculum development, ensuring courses meet international accreditation standards.
Questions
What English courses do you offer?
We provide General English, IELTS preparation, Business English, Accent Reduction, and Teacher Training courses at all levels, with flexible scheduling options.
Are your courses accredited?
Yes, we're British Council-accredited and a member of English UK, with certified exam preparation partnerships for Cambridge and Trinity College London.
What are your class sizes?
Maximum 15 students per class, typically averaging 8 students for more personalised instruction.
Do you offer accommodation support?
Yes, we arrange homestays, student residences, and hotel options across London with competitive pricing for enrolled students.
Can I work while studying?
Our English Plus Work programme assists eligible students with job interviews in hospitality sectors while improving workplace English skills.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, we offer one-to-one online tuition with native-speaking tutors for all proficiency levels and specific goals.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Erdi Kosak
Sep 17, 2021
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This course I attended for 3 months was a complete disappointment, there were students of all levels in the class I was in. When we asked why, they said covid 19, some friends said they wanted to change my class and they did. they were able to move to a higher class simply by saying it. It is a school that acts with the aim of making money. My advice to students who plan to come, throw your money away instead of coming here. you save your time. (I wrote this from google translate, my level at the end of 3 months)
Ha Ri Ke Ade
Jul 19, 2021
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Eva Manes Martinez
Dec 29, 2020
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Islington is a fabolous English academy. I am very proud and glad to study there as my English is improving a lot. Their teachers are great and hard professionals, with a large amount of teaching English experience. Also, Islington is a wonderful area where walking or having a drink is gorgeous. I strongly recommend to study English here.
Anna Kurochkina
Nov 28, 2020
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I enrolled for 36 weeks afternoon course (GE+IELTS). I've been studying in ICE for 3 months at the moment. I like my current teacher Marco. His lessons are very packed - he teaches not only grammar, new words, accent reduction, but also tells us a lot of interesting things about the UK. I never get bored during his lessons. Also, I'd like to mention Steve - a very professional and knowledgeable teacher. I like the speaking classes with Aviva. It would be great if we have more speaking classes. Workshops with Kendra are very supportive and encouraging. Although I had some problems during my first
Valya Krutsenko
Nov 27, 2020
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I really recommend this school. The teachers are highly qualified, the atmosphere at the lessons is cozy, all the staff are friendly and always ready to help. I gained a lot of new knowledge and improved my English skills. Ive passed the Trinity exam successfully because of the preparation in this school.
T. Yazic
Nov 15, 2020
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They're definitely not professionals. I changed my classroom because Kendra's classes were too standard and boring. The teacher got angry with me for changing the class. prevented me from meeting my friends during lunch breaks. He acted like why are you coming to class. To have students organize meals, all he knows of. I cannot keep me away from my friends in this way, I used to spend time with my friends somewhere outside last week.We told the administration about this. They said that they did not take the old student to the class due to the corona, but last week, 2 of my friends' school was over
Ksenia Klimenko
Jun 29, 2020
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This is an amazing school. I took the Advanced course with Steveand it was a wonderful experience. everyone in the group was so kind and responsive, and it made the atmosphere in the classroom really warm and cozy. Islington helped me to acquire a lot of knowledge and learn many new things about language. I'm so grateful that I've had an opportunity to study in this school and I highly recommend it to everyone.
