Southbourne School of English

Southbourne School of English (SSE) is located in Bournemouth, on the English south coast. The school was established in 1966 and has build an international reputation for providing quality education in a caring and friendly environment. Situated in a typical English suburb and well-known residential area of Bournemouth, the school is only a ten-minute walk away from the city's famous beaches. Students value the school's high academic standards, its friendly and helpful teachers and staff.

About Southbourne School of English

SSE caters for students from all ages, levels and nationalities. Students that arrive at SSE on the first day of their course can look forward to a personal welcome by the academic principal followed by a general information session about the programme, school and life in Bournemouth and the UK. New students will take a placement test to determine their English language level and from the result of the placement test students are then placed in an English class best-suited to their ability. Courses range from 15-hour per week general English or summer vacation courses to 21-hour per week specialist Cambridge exam preparation courses. All teachers at SSE are native speakers and are specifically trained in teaching English as a foreign language.

Throughout the course, students will receive lots of personal attention from teaching staff and progress is monitored through regular assessments. Tutorials (short one-to-one individual interviews with the teacher) are held every 4 weeks between September and June. A weekly teachers’ meeting enables us to carefully monitor each student and decide on any necessary changes. Additionally, for long-term students, formal monthly progress reports can be provided.

There are 10 students per class on average which may increase to 15 students during the busy summer period. The school has recently completed an extensive refurbishment providing students with first-class facilities. SSE is a Cambridge Examination Centre for Cambridge Business Exams; PET; KET; Young Learner Exams and Trinity Examinations allowing students to combine their English language course with a formal exam preparation course.

About Bournemouth

Bournemouth is located on England’s south coast. Its beauty and numerous facilities have helped to make it an important centre of tourism, education and business. Bournemouth has now three times been voted England's best holiday resort. Bournemouth hosts numerous events during the year, including powerboat races, vintage car rallies, international tennis championships and windsurfing competitions. During the summer, there are weekly firework displays from the pier, musical events and the unique Flowers by Candlelight, when the people of Bournemouth gather to light 15,000 candles in the Central Gardens. For students that enjoy shopping, Bournemouth also boasts a vast and brilliant selection of both high street and designer shops, hairdressers and jewelers.

Students at SSE can look forward to a busy and event packed social programme which will help students to make new friends, use and practise their English and experience aspects of English life. From September to June the school is open two evenings a week for a film, quiz, game or bingo evening and from June to the end of August activities for adult students include; afternoon trips, pub tours, Poole fireworks, open air theatre trips, museum visits, sporting activities and many other interesting events. During weekends SSE organises excursions to famous tourist destinations such as London, Oxford, Bath, Windsor, Winchester, Salisbury and Stonehenge.

“I am very happy in this School because the level of English teaching is of a very high standard. I get on very well with my teachers, because they have many resources for the students to learn English. The teachers and the administration staff are very kind and helpful. This is a great experience for me.” Cristina Salas G, Colombia

10 Reasons to Study at Southbourne School of English

• SSE is accredited by the British Council and a member of EnglishUK and Quality English.
• SSE is a Cambridge Examination Centre allowing students to prepare for one of the formal and world-recognised Cambridge exams whilst studying at SSE.
• At any given time the student body at SSE is made of up of students from 18-30 different nationalities.
• The school has been completely refurbished in 2010 and provides excellent modern teaching facilities including state of the art interactive whiteboards.
• The school is located in a typical English residential area, just 10 minutes walk from the golden sands of Bournemouth beach. Bournemouth offers all the facilities one would expect such as restaurants, clubs, live music venues, theatre, cinemas, etc.
• Students have access to a self study language laboratory, a well-stocked library, computer room and free WiFI internet access throughout the school.
• The school has a cafeteria serving hot meals, sandwiches, salads, snacks and hot and cold drinks.
• The school organises weekly film nights in its own large cinema room with surround sound.
• Students can look forward to help and guidance from teaching staff throughout their studies and whilst working in the school’s Language Laboratory and Library. 
• The school organises weekly excursions to many different famous tourist destinations across the south of England and students can look forward to a busy weekly social activity schedule.  

"All the people here are friendly and help you with everything you need. Bournemouth is fantastic with its wonderful beach and its great nightlife. You have the opportunity to improve your English and socialise with people from around the world. Mike, my teacher, is fantastic. He reminds me a famous actor, Robin Williams, and his performance in The Dead Poet’s Society’. My English has really improved during my stay here. During the week the school organises trips around the local area and activities to show you English culture." Pietro Cozzupoli, Italy

Courses Available

Accommodation

SSE knows how important it is to be happy where you are living so that students can get the most from their time in England. It is advisable for international students to live with a homestay family as this offers students the ideal opportunity to learn about the English way of life and practice their English outside the school environment.  All international students are guaranteed homestay accommodation for the duration of their studies.

Homestay (Standard)

• A standard bedroom in a family’s house. Students will get their own set of keys so you can come and go as you please.
• Students stay on a Half Board basis (Breakfast + Dinner will be provided with lunch or packed lunch at weekends)
• Bed linen and towels are provided.
• All utility charges and cleaning are included.
• Students will not be placed with another student of the same nationality.
• All host families are within walking distance or a short bus-ride of the school.
• Host families will encourage students to speak English whenever possible.
• Your accommodation will be changed as soon as possible if you are unhappy for any reason.

Note: Students under 18 years of age may be accommodated in a twin-bedded room during the summer period.

Student House/Self-Catering Apartment

• A standard single or twin/double bedroom in a house or flat shared with other students. Students will get their own set of keys so you can come and go as you please.
• Students will have to book this type of accommodation themselves with help from SSE. It is advisable to book accommodation that is fully furnished and well-equipped with a shared living room, kitchen-diner and bathroom. Facilities may include a washing machine and TV with DVD.
• Students are advised to book a self-catering flat with a fully equipped kitchen allowing students to cook their own meals.
• All utility charges and cleaning of central areas are included.

How to Apply/Request More Information

If you would like to receive more information about Southbourne School of English, its courses, prices, or if you are interested in applying please contact us.