The English Language Centre, York

The English Language Centre, York (ELC) was established in 1997 in the beautiful, historic city of York, with the aim of offering top quality courses in a welcoming and professional atmosphere. The school has grown considerably over the years but has retained its famously friendly touch. Located in the centre of York, only a few minutes walk away from the world-famous York Minster, the school is housed in a historic 260 year-old Georgian building which has been carefully adapted for use as a language school.

In 2010 ELC was named a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by the EL Gazette based on the British Council inspection report, one of only very few private language schools in the UK that have been awarded this title. Excellence was established where it concerns the design of ELC courses, academic management, academic resources, premises, learner training, student welfare and general management.

More about the English Language Centre, York 

ELC pays particular attention to its teaching team which consists of well-qualified, dynamic and enthusiastic professionals. All teaching staff have had experience of teaching overseas and they take a friendly and personal interest in all the students that arrive at the ELC. Every group is taught by a team of 2, 3 or 4 teachers, who ensure that each student gets practice in all aspects of English. ELC aims to make lessons interesting, relevant and fun by adopting a wide variety of teaching techniques and original and published teaching materials.

Students can start a course on any Monday throughout the year and students can enrol for as long as they like although it is recommended that students enrol for a minimum of 2 weeks on each course. Every new student will be tested on their first day after which they will be placed in one of 6 class levels according to their needs. Every week students will be assessed to monitor their progress and tutorials and personal learning plans are available to help motivation.

Adult class sizes are kept to a maximum of 14 students with an average of 12 students in the summer and an average of 9 to 10 students during the rest of the year.

York is a beautiful place to study. Established 2000 years ago, the historic streets and buildings reflect the city’s rich history and it is not surprising that it is one of the UK’s most popular tourism destinations. The city offers a wealth of cafes, restaurants and bars, as well as theatres, museums and cinemas – all on the doorstep of the school. The city is relatively small, and very safe and friendly, and is also in a great location for exploring the rest of the UK. London and Edinburgh are only 2 hours away by train. 

Of course the school also wants to ensure that students have a great time whilst studying in York. ELC offers a lively social programme throughout the year. Week night activities may include music nights at local venues, sports, pub nights, cinema or theatre visits, or activities such as barbeques or international food evenings, quiz nights, treasure hunts or table tennis matches. The ELCY also offers regular full-day excursions on Saturdays during the summer. This gives students the opportunity to explore the beautiful Yorkshire region, and further afield. The seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby and the dramatic scenery of the North York Moors are nearby, as are the cosmopolitan shopping destinations of Harrogate and Leeds.

10 Reasons to Study at the English Language Centre, York

• Accredited by the British Council and awarded 7 points of excellence in the most recent inspection report – only one of very few Centres of Excellence.
• Beautiful city-centre location.
• Safe, student-friendly city.
• Friendly, family-run school with helpful staff and outstanding customer service - students are encouraged to talk to staff, teachers and administrators at any time.
• Excellent facilities including modern classrooms, student common rooms with 50-inch plasma screen, interactive whiteboards, library with over 1000 books, CDs and DVDs, multimedia centre with excellent IT facilities including webcams and Skype. The multi-media centre is open after school for self-study as well.
• All teaching materials and books will be provided to the students.
• Guided e-learning – allowing you to practise your English and keep in touch with other students during and after your stay.
• Free wireless internet to all students.
• Strong international mix of students - 51 nationalities last year.
• Students can start a course at any Monday, around the year.

Courses Available

Accommodation

The ELC has a full-time Student Support Manager who is always available to help and advise students about their accommodation requirements. Most students choose to stay with a local Homestay family and each family is selected for their friendliness and hospitality and students can expect to be treated as a member of the family.

“I had a wonderful 5 star Host Family. They were so kind to me and I will never forget them”
Student, Mexico

Homestay (Standard or Executive*) 

• A standard single** study 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 plus lunch at the weekends.)
• Bed linen and towels are provided.
• All utility charges and cleaning are included.
• 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.

* Executive Homestay provides students with a more spacious study bedroom and en-suite private bathroom.
* Double or twin-bedded rooms are available for couples or friends who would like to share (please contact us to arrange this).

Junior Homestay Accommodation

• For students under 16 on the Young Learners/Junior Summer Programme.
• Junior students receive increased supervision from the Homestay family.
• A standard single* study bedroom in a family’s house. Students will get their own set of keys so you can come and go as you please.
• Double or twin-beds are available for couples of friends who would like to share
• Students stay on a Full-Board basis (Breakfast + Dinner will be provided plus a packed lunch each day.)
• Bed linen and towels are provided.
• All utility charges and cleaning are included.
• 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.

How to Apply/Request More Information

If you would like to receive more information about the English Language Centre, York, its courses, prices, or if you are interested in applying please contact us.