In December 2017, Bloomsbury International was inspected by EAQUALS (excellence in language education) and received an extremely good report.

• 2017 Eaquals Inspection Report (PDF 127KB)

Bloomsbury International received an excellent educational oversight inspection report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2016. We 'exceeded expectations' and received points of excellence in all areas.

• 2018 ISI Inspection Report (PDF 109KB)

The latest ISI report confirms that Bloomsbury International EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS in each section of the framework: from our teaching quality, course design and learner achievement to student welfare, pastoral support, school facilities and the effectiveness of leadership and management. We are especially proud to learn that our students expressed great satisfaction with our school during the inspection. Relationships between students and staff are excellent and have once again been highlighted by the inspectors.

The following are a few quotes from the ISI report, written by the inspectors:

“Teaching is OUTSTANDING.”

“Quality is EXCELLENT.”

“The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners’ achievements is EXCELLENT.”

“Teachers have EXCELLENT subject knowledge.”

“Safety and welfare of students are EXCELLENT.”

“Pastoral support for students is EXCELLENT.”

“Arrangements for the safeguarding of students under the age of 18 are EXCELLENT.”

“The effectiveness of governance, leadership and management is EXCELLENT.”

“Tracking of student progress is EXCELLENT.”

“Progress and attainment are EXCELLENT.”

“Learners are able to acquire new knowledge and make EXCELLENT progress in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.”

“Procedures for the recruitment of staff are EXCELLENT.”

“The assessment of students is EXCELLENT.”

“The suitability of course provision and curriculum are EXCELLENT.”

“The ranges of courses available provide students with EXCELLENT progression opportunities.”

“Results of students who sit examinations are EXCELLENT.”

“Arrangements for the health, safety and security of the school are EXCELLENT.”

“Health and safety policies and procedures are EXCELLENT.”

“Communications between all staff are EXCELLENT.”

“Relationships between staff and students are EXCELLENT.”

“Relationships among students themselves are EXCELLENT.”

“The arrangements for homestay accommodation are EXCELLENT.”

“Governance and oversight are EXCELLENT.”

“EXCELLENT support is provided to managers and staff.”

“EXCELLENT teaching and learning resources are in place.”

“Management structures and responsibilities are EXCELLENT.”

“There are EXCELLENT opportunities for students and staff to express their views.”

“An EXCELLENT programme for staff development is in place.Quality assurance is EXCELLENT.”

“Quality assurance is EXCELLENT.”

“Provision of information is EXCELLENT.”

With great appreciation for all those who are involved in the continued success of Bloomsbury International.

In the most recent British Council inspection in November 2014, Bloomsbury International was recommended continued accreditation with various areas of strengths in staff management, quality assurance, premises and facilities, academic management, care of students and care of under 18s.
Please find the Summary Statement below.

• 
  Brochure 2018
  PDF 3MB
• 
  Price List 2019
  PDF 298KB
• 
  Registration Form
  PDF 70KB
• 
  Student Handbook
  PDF 492KB
• 
  Welcome Book
  PDF 578KB
• 
  English + Football
  PDF 2.4MB
• 
  Young Learners
  PDF 2MB
• 
  Terms and Conditions
  PDF 803KB
• 
  Parent and Child
  PDF 2MB

Bloomsbury International Cares About You

Student Welfare at Bloomsbury International

Bloomsbury International regards the pastoral and academic wellbeing of its students as being of paramount importance in its professional practice. It upholds the welfare and safety of students at all times whilst ensuring that school rules are followed and the care of students is constantly maintained.

Bloomsbury International has a duty of care to all of its students, incorporating safeguarding, risk assessment, health and safety, fire safety, documentation, absence procedure and liaison with outside agencies.

It is the policy of Bloomsbury International to safeguard young people enrolling on a course at the school from physical, sexual or emotional harm. Bloomsbury International will take all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training, young people can learn in a safe environment. We recognise that the safety and welfare of all students, whatever their age, gender, disability, culture, ethnic origin, colour, religion or belief, social status or sexual identity is vital and that they have a right to protection from the school.

Bloomsbury International actively seeks to:

• Create a safe and welcoming environment at the school, where students can have fun, develop their English language skills and gain confidence in using English as a foreign language.
• Support and encourage members of staff to implement school policies, helping them to recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone, not just the management.
• Ensure that Bloomsbury International is run to the highest possible safety standards and be prepared to review its ways of working to incorporate best practice.

We will:

• Treat all students with respect and celebrate their achievements.
• Carefully recruit and select all employees, contractors and volunteers.
• Respond swiftly and appropriately to all complaints and concerns regarding poor practice.

Bloomsbury International Student Handbook

Our handbook is available for information about the school and your stay in London as we want to make sure your stay is safe and enjoyable.

• Services for students
• What to do if you have a problem
• Rules and information
• Health matters
• The law and legal matters
• Personal safety
• Visas, work permits, immigration matters
• Life in London
• Things to do in London
• Useful websites

Click here for the Student handbook.

Safeguarding
Bloomsbury has safeguarding policies in place to ensure the safe welfare of vulnerable adults and students under the age of 18.

Physical disability
Our school is not accessible for wheelchair users or those who have difficulties using stairs.

Special learning needs
Please consult us well in advance if you have special learning needs. We can sometimes help students who have difficulties with their sight or their hearing but our courses are not suitable for those who are the completely blind or the very deaf.

Please tell us in advance if you are dyslexic. If you are planning to take an examination we may be able to make special arrangements.

Mental health issues
We are unable to accept those with significant mental health problems. If in doubt, please consult us before enrolling yourself or others with any history of mental health problems so that we can advise.

Click here to read Bloomsbury International's policies in full.

Your First Day at School

When you arrive at Bloomsbury International, you will be greeted by one of our registrars who will give you a welcome book and a Bloomsbury International bag.

We will then:

• Show you how to take an online placement test and complete a short writing task
• Discuss your learning objectives with you and assess your level of spoken English
• Suggest the most suitable classes for you, design your study plan and complete your timetable and progress form which will be used throughout your course to record your:
  

  test scores
  English language progress
  tutorials with your teachers

• give you your course books and show you how to find your classrooms

Orientation

At 12.20pm on your first day, you will be invited to a school induction, where we will give all our new students useful information and helpful advice about the school, our staff and student life in London. We will also take you around the school to show you all our facilities.

Every Monday at 3pm we run a guided walk of London where you will be shown around the local area, as well as famous London landmarks.

You will be invited to come along for welcome drinks at 6.15pm at a local pub, a great opportunity to meet and socialise with other students.

• Attendance Policy (PDF 57KB)
• Accommodation Policy and Procedure (PDF 88KB)
• Complaint Form (PDF 189KB)
• Complaints Policy and Procedure (PDF 98KB)
• Dealing with Abusive Behaviour (PDF 293KB)
• Equal Opportunities Policy (PDF 107KB)
• Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan and Fire Procedure (PDF 482KB)
• First Aid Policy (PDF 612KB)
• Health & Safety: Policy, Procedure & Personnel (PDF 369KB)
• Safeguarding at Bloomsbury International (PDF 916KB)
• Student Confidentiality Policy (PDF 283KB)
• Student Welfare (PDF 63KB)
• ICT Acceptable Use Policy & Agreement (PDF 320KB)

1. Where is Bloomsbury International?

Bloomsbury International is located in a central London neighbourhood called Bloomsbury in zone 1. The school is two minutes’ walk from Holborn underground station (Central and Piccadilly lines) and just a few minutes’ walk from the British Museum, Covent Garden and Oxford Street. Click here for a local map.

2. Where is the accommodation?

We offer various types of accommodation around London. Our Bloomsbury Student Residences are located in Archway (zone 2). We also offer external residences and homestay accommodation which are mostly located 30 – 60 minutes from the school by public transport. For more information, visit our accommodation pages.

3. Why are the course prices different for morning, afternoon and evening lessons?

The morning courses are much more in demand than the afternoon and evening courses, so we offer a reduced price for the afternoon and evening classes. The maximum class sizes and quality of teaching remain the same!

4. Do you offer part-time English courses?

Most of our students study for a minimum of 15 hours per week. However, it is possible to book an evening course (4 hours per week) or an electives course, for example, conversation and writing (7.5 hours per week). Please contact us for details.

5. Do you offer courses for children?

We run special courses for young learners throughout the year. Students under the age of 16 cannot join our standard adult classes. Visit our Young Learners course pages for more information.

6. How do you know what my level of English is?

We will assess your level on your first day, when you will complete a placement test and discuss your learning objectives with a member of our academic staff.

7. Can I change my course?

Yes, if you feel that you would benefit more from a different English course, all you need to do is to discuss this with your teacher and/or our Director of Studies and they will be happy to help you change your study plan. An administration fee may apply.

8. What should I do if my classes are too easy or difficult?

Please discuss this with your teacher and/or our Director of Studies, who will be happy to move you to a different level or suggest an alternative.

9. Where do the students come from?

Bloomsbury International is a truly international environment and studying with us will be your chance to make friends and contacts from many different countries. Our last check showed an average of 42 nationalities at one time!

10. How many students will be in my class?

The average number of students in a class is 12 and the maximum is 16. Our specialist classes have fewer students (please check the individual course pages).

11. Can I book a holiday during my course?

Visit our holiday request page to find out how much holiday you are allowed to book.

12. Will I receive a certificate at the end of my course?

All students whose attendance is satisfactory, at least 80%, receive a progress report and an end-of-course certificate showing their level of English.

13. How much will my course and accommodation cost?

Click here to see a full list of prices.

14. How can I pay?

Bank transfer, credit or debit card, Sterling cheque or cash if paying in person.

15. Can I open a bank account?

If you study for more than 6 months, yes. Click here for more information.

16. Who are the teachers?

Our teachers all hold internationally recognised English language teaching qualifications and inspectors have commented on the excellence of teaching at Bloomsbury International.

We strongly believe that continued professional development is the key to providing effective and interesting English lessons. Our teachers are sponsored to participate in further professional training, attend our weekly in-house seminars and all teachers are observed regularly by our academic management team. You will find our teachers passionate, enthusiastic and committed to their students’ learning.

17. Is Bloomsbury International accredited by the British Council?

Yes, we are accredited by the British Council, EAQUALS, ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate) and we are a member of English UK. We have recently received excellent inspection reports from EAQUALS and the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). Click here for more information about our accreditations.

18. What happens if I want to cancel my course?

For details regarding all cancellations, please read our terms and conditions.

19. Am I allowed to work in the UK?

Please refer to the UK government’s regulations at www.gov.uk.

20. Do I need a student visa to study in the UK?

If you are from a non-EU country, you may need to apply for a visa to be able to study in the UK. Visit our visa information page for more details.

21. Do I need travel insurance?

All our students must purchase travel insurance. Click here for more information.

Click here for more information about student life in London and the UK.

Common European Framework of Reference Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is used to describe how well you can use a language. The grid below shows what you should be able to do in English at each level at Bloomsbury International.

	Reception		Interaction		Production
	Listening	Reading	Spoken Interaction	Written Interaction	Spoken Production	Written Production
C2	I have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when delivered at fast native speed, provided I have some time to get familiar with the accent.	I can read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as manuals, specialised articles and literary works.	I can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. I can express myself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely. If I do have a problem I can backtrack and restructure around the difficulty so smoothly that other people are hardly aware of it.	I can express myself with clarity and precision, relating to the addressee flexibly and effectively in an assured, personal, style.	I can present a clear, smoothly-flowing description or argument in a style appropriate to the context and with an effective logical structure which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points.	I can write clear, smoothly flowing text in an appropriate style. I can write complex letters, reports or articles, which present a case with an effective logical structure, which helps the recipient to notice and remember significant points. I can write summaries and reviews of professional or literary works.
C1	I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly. I can understand television programmes and films without too much effort.	I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field.	I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes. I can formulate ideas and opinions with precision and relate my contribution skilfully to those of other speakers		I can present clear, detailed descriptions of complex subjects integrating subthemes, developing particular points and rounding off with an appropriate conclusion	I can express myself in clear, well-structured text, expressing points of view at some length. I can write detailed expositions of complex subjects in an essay or a report, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues. I can write different kinds of texts in a style appropriate to the reader in mind.
B2	I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar. I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes. I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.	I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular stances or viewpoints. I can understand contemporary literary prose.	I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible. I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views.	I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.	I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest. I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.	I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests. I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.
B1	I can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. I can understand the main point of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.	I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or jobrelated language. I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters	I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).	I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.	I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes & ambitions. I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.	I can write straightforward connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest.
A2	I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements	I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters	I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can't usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.	I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate need. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.	I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job	I can write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like „and", „but“ and „because“.
A1	I can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.	I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues	I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I'm trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.	I can write a short, simple postcard, for examples sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.	I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.	I can write simple isolated phrases and sentences.

CEFR English Language Levels Source: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): Learning, teaching, assessment – Council of Europe

British Council and English UK

Bloomsbury International is accredited by the British Council and is a member of English UK (the national association of accredited English language centres). In order to achieve the accreditation and membership, centres need to meet the high standards required by undergoing an independent external Accreditation UK inspection every four years.

English UK and the British Council created Accreditation UK, the world's largest and most rigorous quality assurance scheme for English language teaching. Language centres have to be world-class to win Accreditation UK status. Standards of teaching, management and student care are inspected along with facilities and accommodation, constantly driving standards upwards.

Bloomsbury International is a member of Young Learners English UK - a Special Interest Group of English UK for accredited providers of quality English language courses for Young Learners (we identify ‘Young Learners’ as children and teenagers aged from 7 to 17 years). The group is committed to providing a safe and rewarding language learning experience for students while in the UK, through a commitment to offering the highest standards of welfare, management and teaching.

EAQUALS

Bloomsbury International is accredited by EAQUALS (Evaluation and Accreditation of Quality in Language Services) and received an extremely good inspection report from them in 2017. Click here to read a summary of the report written by the inspectors.

EAQUALS has been accrediting and enhancing quality language education since its foundation in 1991. Accreditation by EAQUALS is the primary means by which providers of language courses can demonstrate their compliance with high international standards designed specifically for language learning services.

Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)

We are proud to announce that we have maintained our standards of excellence, as reported at June 2018 inspection. To read our most recent inspection report, please click here.

ISI inspects private further education colleges and English language schools on behalf of the Home Office. Inspection is for the benefit of the pupils and students, and seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of their education and care.

Trinity College London

Bloomsbury International is a registered Trinity GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) Examination Centre and a Trinity SELTs (Secure English Language Tests) Course Provider, offering Trinity GESE and ISE (Integrated Skills in English) preparation courses. Trinity College London is an international exam board, providing recognised and respected qualifications across a spectrum of communicative skills. Trinity provides SELTs across the UK, which are valid for applications to UKVI for visas, leave to remain and citizenship.

UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor

Bloomsbury International is a UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor. We are listed on the Home Office Register of Sponsors list and we are licenced by the Home Office to enrol international Tier 4 students under the Points Based System.
Sponsor Licence Number: 6VWX9HTW8.

While your children are excited about the prospect of exploring another city and meeting new friends, Bloomsbury International understands that it is important for them to remain safe and looked after.

Bloomsbury International recognises that the safety and welfare of all our students is a priority, especially those under the age of 18. We have a duty of care to all students, incorporating safeguarding, risk assessment, health and safety, fire safety, absence procedure and liaison with outside agencies.

Bloomsbury International will take all reasonable steps to ensure that, through appropriate procedures and training of our staff, young people can learn in a safe and comfortable environment.

We have a designated welfare officer who is available every day to discuss any issues your child may have while in London. Every student is also given a 24/7 telephone number in case of emergencies in the evenings or at weekends. In addition, our welfare officer arranges a meeting with all of our students aged 16 and 17 every week to discuss welfare issues, give reminders about safety in London and check if they are happy and enjoying their time in the UK.

Please see our documents:

• Safeguarding Policy – FULL and SUMMARY
• Parental Consent Form for under 16 year olds
• Parental Consent Form for 16-17 year olds
• School Timetable and Rules – Homestay Accommodation
• School Timetable and Rules – Residence Accommodation
• Social Activities – Instructions for Students
• Group Leader Agreement
• Stay Safe in London

Bloomsbury International actively seeks to:

• create a safe and welcoming environment at the school, where students can have fun, develop their English language skills and gain confidence in using English as a foreign language
• carefully select and recruit all employees, contractors and volunteers
• support and encourage members of staff to implement school policies, helping them to recognise the importance of safeguarding
• ensure that Bloomsbury International is run to the highest possible safety standards.

Your child’s journey at Bloomsbury International

Bloomsbury International offers an airport/station transfer service which we recommend to all students to ensure that they arrive at their accommodation safely upon arrival in the UK. We advise all students under the age of 18 to book accommodation with one of our carefully selected homestay families. This offers a very good opportunity for your son/daughter to learn about life in the UK and to practise English in a safe and comfortable environment.

On your son/daughter’s first day at school, we will ask them to complete an assessment test and discuss their learning needs and objectives with a member of our academic team before placing them in a suitable class. Their progress will be monitored regularly throughout their course through weekly class tests and regular one-to-one tutorials with teachers.

Our qualified teachers design interactive, enjoyable and informative lessons covering all aspects of the language including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and reading, writing and listening skills. There is also a strong focus on fluency and effective communication in a variety of situations.

We understand that all students learn in different ways depending on their age, personality and learning style. Our teachers take this into consideration when planning their lessons and ensure that all students are catered for, whether they are visual or auditory learners, or prefer to learn by doing.

At Bloomsbury International we believe it is of utmost importance to know the whereabouts of all students under the age of 18. Your son/daughter’s attendance at school will be monitored very closely and if they do not attend a class, we will contact them immediately. We will inform you/their next of kin straight away if there are any problems.

We also run an exciting weekly social programme where your son/daughter can explore London, make new friends and practise using English in different social circumstances. This includes an orientation walk on their first day, showing them how to get around the local area and some famous London landmarks.

At the end of their course, your son/daughter will be given a progress report and an end-of-course certificate showing their level of English.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding our courses, accommodation or your child’s safety in London.