One to One English | FAQ & Information

QUICK LINKS You can jump to a specific question by clicking one of these links:
· What's better for me: a Max-6 group course or 1-1 course?
· Can I take a combination of Max-6 group and 1-1 lessons?
· Can I start a course at any time?
· What is the minimum length of a course?
· Is there an entry test of my English?
· How can I check if my English is improving at the school?
· Will I need to buy a course book?
· Can I get a student discount Travel Card?
· Can I open a U.K. bank account?
· How can I apply?
· When do I need to apply?
· What happens if I want to change or cancel my course?
· Will my accommodation be close to the school?
· Does the school have a social programme?
· My question isn't here!

Home » About Us » FAQ & Information FAQ & Information Here are some questions often asked about our school and our courses.
Don't forget, if you have a question you'd like to ask that isn't here, just contact us.

What's better for me: a Max-6 group course or 1-1 course?
Our classes have a maximum of just 6 students, so you always have direct contact with your teacher throughout the lesson: for speaking; for help with pronunciation and vocabulary; to answer your grammar questions; and to manage your lesson effectively. You also have the chance to hear what your classmates think and join in wider discussions. However, some students prefer the exclusive individuality of 1-1 lessons, and with a 1-1 course you can choose your own lesson days and times, and how frequently you wish to take lessons. See our range of courses for more information.

Can I take a combination of Max-6 group and 1-1 lessons?
Yes. For example, you can take a small-group General English Max-6 course, and add five 80-minute one-to-one lessons per week: this is our General English Max-6 PLUS-5 course. See General English courses for other options, or contact us with your requirements.

Can I start a course at any time?
Many of our Max-6 courses you can start in any week, including all of our General English courses. However, some Max-6 examination courses have fixed course dates; it is not usually possible to start this type of course after it has begun. If you wish to join one of these Max-6 examinations courses after the start date, please contact us with your request, and we will advise you on this. For full flexibility, a 1-1 course may be the best option, as you can start and finish any time, and choose your days and lesson times.

What is the minimum length of a course?
Courses with a minimum of 1 week (start any week): All Intensive 1-1 courses; all Flexible 1-1 courses. Courses with a minimum of 2 weeks (start any week): General English Intensive Max-6; IELTS Intensive Max-6; IELTS Evening Max-6; TOEFL Evening Max-6; TOEIC Evening Max-6. Courses with a minimum of 4 weeks (start any week): General English Evening Max-6; all Saturday Max-6 courses. Courses fixed at 4 weeks (fixed course dates): FCE Intensive Max-6; CAE Intensive Max-6. See courses for more details.

Is there an entry test of my English?
Before starting your course you will take a written placement test, followed by a short face-to-face or telephone interview, to assess your level.

How can I check if my English is improving at the school?
You will have regular tutorials with your Course Director in order to check that you are happy with your course and to check your progress and your level.

Will I need to buy a course book?
You will need to buy a course book in most cases. Please see the course information for more details.

Can I get a student discount Travel Card?
Yes. If you are studying at One to One English on a full-time course of at least 15 hours study per week for 14 weeks or more, you can get a 30% discount Student Travel Card for London Transport services. The Student Travel Card is issued by Transport for London and takes up to 2-3 weeks to process.

Can I open a U.K. bank account?
Yes, we have an arrangement with Barclays Bank to help you open your own bank account quickly. You will need to be studying at One to One English on a full-time course of at least 15 hours study per week for at least 6 months, and to have a valid visa for your entire period of study. There is no charge for this service.

How can I apply?
You can apply online, by fax, by post, in person, or through your agent. If you need help with your application, please contact us.

When do I need to apply?
In order to secure your place on a Max-6 course, or for your preferred times and dates on a 1-1 course, we ask that you apply as early as possible. Please note that bookings must be completed and all course fees must be paid in full before we can issue a school letter confirming your booking.

What happens if I want to change or cancel my course?
Before your course begins you may cancel and receive a refund subject to certain terms and conditions. After your course has begun, Max-6 lessons and 1-1 Intensive lessons cannot be cancelled or postponed in any circumstances. Students on 1-1 Flexi-Time courses have more flexibility in changing and cancelling lessons. For all students, it may be possible to request a change of course type, for example, from General English to an examination course. There are restrictions, and a charge will be made. All changes to course types are at the discretion of the school.

Will my accommodation be close to the school?
Most of our homestay accommodation is in Zones Two and Three, with journey times to school of between 25 and 50 minutes. All Student Residences, Hostels and Hotels are in, or close to, Zone One, with a journey time to school of 20 to 30 minutes. See accommodation section.

Does the school have a social programme?
Each month we have one "pub night" where all students are invited to meet up for a drink and the chance to make new friends; and one trip in or outside London. These trips have included: enjoying a day's tennis at Wimbledon; visiting a Chocolate Festival (!!); karaoke; bowling; and exploring historic towns such as Hampton Court, St Alban's and Brighton. For both pub nights and excursions you just pay for your own costs such as travel, entry tickets, food and drinks. A pub visit or excursion in London will usually cost about £10-20 including food and drinks; an excursion outside London costs about £20-30 including food and drinks. All pub nights and excursions are led by at least one teacher.

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