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FAQ's

How can I register at the school?

You can fill in the APPLY ONLINE FORM or the ENROLMENT FORM which which can both be found in the ‘Our Courses, section or contact the school and we will send you one. info@westbourneacademy.com

How many nationalities can I find in the school?

In 2025 we welcomed 49 different nationalities to the school.

Which course is best for me?

You have different options and can choose between 20,24,28 or 32 lessons per week. If you are not sure about your level or course options  please contact the school and we can send you a test to evaluate your English level and then we can advise you what would course would be most appropriate and provide different options.

How many levels do you offer?

Throughout the year we offer upto 6 levels ranging from A1 Beginner to C1 Advanced. For more detailed information,you can contact us and we can advise you what the most suitable course is for you when 

How many students are in a class on average?

There are between 11-13 students in a class on average.

What is my level?

All new students must take a placement test before they start. You can take a test in advance online, or on your first day. The test checks your level in grammar, reading and writing. After the test we will tell you your level.

How many hours per week can I study?

There are different options  ranging from the General Main English course consisting of 13 hours and 20 minutes ( 20 lessons ) to our English Plus + Ielts consisting of 21 hours and 20 minutes ( 32 lessons ). Detailed course information can be found on the website.

How can I pay the fees?

By Flywire secure payments, which can be found on the terms and condition form which is on the second page of the enrolment form.

What will I learn in class?

Your lessons will include important vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. You will also improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing.

Can I change level if it is too easy or difficult?

Yes it is possible to change if your teachers agree that it is  best for you to change.

Do I have to pay extra for books?

No, you don’t. The cost of a course book and materials is included in the materials fee. 

How much money will I need for daily expenses?

This depends on what you want to do. Travel around Bournemouth and the local area by bus will cost around £20 per week. We suggest around £40-£60 per week should be enough for lunch and entertainment, but if you want to visit other cities and go out most nights, then you will need more.

When can I start my course?

You can start your course on any Monday unless you are a beginner when you should start at the beginning of each term. Term dates can be found on the website and 2026 price list.

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

If you attend at least 80% of the course you will receive a certificate on your final day with your level and dates of study.

How do I get to Bournemouth?

From Heathrow or Gatwick airports, the cheapest  way is  to get a National Express  coach. From Bournemouth airport, you can take a public taxi. It takes 20 minutes and costs approximately £25.00. For other airports or ports contact us and we will advise you of the best travel options and we also offer a taxi transfer service. 

Is the school close to public transport?

The school is located in Westbourne and there is a bus stop approximately 3-5 minutes away on foot.

Is Bournemouth a safe place to stay? / 24 hour emergency number.

Bournemouth is an extremely welcoming city, and generally very safe. However, you should take the same usual safety precautions as you would in any other city. Speak to the school or family if you become worried about your safety at any time. The school has a 24 hour emergency contact number for students to use if they need any help.

Where can I find out more information about living and studying in the UK?

The British Council and Education UK have produced a number of booklets and websites giving excellent advice and information for people coming to study in the UK.

We hope this information has been helpful. If there are other things you would like to know, please contact us and we will do our best to help you.

Are there weekly activities organised for the students?

Yes, we arrange at least 2-3 activities each week and also some excursions to famous towns and cities at the weekend. You can find more information on our website.

Can students eat lunch in the school?

The restaurant is open daily with hot food and snacks available for the students. Lunch can be pre-booked. 

Do I need medical insurance?

We strongly recommend that all students have medical insurance before coming to the UK. 

Immigration health surcharge

All students who apply for a visa for longer than six months must pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the online visa application. They will then be able to access national health services in the UK during their stay. This includes free doctors appointments and hospital services. For a visa that is valid for between six and 12 months, the cost is GBP470. The cost increases with the length of the visa.

How can I contact Westbourne Academy?

If you feel unwell or you need urgent help you can call W.A. emergency phone number +44 7974 348 453.

For any other inquiry you can contact the office number +44 (0)1202 75 27 77 Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm or send us an email to info@westbourneacademy.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Do I need a visa to study in the UK?

1. Standard Visitor Visa and ETA to study for upto 6 months.

International students can study in the UK for up to six months as visitors. All students travelling to the UK for up to six months need either a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).The UK government website provides this link so you can check what type of visa you need to enter the UK : Check if you need a UK visa.For more information about visas, click here.

Who needs a visa?

Students who are from countries on the ETA national list need to apply for permission to travel to the UK.

All other nationalities need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa before they travel. See key facts below.

In all cases, students are able to study flexibly in the UK for up to six months. They are allowed to study at any institution that has an accreditation recognised by the UK government. All language centres that are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English are suitable. Students are allowed to change course or change provider within the six month period in the UK.

See who needs an ETA and who needs a visa.

Notes for students arriving with an ETA

Some students who hold an ETA will be able to use the electronic passport gates (eGates). Students must at least 10 years old and have a biometric symbol in the passport. See the list of countries that qualify to use the eGates.All other students will speak to a border officer who may give them a Standard Visitor stamp in their passport. The officer may ask the student about their plans, so the student should explain their intention to study and have the course confirmation letter to show as well as evidence of the money they have to pay for the course.> Find out more about what happens at border control on the GOV.UK websiteNote that all visitors from the European Union need a passport to enter the UK.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The ETA is a new requirement for all students who did not need a visa previously. An ETA is an application for permission to travel to the UK. Students must obtain this permission before they travel.  

The ETA is not a visa. Students arriving with an ETA will obtain a Standard Visitor visa when they go through UK immigration control.

The cost of an ETA is £16. Apply at least 3 days before travel.  When the application is approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to the passport. Find out more.

An ETA will be valid for 2 years. A new ETA is required if the passport changes before the end of this 2 year period. There is no limit on the number of times a visitor enters the UK during this period. The maximum length of stay per visit and study is 6 months.

School children aged 18 or under on French school trip

Students who are under the age of 18 and studying at a school or educational institution in France which is registered with the French Ministry of Education do not need to apply for an ETA or visa when entering the UK as part of a school group. The trip must be organised by the school or the institution and there must be five or more pupils in the group.

Key facts: Standard Visitor visa
  • Visitors with a Standard Visitor visa are allowed to study in the UK flexibly during the validity of the visa, which is usually six months.
  • Students can study at any UK institution with a government-approved accreditation. All British Council accredited language centres are suitable.
  • Students can change course or change provider.
  • No minimum level of English required.
  • Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.
  • The application cost is GBP127.
 

How to apply for a Standard Visitor visa

When and where to apply:
  • Students can apply for a Standard Visitor visa up to three months before they travel.
  • They can apply for the visa from anywhere in the world.
  • The application form is on GOV.UK
  • Read the GOV.UK visit guidance before applying
Required documents:
  • Students need a current valid passport with a full blank page available for the visa.
  • If the visitor plans to study in the UK during their visit, they should include a letter of confirmation from an approved accredited institution to show evidence of their plans. Students do not need to pay the full course fees before applying for a visa.
  • Details of where they plan to stay in the UK. If accommodation is booked through the school, details including cost should be included in the confirmation letter.
  • Evidence of enough money to pay for course fees, accommodation and living costs.
  • Certified translations are required for any documents that are not in English. See the guide to supporting documents on GOV.UK.
  • Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening. Check the list of countries on GOV.UK.
Extra requirements for students under 18 years old:
  • Students who are under 18 years old must provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in their home country.
  • If the student is travelling on their own they must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or their legal guardian. Ask the language centre for a template letter to ensure this meets the requirements.
  • Find full details on GOV.UK.
  • If the student is travelling with an adult over 18 years old who is not their parent or guardian, they need to name the adult on the visa application. This name will appear on the student’s visa. Two adults can be named on the application and the student must arrive with at least one of them.Key facts: Short-term study visaw.

2.Short-term study
(English language) visa for 6-11 months

 

Key facts: Short-term study visa

  • No minimum level of English is required.
  • Students must be 16 years old or above when they arrive in the UK.
  • Students must have a plan to study at a UK institution with a government-approved accreditation. All British Council accredited language centres are suitable.
  • The visa is only valid for study at the institution that is named on the application form.
  • Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.
  • The application costs GBP214, plus GBP776 fee for the immigration health surcharge (see below).
  • Extensions: students can extend their original course booking up to the end of their visa validity period (maximum of 11 months) but must continue to study with the same school.

Application process: Short-term study visa

When and where to apply:
Immigration health surcharge

All students who apply for a visa for longer than six months must pay the immigration health surcharge as part of the online visa application. They will then be able to access national health services in the UK during their stay. This includes free doctors appointments and hospital services. For a visa that is valid for between six and 12 months, the cost is GBP776. The cost increases with the length of the visa. You can use the immigration health surcharge calculator.

Required documents:
  • A current valid passport with a full blank page available for the visa.
  • A letter of confirmation from a UK government-approved accredited institution. This needs to include the course name, duration and cost, including accommodation. Students do not need to pay the full cost before making a visa application.
  • Details of where the student plans to stay in the UK. If accommodation is booked through the school, details including cost should be included in the confirmation letter.
  • Evidence of enough money to pay for course fees, accommodation and living costs. Learn more about providing evidence. Students do not need to pay the full course fees, travel or accommodation costs before applying.
  • Certified translations are required for any documents that are not in English. See the guide to supporting documents on GOV.UK.
  • Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening. Check the list of countries on GOV.UK. Read the full GOV.UK application guidance before submitting the application form.
Extra requirements for students under 18 years old:
  • Students must be 16 years old when they arrive in the UK to be eligible for the Short-term study visa.
  • Students who are under 18 years old must provide contact details for at least one parent or guardian in their home country.
  • If they are travelling on their own they must have written consent from both parents (or one parent if they have sole responsibility) or their legal guardian. Ask the language centre for a template letter to ensure this meets the requirements.
  • Find full details on GOV.UK.
 

Where we are based

Location

31 Alumhurst Road, Westbourne, Dorset, BH4 8EN, UK.

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