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.

How many nationalities can I find in the school?

In 2024 we welcomed 59 different nationalities to the school.

Which course is best for me?

You have different options and can choose between 20,28 or 40 lessons per week. If you are not sure please contact the school and we can send you a test to evaluate your English level and then wee can advise you what would course would be most appropriate but provide different options.

What is my level?

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

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.

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.

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.

We also offer a taxi transfer service. For more information about getting to Bristol have a look at our website.

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 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 coffee shop is open daily with snacks 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?

Everyone is allowed to study in the UK for up to six months as a visitor. Students will need a student visitor visa or some nationalities will need to apply for an ETA.

The UK government website provides this link so you can check : Check if you need a UK visa

For more information about visas, click here.

Key facts: Standard Visitor visa / 1-6 months

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.

Students of any nationality on the list below do not need a visa to study in the UK for up to six months. All other nationalities need to apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa before they travel.

In both 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.

The following nationalities can study in the UK without a visa, for up to six months:

Any EU or EEA country

Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Uruguay.

For courses longer than six months, all international students need to apply for a visa before travel. There are two visas available to students: the Short-term study visa, and the Student visa. The Short-term study visa allows students to study a English language course for between six and eleven months. If the study programme includes other subjects or if the student plans to study for longer than 11 months, a Student visa is required.

Key facts: Short-term study visa / 6-11 months

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.
There is an application cost and a immigration health surcharge .
Extensions: students can extend their original course booking up to the end of their visa validity period (maximum of 11 months).

Where we are based

Location

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