よくある質問

Our classes bring together students from different countries. Class sizes and the nationality mix vary during the year.

Our main English courses are for students aged 16 and over, so they are not limited to university-age students. Please tell us if studying with other mature adults is important to you so we can discuss the options for your dates.

Take our free online English level test for a guide to your current level. Your first-day assessment helps us place you in the right class, so an online result does not automatically secure a place at a higher level. Teachers review your progress through regular tests and tutorials. If a class feels too easy or difficult, speak to your teacher about whether a change would help.

Beginners should book General Main English and start at the beginning of a school term. English Plus starts from A2. If you already have advanced English, please contact us to check which class is available for your dates. Take our free online English level test for a guide to your current level before you enquire. 

General Main English has 20 lessons per week, covering speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and pronunciation. English Plus has 28 lessons, including eight extra lessons focused on speaking and listening. Each lesson lasts 40 minutes, so these courses provide 13 hours and 20 minutes or 18 hours and 40 minutes of teaching per week. If you are unsure which option suits your level, take our free online English level test before contacting us.

General Main English is a good starting point for improving your everyday English. English Plus adds more speaking and listening practice, while exam courses focus Cambridge preparation. Take our free online English level test and tell us your goals and preferred dates so we can advise you.

We offer General Main English, English Plus, Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced preparation, one-to-one lessons and combination courses. We also offer a Junior Programme and English and Golf. Westbourne Academy is a British Council accredited English language school in Bournemouth and part of New City College. 

Please contact us in writing. Our terms require at least one week’s notice to cancel or postpone and allow one postponement without an additional enrolment fee. The enrolment fee is non-refundable; late cancellation can also incur one week of tuition and accommodation charges. If your visa is refused, send the refusal letter before your intended start date. Fees paid in advance are refunded less the enrolment fee and bank charge. Tuition is normally non-refundable if you arrive late or leave early. Please read the full terms before booking.

You can pay through Flywire, which offers bank transfer, card payments and other local options depending on your country. Our enrolment guidance asks for course and accommodation fees at least four weeks before you start, or full payment when booking within four weeks. You can use our online price calculator to estimate the cost before booking; it does not confirm a deposit or instalment arrangement.

Yes. Use our online price calculator for an estimate, or contact us with your age, course choice, dates and accommodation requirements. Let us know your airport if you need a transfer. If your employer needs a formal quotation, please include the company details and any deadline when you enquire.

You can check standard course fees using our online price calculator. For funded places, scholarships or discounts, please contact us so we can confirm what is available and whether you are eligible.

Alongside tuition, our courses include assessment, learning materials and an end-of-course certificate, subject to the attendance requirement. You should also budget for enrolment, accommodation, weekday lunches, transport, insurance, optional activities and any official exam fees. Use our online price calculator to estimate your course and selected extras, then ask us to confirm any additional charges. 

The price depends on your course, start date and how many weeks you book. Use our online price calculator to select your course and any available extras, then get an estimate for your stay. Contact us if you need a full quotation or help with an option that is not shown. 

Most of our courses run Monday to Friday. If you have work or childcare commitments, please explain your availability before booking. Our online price calculator gives estimates for the standard course options; please contact us about any different attendance pattern.

Classes normally run Monday to Friday, within 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and/or 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm, depending on your course and level. Your timetable is allocated by the school, so you cannot choose the session. Junior lessons normally run from 9 am to 12 noon.

We offer short courses and longer stays, with lower weekly rates on longer General Main English and English Plus bookings. Your options depend on your course, level, dates and permission to study in the UK. Take our free online English level test to help us advise on your starting point, and use our online price calculator to compare costs for different course lengths.

General English courses normally start on Mondays, except when the school is closed. Beginners must start at the beginning of a term, and Cambridge courses have set intakes. Contact us before making travel arrangements if you need a last-minute place, as your class and accommodation must be confirmed. If you are unsure whether the beginner start dates apply to you, contact us for more advice. 

Homestays are generally around a 20-minute direct bus journey from school. Bookings normally run Saturday to Saturday; other arrival days or extra nights need agreement. We can arrange a taxi from most UK airports to your homestay. Ask for a quote and send your travel details in advance. Coach and rail services are alternatives. Use our online price calculator to estimate your stay and any transfer option shown, or contact us for a separate transfer quote. 

Please tell us when you apply if you already have somewhere to stay and only need tuition.

You can request a shared room or the same home when booking. Give us everyone’s names and ages so we can check availability before confirming.

Tell us about dietary, medical, allergy or accessibility needs before booking. Special diets can be arranged with advance notice, with a supplement where applicable. Contact us to confirm any supplements for your requirements.

Homestay includes breakfast and dinner daily, plus lunch at weekends. Weekday lunch costs extra and can be bought at school. Wi-Fi, bed linen, towels, weekly room cleaning and one laundry wash per week are included. Use our online price calculator to estimate a course with accommodation, and ask us about any meals you need to add. 

We arrange homestay and private home accommodation for students taking our courses. Prices depend on your dates, age and room type. Use our online price calculator to estimate your course and available accommodation options, or contact us for a quote based on your requirements. 

If the English language course or wider programme of study lasts longer than 11 months, the student will usually need to consider the Student visa route. This route has different requirements, including sponsorship by a licensed student sponsor and, in most cases, a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies.

For more information about applying for a student visa, visit UKCISA.

The Short-term study visa is specifically for students over 16 years old who want to study an English language course in the UK that lasts longer than 6 months but not more than 11 months. All students need to choose an accredited course provider before making a visa application. All centres with British Council accreditation are suitable.

Students granted this visa can stay for the length of the course plus an additional 30 days, provided the total stay does not exceed 11 months. The visa cannot be extended from within the UK.

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 intend 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 study with a different institution.

• 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.

• Students cannot work with this visa, but they can volunteer.

• The application costs £228, plus £776 fee for the immigration health surcharge (see below).

When and where to apply:

• Students can apply for a Short-term study visa up to three months before they travel. 

• The application form is online on GOV.UK. 

• Read the UKVI guidance before applying

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 £776. The cost increases with the length of the visa. You can use the immigration health surcharge calculator.

Required documents: 

• A current valid passport. 

• A letter of confirmation from a UK government-approved accredited institution. This needs to include the course name, duration and cost, including accommodation.

• 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 of documents that are not in English.

• Students from some countries need to show evidence of a valid tuberculosis screening.

• Read the full GOV.UK application guidance before submitting the application form. 

Extra requirements for students under 18 years old: 

Students who are 16 & 17 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. 

Attending a visa application centre:

After submitting the application form and required documents, most students need to book an appointment at their nearest UK visa application centre to provider biometric data: their photo and fingerprints. EEA nationals do not need to attend an application centre if they have a biometric chip in their passport. Instead, they scan their passport through an app.  

Attending a visa application interview:

Students may be required to attend an interview. Students should check their emails regularly, including the ‘junk’ folder to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Students can contact their language centre for advice if they are preparing for an interview.  

Response times:

Students can usually expect a response within three weeks. Some visa application centres offer a priority service for an additional fee, though service times are not guaranteed. Students should apply for their visa at the earliest possible opportunity, up to three months before their planned travel date.

International students can study for up to six months as visitors.

Students coming to the UK for up to six months need to apply either for a Standard Visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.

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 Standard Visitor visa before they travel.

See who needs an ETA and who needs a visa.

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.

• Visitors cannot normally extend their stay beyond 6 months from within the UK or switch into another visa route while in the UK.

• The application cost is £135 (as of 8 April 2026).

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:

• A current valid passport

• 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.

• 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.

• Find full details on GOV.UK. 

Attending a visa application centre

After submitting the application form and required documents, visitors need to book an appointment at their nearest UK visa application centre to provide biometric data: their photo and fingerprints.

Attending a visa application interview

Students applying for a Standard Visitor visa may be required to attend an interview. They should check their emails regularly, including the ‘junk’ folder to ensure they do not miss the invitation. Students can contact their language centre for advice to help them prepare for an interview.

Response times

Students can usually expect a response within three weeks. Some visa application centres offer a priority service for an additional fee, though service times are not guaranteed. Students should apply for their visa at the earliest possible opportunity, up to three months before their planned travel date.

Key facts: ETA 

• An ETA is not a visa

• An ETA is linked to the applicant’s passport

• An ETA is normally valid for two years; less if the passport expires in less than two years

• Students will obtain a Standard Visitor visa when going through immigration control

• The application cost is £20 (as of 8 April 2026)

How to apply for an ETA

When and where to apply:

• ETA application form

• ETA app if the smart phone can support the software

• At least three working days before departure

Required documents:

• The student’s passport or a photo of the passport if applying online

• A photo of the student (if applying online or the student is not present)

• An email address

• Payment card

Everyone is allowed to study in the UK for up to six months as a visitor.

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 an 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.

UK Visa Regulations for English Language Students

UK visa requirements for students are based on three factors: the student’s nationality, the duration of the course and the type of course.

> Check if you need a visa

Which visa is required to study in the UK?

1. Study in the UK for up to six months: Standard Visitor visa

2. English language courses longer than 6 months and up to 11 months: Short-term study visa

3. Courses longer than 11 months: Student visa

You cannot take a job with a UK employer while studying as a Standard Visitor. The Short-term study visa also prohibits work, including unpaid work and placements, and cannot be extended. If you already hold another UK immigration status, check its conditions. Contact us before extending your course, as both school availability and your immigration permission must allow it. 

Our enrolment process includes an acceptance letter once your booking has been accepted. Please tell us if you need it for a visa application. An acceptance letter does not guarantee a visa and is different from a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, known as a CAS. 

This depends on your nationality, immigration status, age and course length. Courses of up to six months can be studied under the Standard Visitor route at an accredited school. You may need a visa or an ETA before travelling, although some people are exempt. An English-only course lasting more than six months and up to 11 months may qualify for a Short-term study visa if you are aged 16 or over. Check GOV.UK for the requirements that apply to you before booking travel. 

Please have your personal and contact details, preferred course and dates, accommodation requirements and information about your English level ready. Students under 18 also need the relevant parental consent form.  

Complete the Apply Online form or send us an enrolment form. You can also book through one of our education travel partners. A member of staff will contact you about the next steps. If you have not heard from us, check your junk folder, then email info@westbourneacademy.com or call +44 (0)1202 752777 with your name and application date. 

We have safeguarding and welfare staff, regular meetings with under-18 students and a 24-hour emergency telephone service. Junior homestays are checked, and younger students are placed together to help them travel with another student. 

Students aged 12 to 15 normally join as part of a group with a group leader. An individual summer booking may be considered with the school’s agreement and safeguarding checks. Please contact us before booking travel or accommodation. 

The Junior Programme offers 20 English lessons per week. Course A covers lessons, with optional extras. Course B includes lessons, weekday hot lunches, three activities, one excursion and a bus pass. Accommodation, enrolment and airport transfers are additional.  

The Junior Programme is advertised for ages 12 to 17, while the main adult courses start at 16. Students aged 16 or 17 should tell us whether they prefer a junior programme or an adult class so we can check availability. 

One-to-one lessons can focus on your individual goals, and combination courses add private lessons to group English classes. Tell us the tasks or language you need to practise so we can discuss a suitable plan. You can take our free online English level test and share the result with us. Use our online price calculator for the standard lesson options shown, or contact us for a tailored quote. 

If you attend at least 80% of your course, you receive an end-of-course certificate showing your level and study dates. This records your studies at Westbourne Academy. An official Cambridge result requires a separate exam; it is not automatically included with your course certificate. Before booking, you can use our free online English level test for a guide to your starting level; it does not replace an official exam. 

This depends on your starting level, study time, attendance and practice outside class. Take our free online English level test and tell us the level or exam score you need and your deadline so we can discuss a suitable course. A fixed number of weeks does not guarantee a particular result. University entry also depends on the requirements of your chosen institution. 

We strongly recommend arranging private travel insurance before your course. Check that the policy covers your planned study and activities, medical treatment and cancellation. Speak to your teacher about learning concerns or the accommodation and welfare team about your stay. The school also provides a 24-hour emergency contact service. 

We are at 31 Alumhurst Road in Westbourne, Bournemouth, close to shops, cafés, bus routes and the beach. Alongside tuition and accommodation, allow for weekday lunches, local transport, activities and personal spending. Your budget will depend on your plans. Use our online price calculator to estimate tuition and available accommodation options, then budget separately for everyday spending. 

Yes. We run an activity programme throughout the year, including sports, social events and excursions. Some activities are free and others cost extra. English and Golf combines 20 English lessons with two or three afternoons of golf, including individual coaching. It is advertised for students aged 16 and over; contact us to check dates and availability. Use our online price calculator to check the course options shown, and contact us to confirm golf availability and any separate activity charges.