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English + Cambridge First (FCE) Preparation

The Essential English Centre
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Course description

During the full-time Cambridge preparation course you will study on the General English 15 hour programme in the morning and join the Cambridge specific exam module in the afternoon. Combining the two courses means you can improve in the areas of reading, writing, listening and grammar with a lot of time for speaking and pronunciation practice in the mornings and continue to study in the afternoons, focusing on specific Cambridge exam content and techniques.

The specific exam preparation will include skills development in the different task types in the four areas of the exam. You will also focus on topics, vocabulary, grammar and real-time exam practice.

What topics will you cover?

The different parts to the exam and what to expect on exam day.
Vocabulary – idioms, collocations, shades of meaning, phrasal verbs, fixed phrases etc.
Grammar and vocabulary.
Reading for detail, opinion, tone, purpose, main idea, implication, attitude.
Understanding the structure and development of a text.
Reading for specific information, detail, opinion and attitude.
Using language functions, such as evaluating, expressing opinions, hypothesising, justifying, persuading.
Writing different types of text that could be included in the exam.
Listening for feeling, attitude, opinion, mean ideas, purpose, function, agreement, gist, feeling, main points and detail.
Listening for specific information, stated opinion.
Giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion about various topics.
Talking on your own about something: comparing, describing, expressing opinions, speculating.
Exchanging ideas, expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing, suggesting, speculating, evaluating, reaching a decision through negotiation, etc.
Expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-44 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
30 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
23 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 26 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 02 Jan 2025, 03 Jan 2025

The Essential English Centre does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

Morning session
09:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Afternoon session
01:30 PM - 03:00 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Intermediate
High intermediate
Advanced
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level.

Class size

Average 8 students
Maximum 14 students

Student age

Age range 16 - 99 years old
Average 25 years old

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school

School description

The Essential English Centre is a boutique, independent school located in the heart of vibrant Manchester and our aim is to offer our students a quality, professional and inspiring language learning experience. To achieve this, our team of professionals ensure that we offer an excellent curriculum, excellent personal service, all in the excellent city centre location of Manchester. We are committed to ensuring that our high standards are consistently met and that you receive the education and experience you expect and deserve.

We care about your future goals and understand that for many of our students, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn, experience and grow. Our team will be here for you during that process with professional advice, support, and a friendly face.

What's more, by choosing The Essential English Centre, you are choosing one of the best international cities in which to study and live.

The Essential English Centre is not just a school, it is a family, and we look forward to welcoming you!

Year opened
2012
Number of classrooms
8

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Free Internet
  • Cultural Trips
  • Computers
  • Studying Area
  • Elevators
  • Eating Area
  • Social Activities
  • Wireless Internet

Teacher qualifications

Native English speakers
All
Teachers with English teaching certification
All
Teachers with college degrees
All

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at The Essential English Centre varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 25. In the summer, the average age is 25.

teaches students from all over the world, including:

Italy
15%
Saudi Arabia
15%
South Korea
13%
Spain
12%
Switzerland
12%
Kuwait
10%
France
9%
Japan
8%
Czech Republic
6%

School holidays

does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
23 Dec 2024, 25 Dec 2024, 26 Dec 2024, 01 Jan 2025, 02 Jan 2025, 03 Jan 2025

School location

The Essential English Centre is located on Portland Street, one of the main streets in Manchester city centre. We are a few minutes' walk from all the major shopping areas, bars, restaurants, train stations and bus stops. Manchester is a thriving, exciting international city, and in 2015 was voted the best UK city to live in!

Our school is located right in the heart of it all, and by choosing The Essential English Centre, you are choosing one of the best international cities in which to study and live. We look forward to welcoming you!

Take a video tour

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photos

Photos

  • Building of The Essential English Centre 1/27
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  • Classroom at The Essential English Centre 4/27
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  • Student residence offered by The Essential English Centre 6/27
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reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 3 reviews
5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"It was a wonderful time with lovely people."

Kimberly Wise, student from Germany

I had a great time at the Essential English Centre. I liked the learning atmosphere, the teachers were helpful and wonderful people. Furthermore I really enjoyed my stay at my host family, we got along really well. All in all, it was a great trip and I would highly recommend it.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
6 Jun 2022 - 17 Jun 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Excellent experience"

Gaia , student from Italy

I studied at the Essential English Center for 3 weeks in September 2017. The school is located in the city center and it's easy to reach by bus. The teachers are very kind, helpful and competent. The lessons are so useful and fun, in my opinion the best way to learn English! The school organizes a "conversation club" every week where students can meet and talk with new people.
All staff are friendly and helpful.
I spent a great time in Manchester!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
11 Sep 2017 - 29 Sep 2017
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Simply excellent!"

Marco

I spent about 4 months attending a course at The Essential English Centre. Thanks to them, I improved my English a lot.

The School is in the city centre, close to the main bus stop station, so it is very easy to get there. During the classes, there are a lot of conversation activities and grammar activities as well. In this way, day by day, I learnt a lot of words and became more confident with my pronunciation and grammar structure knowledge.

There was a good atmosphere in the School with the other students, the teachers and the staff. I received information from the staff before to arrive in Manchester and had a warm welcome the first day. I will never forget all the help that they gave me.

After class, every day, there was a Social activity such as conversation club, bowling, pool, museum tours and one day trips.

What about the housing? I spent a month in the student accommodation and it was a good experience because I met people who came from all around the world. However, I decided to change and live with a host family: spending my time with a native English was the best way to improve.

Finally, I want to spend some words about Manchester. It is a great and cosmopolitan city, full of polite and very friendly people. You can enjoy your free time visiting about 10 free museums, lying down in the parks, watching amazing football matches in a warm atmosphere. Moreover, it is a very cheap city - perfect for students!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
15 weeks
Date of study
4 May 2015 - 21 Aug 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
Bairbre, Director at The Essential English Centre responded to this review.
03 November 2015

Thank you Marco for your lovely review! We miss you here and it was a pleasure to have you with us. Come back to see us any time :)

housing

Housing

The Essential English Centre offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner - 2 students must book together

217 €
weekly
Age range: 12 - 99 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Manchester
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (16 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and garden
Distance to school: 15 - 40 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
217 €
Staying with a local homestay host provides the opportunity to truly experience a warm Manchester welcome. It also allows you to practise your speaking and listening skills in a natural environment with friendly people. We know all of our hosts, and they are within easy reach of the school, with travel times of between 15 and 40 minutes.

Half board or full board option
Private bedroom
Average travel time from school 30 minutes
Full immersion - practise speaking English with your hosts in the evenings and at weekends
Weekly laundry service
Clean towels and bedding each week
An area for self-study
Special dietary requirements available upon request
Free Wi-Fi

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

236 €
weekly
Age range: 12 - 99 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Manchester
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (16 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, heating, and garden
Distance to school: 15 - 40 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
236 €
Staying with a local homestay host provides the opportunity to truly experience a warm Manchester welcome. It also allows you to practise your speaking and listening skills in a natural environment with friendly people. We know all of our hosts, and they are within easy reach of the school, with travel times of between 15 and 40 minutes.

Half board or full board option
Private bedroom
Average travel time from school 30 minutes
Full immersion - practise speaking English with your hosts in the evenings and at weekends
Weekly laundry service
Clean towels and bedding each week
An area for self-study
Special dietary requirements available upon request
Free Wi-Fi

Homestay - Private Bathroom - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

312 €
weekly
Age range: 16 - 99 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Manchester
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, and carpet
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
312 €
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English at The Essential English Centre. These homes are often between 25-50 minutes away from the school by public transport. Families usually offer affordable meal plans that allow you to sample the local cuisine. If you have special requests or diet restrictions (because of religion or health reasons), please let us know in advance. Students must be 16 years old and older.
student-residence

Student residence (off-campus) - Single-person room - No meals

331 €
weekly
Age range: 18 - 99 years old
Location: In the city center of Manchester
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Private bathroom, kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, carpet, heating, 24/7 supervision, garden, and sports facilities
Distance to school: 20 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Sunday, anytime
331 €
The Essential English Centre offers quality student residence accommodation for our students. The residence provides everything you need to make the most of your student experience, and can accommodate short and long-term stays. Two, three and four-bedroom apartments are available. All facilities and bills are included, and it is situated just a short distance away from our school. Travel times are between 15 and 25 minutes by bus dependent on traffic. Facilities include:

Secure fob entry
Bedding and towels provided
Kitchen equipment provided
CCTV
24 hour dedicated staff and security
Free parking
Free WiFi
TV and games room
Library with free printing facilities
On-site gym (free for residents)
Half basketball court
Fully furnished launderette
Fitted kitchens: hob oven, fridge, freezer, toaster, kettle, microwave
Hospitality welcome and service
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from . Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.

If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged £ 55 when you register.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Manchester based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from The Essential English Centre staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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