Portsmouth, a dynamic and vibrant waterfront city, is situated on the south coast of England 103 km south west of London. A significant naval port for many centuries and home to Nelson’s HMS Victory, its waterfront is dominated by the 170 meters high Emirates Spinnaker Tower. The city boasts unique shops, great places to eat and a rich culture with magnificent theatres, live music, art galleries, museums, and two cathedrals.
The school can be found on the third floor (with lift access) of the historic Guildhall, an outstanding example of Victorian neo-classical style completed in 1890. Located in the heart of the city it is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Portsmouth and Southsea Railway Station.
As well as several classrooms, there is a quiet room for study or contemplation. A dedicated computer room provides internet access, and free WiFi is available too. Students also have access to a library of English language study texts, which can be borrowed.
Many nearby takeaways, cafes and convenience stores offer reasonably-priced food and drinks for snacks and lunch, and the Guildhall also has its own café, open to students as well as the public.
Students are invited to join in a range of free activities designed to provide an opportunity to experience British culture and explore Portsmouth. These include an orientation walk on the first day, social evenings in traditional British pubs, eating in local restaurants, listening to live music, bowling, pool, and skittles as well as shopping. There are also additional cultural trips every Saturday, which are subject to a supplementary charge.
We use a communicative approach to language learning. Our teachers contextualize their lessons which are adapted to the level of the students in their classes and delivered according to their preferred learning style, interests, and motivations.
Wherever possible, and whenever appropriate, the lessons are student led to provide maximum practice in the four skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing, which increases communicative competence and confidence.
By using these various techniques, and encouraging learner autonomy, we provide an enjoyable and effective learning environment and experience for our students.
Nationality and age mix
The nationality and age mix at Meridian School of English varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 23. In the summer, the average age is 18.
teaches students from all over the world, including:
School location
Portsmouth is only 1hr 55mins from central London by train and roughly 2 hours by coach from Heathrow Airport.
Our Portsmouth school is located on the third floor of the prestigious Guildhall building, which was built in 1890. Its location in the heart of Portsmouth means that it is close to the lively central cafes and bars and the Gunwharf Quay shopping centre.
Surrounded by working docks and historic buildings, the Historic Dockyard is a great place to experience 800 years of naval history. The dockyard is home to many world famous historic ships such as HMS Victory (Nelson’s flagship), HMS Warrior (the world’s first iron-hulled, armored warship) and you can also see the remains of King Henry VIII’s flagship in the Mary Rose museum.
Portsmouth is a gateway to the beautiful Isle of Wight, England’s largest island and smallest county. A catamaran journey takes 20 minutes from Portsmouth harbor across the Solent to the fourth longest and oldest pier in the UK at Ryde or you can try the 10 minute trip by hovercraft from Southsea beach.
Queen Victoria loved the Isle of Wight and you can still visit her favorite home of Osborne House as well as Carisbrooke Castle where King Charles I was held prisoner during the English Civil War.
