Language programme in Bournemouth

Bournemouth is undoubtedly one of the best student towns on the southern coast of England. Its quaintness, charm and miles of sandy beach alongside the bustling atmosphere of the city have created a centre for tourism, education and business. Complete with an exceedingly well organised public transport system with links all over Britain and Europe, Bournemouth is a hub of activity. Even getting to London is as simple as hopping on a two hour train ride.

It’s safe to say that there is a never a dull moment in this seaside town. Witness powerboat races, vintage car shows, international tennis championships and windsurfing competitions throughout the whole year. During the summer months there are weekly firework displays from the pier, along with laser light shows and the Musicmaker’s festival. Bournemouth even has a unique ‘Flowers by Candlelight’ festival, where the towns’s inhabitants light 15 000 candles in the central gardens. A safe and inviting city for young people, the beaches and pedestrian zones offer adolescents the opportunity to enjoy their holidays in a safe and relaxed environment.

Westbourne Academy is a family-run institution that offers a traditional English atmosphere. Located in the Westbourne residential area, the school is 10 minutes away by bus from Bournemouth and Poole city centre. In this suburban neighbourhood, students find all the conveniences of banks, a post office, international restaurants, classic English pubs and a variety of retail outlets to satisfy every taste.

Westbourne Academy is a recognized Cambridge Exam preparation centre, a member of “English in Britain” (Association of Recognized Language Schools) and accredited by the British Council.

School facilities include:

  • 15 spacious classrooms (including 2 with interactive boards)
  • Recreation room
  • Patio with table tennis
  • IT room
  • WiFi in the buildings and garden
  • Language labs: practise your listening and speaking skills, watch movies or TV outside class hours
  • Bookshop
  • Cafeteria (dishes served on site)
  • Coin laundry (approx. £4)

English language courses: the basics

  • Lesson length : 40 minutes
  • Class size: 12 students on average (16 during peak season)
  • Schedule: morning lessons in most cases (lessons can be held in the afternoon during peak season)
  • Placement test: first day of classes
  • Certificate of participation at the end of your stay
  • CELTA-qualified native English teachers
  • Monitoring of progress (4 week stays or more)

The school organises sports and cultural activities during the afternoons and evenings. You are more than welcome to participate in these activities, though they are not mandatory. These activities may be free or may require a fee. The variety and availability of the activities changes depending on the time of year.

Some of the many activities include:

  • Guided Tour
  • Welcoming activity
  • Visit museums
  • Visit restaurants / bars / pubs / disco party (£3 to £10)
  • Karaoke
  • Boat Cruises
  • Cinema (about £7)
  • Day trips to London, Bath and Stonehenge, Oxford, Salisbury and Winchester, or on the side of Dorset (about £ 30)
  • Various sports: football, tennis, beach volleyball, badminton

Tennis courts, rugby or hockey fields, bowling, communal pool, a golf course and a squash court are available nearby. It is also possible to go windsurfing and sailing.

Homestay (Ages 16+)

Single room, shared bathroom, half board during the week, full board at the weekend.

Distance from school: families usually live in a residential area between 20 – 45 minutes away from the school, or close to a direct bus line).

Practical information:

  • Bed linen provided (towels are not)
  • Laundry facilities available (the family will usually let you use their washing machine once a week. Laundry is also available at school for £4).
  • Families are regularly inspected and are used to host foreign students (4 students per family maximum).

Optional extras:

  • Summer programme: the rooms are shared by default with a student of another nationality. Single rooms are uncommon during the summer but can be reserved for a fee and in relation to availability (students must be 18+)

Travel

  • Arrivals: Sunday
  • Departures: Saturday

Arrival airports/railway stations (with approx. travel time to Bournemouth):

Bournemouth International Airport offers daily and weekly flights to and from numerous British and European destinations. Poole also offers daily ferry cruises to and from France.

  • Bournemouth Airport-Bournemouth: 15 minutes (taxi)
  • Southampton Airport-Bournemouth: 30 minutes (taxi), 38 minutes (train)
  • London Heathrow-Bournemouth: 1h30 (taxi) à 2h25 (express bus)
  • London Gatwick-Bournemouth: 2h (taxi), 3h30 minutes (express bus)
  • London Stansted-Bournemouth: 2h30 minutes (taxi), 4h (express bus)

Airport transfers available on request (fees apply, see price list)

Please note: Do not make travel arrangements until we have confirmed your enrolment in your chosen course (about 4 days after deposit payment).

Visa Information

Info Brexit

A passport is necessary to enter the United Kingdom, for residents of the European Union.

You might need a visa for this course. For more information please visit our Visa Information page.

Do not hesitate to contact us by phone or email if you require any additional information.

Dates & Prices 2022

Dates 2022

Start of the sessions: The majority of courses start every Monday, throughout the year, unless otherwise stated below. If Monday is a public holiday, the session starts on Tuesday.

Beginners must start on the following dates only: 04/01, 28/02, 25/04, 20/06, 30/08, 24/10

Public holidays (no lessons will be given on these dates, nor will they be made up later; no compensation will be granted): 03/01/2022, 15/04, 18/04, 02/05, 02/06, 03/06, 29/08

Christmas holidays : from 16/12/22 to 03/01/23 (included)

Start of the sessions for exam preparation: please contact us.

Prices 2022

Includes course, accommodation, meals as described, all taxes and enrolment fees

WPCS 42.0.1
Lessons & host family accommodation - Single room (shared in summer), half board
Duration20 lessons28 lessons40 lessons
1 week€ 530€ 570€ 645
2 weeks€ 920€ 995€ 1.130
3 weeks€ 1.305€ 1.425€ 1.610
4 weeks€ 1.695€ 1.850€ 2.090
6 weeks€ 2.330€ 2.570
8 weeks€ 2.955€ 3.305
12 weeks€ 4.325€ 4.765
16 weeks€ 5.720€ 6.310
18 weeks€ 6.420€ 7.080
20 weeks€ 7.115€ 7.850
24 weeks€ 8.510€ 9.395
32 weeks€ 11.300€ 12.480
Cambridge preparation & family accommodation - Single room (shared in summer), half board
Duration28 leçons
10 weeks€ 3.870
15 weeks€ 5.755
Family extra's (per week)
Summer (19/06/22 - 28/08/22) - shared room€ 10
Summer (19/06/22 - 28/08/22) - single room€ 35
Christmas (18/12/2022 - 01/01/2023) - single room€ 35
Special diet (lactose-free, gluten-free)€ 20
Special diet (vegan)€ 35
Airport-accommodation transfer (per trip)
Bournemouth€ 90
Southampton€ 135
Heathrow€ 230
Luton€ 325
St Pancras€ 220
Stansted / Central London€ 325
Suppl. 20 pounds / h for any wait of more than an hour and more at the airport
Suppl. from 6 pounds / h for waiting for a taxi (parking ticket purchase)

Prices Include:

  • Your chosen course
  • Course materials
  • Homestay or residence (summer only) accommodation, single room
  • Full board on weekends and half board during the week
  • All school taxes and enrolment fees

Prices do not include:

  • Travel to/from Bournemouth
  • Transfers
  • Homestay: Lunches Monday to Friday
  • Residence: all meals
  • Local transport
  • Exam fees if any (Cambridge)