English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

The course is suitable for au-pairs, school language assistants, workers on temporary contracts and current students who wish to improve their English. The course gives students the opportunity to improve their language skills, grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary, with the chance to take an internationally-recognised exam at the end of the course.

• General English, including elements of cultural studies, citizenship and employability
• Exam Preparation

Students will be thoroughly prepared for all parts of the exam (reading and Use of English, writing, speaking and listening), working in pairs and small groups to increase fluency. Students will have regular progress tests throughout their studies and will receive individual tutorials with their tutor to discuss their learning and development. Students will receive homework every week, which forms an important part of the course and will ensure the best chance of exam success.

The maximum class size for the part-time EFL programme is 16, as required by the British Council.

When are the classes?

Classes are on Wednesday morning and/or Friday morning or one evening for Cambridge: Advanced.  All classes are three hours, including a 15-minute break, and in Colchester you can choose to study three or six hours per week – the price for six hours is double.

What level of English will I study?

These courses are for students wanting to study English at all levels from pre-intermediate upwards. Students will be invited to Colchester Institute to complete a reading, writing and speaking placement test. The test will provide the teacher with details on the student’s current level of English to ensure they are placed in a class best suited to their development needs.

No formal qualifications. However, your language will be assessed on arrival through a simple test to place you on the most appropriate level. The minimum age of enrolment for the part-time EFL programme is 16 years old.

Students are prepared for internationally recognised Cambridge examinations.

Students will need to pay extra if they choose to take an exam.  Prices given below are valid for 2019 and may increase slightly in 2020.

EFL Cambridge Main Suite examinations and prices:

• B1 – PET – Preliminary English Test: £47.75
• B2 – FCE – First Certificate in English: £87.50
• C1 – CAE – Certificate in Advanced English: £91.50

If the teacher is satisfied with the student’s progress then students can take these examinations in December or May/June (depending on numbers).

Students will need a pen, pencil, paper and folder. Students will need to purchase an English learner dictionary (We recommend the Longman Active Study dictionary or the Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary; prices range from £20 – £25).

Social Programme

While studying with Colchester Institute students can take part in trips, visits and activities organised by the college. These may include ten pin bowling, ice skating, theatre productions – costs will be between £6 and £10.  There are also day trips to London, Cambridge or Brighton costing approximately £20 including travel.

If you study between September – December:  

1 week holiday 28 October – 1 November

If you study between January – June:                 

1 week holiday 17 February – 21 February

2 weeks holiday 6-17 April

For further information please contact Admissions:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 712777. Email efl@colchester.ac.uk

Information published is correct at the time of printing; Colchester Institute reserves the right to amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will not take responsibility for any changes that may result in students having to cease their studies.

Career Opportunities

Developing English Language skills offer students the opportunity to access further career opportunities, whether within their existing field or a different one.

Course Progression
Progression onto further education or training in a variety of subject areas and on successful completion of the IELTS examinations, students may progress to university or a higher education institution in the UK, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand or in their home countries.

Many students at Colchester Institute are under 18.  In the English Language department, we have a mixture: some students are under 18 and some are adults.  You may be in a class with some adult students. They will welcome you and help you with your studies. Your teachers will also work hard to keep you safe.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Colchester Institute believes the health and safety of all our students is important.  All of the English Language staff are trained to help keep students safe, happy and healthy in college.

Well-being and keeping safe

Bullying [using words or actions to make someone feel bad] is not allowed in the college.  The College is committed to making our classes a place where all students are respected and where bullying is not allowed.  If a student has a problem or complaint, we will listen to them and work to solve the problem quickly and fairly.

What should I do if I have a problem?

If a student has a problem or complaint they should speak to their teacher or the Student Services Welfare Team (Ground Floor, Main Building, Colchester Institute).   At The College at Braintree, please go to Student Services A56.  Student Services are very good at solving students’ problems.

We hope you will enjoy your studies with us and that you will always feel safe and happy to study here.

You need to arrange where you are going to live during your studies before you arrive in the UK. Colchester Institute is able to offer accommodation to students but it is limited depending on demand.