English Language Courses in South West England 
Learn English at a language school, college or university in South West England 
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Plymouth Hoe
Suzanne Sparrow 
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Centre Facilities 
- 18 classrooms 
- Internet room with free WiFi access 
- Book and video library 
- Student lounge 
- Separate adult lounge 
Photo Gallery 
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Plymouth Hoe
Victorians in Plymouth
Suzanne Sparrow Language School Plymouth Staff
Suzanne Sparrow Language School Plymouth Building
Plymouth Harbour
Coastline near Plymouth
Suzanne Sparrow 
 
Founded in 1978 by Suzanne Sparrow, the school was the first professional English Language School in Plymouth. Situated in an elegant 19th Century town house, the school is close to the city centre and university with which it has strong links. Please visit our website or contact us. 
 
The Welfare of students is of paramount importance and everything is done to ensure students have a both a pleasurable and educational stay. 
 
Teaching and Learning 
Accredited by the British Council, the school is a centre for Cambridge Examinations, TOEIC and Trinity Graded Examinations. 
 
The teaching staff consists of well qualified teachers with considerable experience of teaching with considerable experience of teaching English both in the UK and abroad. The Director of Studies structures the courses and supervises the teaching programme. Interesting and stimulation material is selected for all our courses in order to challenge students and help to practice and improve their English as efficiently as possible. 
 
On the first day of the course each student is given a placement test (or it can be taken online before arrival) to determine their correct level. Students are given a folder to keep their work organised and to encourage them to develop good learning skills. During the course, student progress is monitored and tutorial sessions are held for long term students. 
 
Accommodation 
Families are all carefully selected by the accommodation officer and meet the high standard set by the British Council. Many of the families have been with the school for over 20 years and all are well experienced in meeting students' needs. 
You can expect a home from home experience with a kind caring family who will welcome you as part of the family. 
If homestay is not for you we are happy to arrange guest house or hotel accommodation or help you find self catering accommodation. 
 
Leisure 
We run a full social programme of cultural and sporting activities throughout the year with something to suit everybody. 
Older students may take part in pub nights, theatre and cinema visits and discos. 
Care is taken to ensure students have a variety of visits which may include typical Cornish fishing villages, Dartmoor National Park, Eden Project , Tintagel Castle, Torquay and Exeter. 
The Junior Vacation Course includes 15hrs of English lessons with a full sporting programme and visits to beaches and surrounding towns and villages. All group activities and excursions are accompanied by teachers. 
 
Courses 
General English 
Intensive Full-time 25 Hours 
The Intensive 25 hour course is designed to help students improve all their skills in English through a variety of interesting tasks and activities. The morning classes focus on grammar and vocabulary with the chance to practise these through reading, writing, speaking and listening. In the afternoon the emphasis is on improving fluency in speaking and increasing confidence in listening. Students can expect to work hard, but have fun at the same time, in a friendly, supportive classroom atmosphere. 
 
 
 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£250 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
19 Hours 
The 19 hour course is designed to help students improve all their skills in English through a variety of interesting tasks and activities. The morning classes focus on grammar and vocabulary with the chance to practise these through reading, writing, speaking and listening. In the afternoon the emphasis is on improving fluency in speaking and increasing confidence in listening. Three free afternoons allow for greater opportunity for self study or afternoon visits. Students can expect to work hard, but have fun at the same time, in a friendly, supportive classroom atmosphere. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
19 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£195 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
15 Hours 
The 15 hour course is designed to help students improve all their skills in English through a variety of interesting tasks and activities. The classes, taking place in the morning, focus on grammar and vocabulary with the chance to practise these through speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students can expect to work hard, but have fun at the same time, in a friendly, supportive classroom atmosphere. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
15 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£175 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
10 Hours 
The 10 hour course is designed to help students improve their speaking and listening skills in English through a variety of interesting tasks and activities. The classes, taking place in the afternoon, focus on developing oral fluency and increasing competence and confidence in listening. Students can expect to work hard, but have fun at the same time, in a friendly, supportive classroom atmosphere. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
10 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£120 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
Ladies Only 25 Hours  
This course has the same content as the Intensive Full-time 25 hours course, but the classes are taught in female only groups.  
 
The Intensive 25 hour course is designed to help students improve all their skills in English through a variety of interesting tasks and activities. The morning classes focus on grammar and vocabulary with the chance to practise these through reading, writing, speaking and listening. In the afternoon the emphasis is on improving fluency in speaking and increasing confidence in listening. Students can expect to work hard, but have fun at the same time, in a friendly, supportive classroom atmosphere.  
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Age: 
16+ 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£250 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
Examination Courses 
Cambridge First Certificate 
First Certificate in English (Council of Europe Level B2) - upper intermediate. Accepted by many employers worldwide as indicating proficiency in English to be able to be of use in many jobs. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
Minimum 10 weeks March exam, 12 weeks June/September 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
Intermediate 
Start Dates: 
January, March or September 
Price: 
From £1900 (10 weeks) 
Course Enquiry: 
Cambridge Advanced  
Certificate in Advanced English (Council of Europe Level C1) - advanced level. Accepted by most UK universities (including the University of Plymouth) and a growing number in the USA as proof of adequate level for courses taught and assessed in English. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
Minimum 10 weeks March exam, 12 weeks June/September 
Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
Advanced 
Start Dates: 
January -March 
March - June 
September - December  
Price: 
From £1900 (10 weeks) 
 
Course Enquiry: 
Cambridge Proficiency 
Certificate of Proficiency in English (Council of Europe Level C2) - very advanced. Accepted by many institutions as indicating a level of near native speaker. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
Minimum 10 weeks March exam, 12 weeks June/September 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
Higher Advanced 
Start Dates: 
Dates on request 
Price: 
From £1900 (10 weeks) 
Course Enquiry: 
Cambridge Preparation Course 
Intensive preparation in all aspects of English for the First Certificate Exam, Advanced or Proficiency. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week + 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
Intermediate + 
Start Dates: 
On request 
Price: 
£250 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
IELTS Preparation Course 
The course is based around the requirements for the IELTS examination, but the skills and strategies covered are transferable and relevant to anyone planning to undertake academic courses in English.  
 
- note-taking  
- table completion  
- diagram labelling  
- prediction 
- scanning and skimming 
- paraphrasing 
- comparing information  
- organisation 
- coherence  
- defining 
- clarifying - speculating 
 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week + 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
15 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
Intermediate and above 
Start Dates: 
January - December 
Price: 
£170 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
English Plus TOEIC Preparation 
This course is designed to improve your general English and help you prepare for the TOEIC test. You will have lessons in the morning and afternoon. The morning classes include grammar and vocabulary and the chance to practise these through reading, writing, speaking and listening.  
 
The afternoon lessons are specifically designed to meet your needs for the exam. You may find that you are in a 1:1 class or in a small group which means that that teacher will be able to find out exactly what your needs are and help you prepare for the test.  
 
The exam fee is not included and is £85 or £95 with certificate. 
 
 
 
 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
Minimum 1 week 
Minimum Age: 
16 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
Intermediate and above 
Start Dates: 
January to December 
Price: 
£420 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
Intensive English for Business and Professionals 
Intensive English for Professionals 35 Hours 
The exact content of this course will depend on your level and needs. On your first day, your teacher will carry out a detailed needs analysis with you, in order to determine exactly what you need to study. All lessons on this course are 1:1 unless you have arranged something different in advance. It is possible for this to be run as a small group 
 
The morning and afternoon classes will be based around the results of your needs analysis. Your teacher will work with you to plan a programme that will help you improve your English and achieve the aims of your course.  
 
 
 
 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Minimum Age: 
21 years 
Tuition: 
35 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£710 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
English Plus Business 25 Hours 
The English Plus Business course is clearly divided into two parts. The morning lessons are designed to help students improve all their skills in English through a variety of interesting tasks and activities. They focus on grammar and vocabulary with the chance to practise these through speaking, listening, reading and writing.  
The afternoon classes focus on business language. You will be taught one to one or in a small group and your teacher will conduct a needs analysis to find out exactly what you need to help you improve. Students can expect to work hard, but have fun at the same time, in a friendly, supportive classroom atmosphere. 
 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Minimum Age: 
21 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£420 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
Teachers' Courses 
English Plus Teachers' Course 
The course is for teachers in the primary or secondary sector required to deliver lessons in English. A variety of teaching approaches and methodologies will be discussed and ways of looking at their practical application considered. You will also observe your subject being taught at a local primary or secondary school. By the end of the course participants should leave feeling more confident about teaching in English along with relevant language and new ideas. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 week+ 
Minimum Age: 
21 years 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Any Monday 
Price: 
£420 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
Teachers' Course 
The course is for teachers in the primary or secondary sector required to deliver lessons in English. A variety of teaching approaches and methodologies will be discussed and ways of looking at their practical application considered. You will also observe your subject being taught at a local primary or secondary school. By the end of the course participants should leave feeling more confident about teaching in English along with relevant language and new ideas. 
 
Course participants should be at level B1 of the Common European Framework (Intermediate).  
 
There may be Comenius funding available to you. 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
2 weeks 
Age: 
N/A 
Tuition: 
25 hours per week 
Maximum Class Size: 
8 students 
Levels: 
Intermediate + 
Start Dates: 
On request 
Price: 
£550 
Course Enquiry: 
Junior Courses 
Summer Course 
Our mixed nationality Sumer Vacation Course offers 12 to 16 year olds English lessons with a full social, cultural and sports programme. Students enjoy 3 hours per day of general English (mixed nationality classes), in addition to a full programme of activities, excursions and sports. All materials are included along with a file to help organise studying.  
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 - 9 weeks 
Age: 
12 - 16 years 
Tuition: 
15 +10 hours 
Maximum Class Size: 
12 students 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
Jun - Aug 
Price: 
£250 per week 
Course Enquiry: 
Private Tuition 
1:1 Lessons 
These lessons begin with a needs’ analysis. Thereafter the focus of the classes will be directed towards helping the student in the areas required. The lessons can be taken for the following reasons: 
 
• To meet a student’s particular learning style and needs 
• As supplementary lessons to speed progress  
• As individual remedial work 
• To provide flexibility a normal timetable cannot offer 
 
Course Factfile 
Length: 
1 hour + 
Age: 
12 years + 
Tuition: 
Various 
Maximum Class Size: 
N/A 
Levels: 
All levels 
Start Dates: 
January to December 
Price: 
£35 per hour 
Course Enquiry: