Quick answer, the 9 best English schools in London are:
- Papora
- BSGS College
- EF English School
- Rose of York Language School
- The Great Lion Academy
- Time4London School
- Kaplan International Languages
- Speak Up London
- Islington Centre for English
Want to learn English in London? At Papora, we review the city’s top schools—looking at their methods, schedules, learning tools, and student feedback—to help you master the language and open up new opportunities in the UK.
The 9 best English schools in London
A good English course should offer flexibility, an up-to-date study method, and audiovisual materials to keep you focused while learning. This, combined with fun classes and native teachers, will help you achieve your goals. Let's start with the options!
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1. Papora - Online English School
We start our list with Papora, an online English school founded by native British speakers with one clear mission: to get you speaking English from your very first class.
How do they do it? With an easy-to-use platform, unique content, and fun, dynamic lessons you won’t want to miss.
You can choose between two flexible options: a self-guided course you complete at your own pace, or live lessons with teachers who adapt to your schedule.
Benefits of studying with Papora
Unlike other online schools, Papora gives you complete freedom when it comes to studying. Its lessons are divided into levels, each with content adapted to everyday life.
The live classes, meanwhile, include fun activities that will help you remember the topics longer and learn to speak the language. It's also important to note that you'll always be taught by native-level teachers so you're in touch with authentic English.
Why choose Papora?
Papora offers a certificate that allows you to demonstrate your English level in London or anywhere in the world. You can achieve up to the advanced C1 level.
Its system is very intuitive, easy to use, and has content for those who want to start speaking English from scratch or those who want to improve their speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills, all at a very affordable price.
2. BSGS College
We continue with an English school for young people and adults. Classes are offered using the "Callan Method," which is based on improving students' listening comprehension and pronunciation.
Main Features
The courses are divided into levels and last from 4 to 6 weeks. Classes focus on communication skills so students can speak confidently in any setting.
Plans and branches
- Address: 109 New Road, Whitechapel, London, E1 1HJ, United Kingdom.
- Hours: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 207 247 5757 / english@bsgs.org.uk.
- Plans: From £250 GBP/month.
Advantages and disadvantages of BSGS College
Upon admission, students can take a free test to determine their English level and start the appropriate course. However, many users point out that the classes follow a traditional methodology that doesn't motivate them to learn.
3. EF English School
This is one of the best-known English language schools thanks to its special service for students wishing to enter a London university.
Main Features
Their classes are based on group interaction to engage in activities outside of the classroom. This allows students to apply the knowledge they have learned in class.
Plans and branches
- Address: 74 Roupell St, London, SE1 8AS, United Kingdom.
- Hours: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 207 401 8399.
- Plans: Information at branch.
Advantages and disadvantages of EF English School
The school has received positive reviews for the quality of its teachers and its content. The problem is that, because it works with so many people, it's difficult to achieve personalized service tailored to each student's goals.
4. Rose of York Language School
With this school, users can learn the language from the most basic levels, learning simple English phrases, to complex grammatical structures.
Main Features
It offers classes for children, youth, and adults, with most being intensive courses lasting two or three months.
Plans and branches
- Address: 45 Oxford Street, London, W1D 2DZ, United Kingdom.
- Hours: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 207 434 0643.
- Plans: Information at branch.
Advantages and disadvantages of Rose of York Language School
This school offers specialized courses for various majors, allowing students to learn technical English. Its biggest drawback is its schedule, which doesn't offer students any flexibility.
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5. The Great Lion Academy
This English school's approach is based on offering personalized service to its students. Upon admission, students take a test to determine their English level and language goals.
Main Features
It offers courses to pass official tests, placing greater emphasis on improving pronunciation. Its facilities include study areas and reading materials.
Plans and branches
- Address: 1st Floor, Manor House, 224-236 Walworth Rd, London SE17 1JE, United Kingdom.
- Schedule: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 203 632 1236 / info@greatlionacademy.com.
- Plans: From £120 GBP/month.
Advantages and disadvantages of The Great Lion Academy
New students can book a free class to learn how the school works. However, since we work with small groups, booking a class or enrolling in a course can take a lot of time.
6. Time4London School
Here, students can prepare for official Cambridge and IELTS exams. These courses last eight weeks, with classes held every day.
Main Features
Other available options focus on improving speaking fluency. This is why they offer activities outside of the classroom to help students become more confident in conversation.
Plans and branches
- Address: 102-105 Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 7RA, United Kingdom.
- Hours: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 730 550 8923 / info@time4london.com.
- Plans: From £155 GBP/month.
Advantages and disadvantages of Time4London School
They focus on learning English grammar and offer different learning methods. It's worth mentioning that, as this is a physical school in London, a visa is required for international students, and it's not always easy to obtain one.
7. Kaplan International Languages
Kaplan is an English language school located in different countries around the world. Its course offering is quite extensive for different needs, although spaces are usually limited.
Main Features
The school promises that students will be able to improve their language skills in a short period of time. To achieve this, it offers intensive two- to three-month courses focused on a specific skill.
Plans and branches
- Address: 3-4 Southampton Pl, London, WC1A 2DA, United Kingdom.
- Hours: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 207 404 3080.
- Plans: Information in branch.
Advantages and disadvantages of Kaplan International Languages
Its facilities include audiovisual materials for studying and are quite comfortable for users. However, the school has received many complaints about its customer service and problems processing course payments.
8. Speak Up London
This option offers group courses, as well as services focused on Business English. The school claims that its course can lead to better job opportunities.
Main Features
Speak Up offers its users help finding accommodation in London, as well as organizing group activities in the city.
Plans and branches
- Address: 139 Oxford St, London W1D 2JA, United Kingdom.
- Hours: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 207 734 0444.
- Plans: Information at branch.
Advantages and disadvantages of Speak Up London
The school is centrally located, so students can arrive quickly. Its biggest drawback is that the course content is outdated and does not allow students to reach an advanced level of the language.
9. Islington Centre for English
We round out our list with a school that works with certified teachers to offer students a variety of engaging techniques and a guide to learning English quickly.
Main Features
Their method is based on group and individual classes. This way, each student receives a report on their progress and weaknesses in the language.
Plans and branches
- Address: 97 White Lion Street, Islington, London, N1 9PF, United Kingdom.
- Hours: Depending on English level.
- Contact: 207 278 5553 / enrol@letslearnenglish.org.
- Plans: Information at branch.
Advantages and disadvantages of Islington Centre for English
It allows students to download a free app so they can increase their vocabulary. It's worth mentioning that enrollment is annual, so you have to wait to start studying.
Why do we recommend studying English online with Papora?
We’ve reviewed the key features of London’s top English schools—but which one truly stands out?
Objectively, Papora is the only school that offers a complete learning experience. You’ll improve every aspect of your English while still mastering grammar along the way.
Both the course content and live classes are designed for real-life use, so everything you learn is practical and immediately useful. Our teachers know how important English is today, and they’ll guide you toward your goals faster than you think.
Make the most of your time and improve your English with Papora
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The platform gives you the freedom to learn without pressure and at your own pace, with 24-hour access. All exercises were designed by specialists to keep you entertained while you learn.
If you'd like to learn more about English language schools in the UK, you can visit our articles on Oxford and Cambridge.
Frequently asked questions about English schools in London
Each option has its own characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. Studying in person allows you to connect with other people and your teacher. However, this benefit doesn't compare to the freedom and flexibility that studying at an online school like Papora can offer.
This will depend on the course you enroll in. Some allow you to reach the advanced C2 level according to the Common European Framework, although reaching the intermediate B1 level is sufficient to communicate confidently and fluently with native speakers.
