The 17 Best English Schools in Manchester

Quick answer, the 17 best schools to learn English in Manchester are:

1. Papora
2. Britannia English Academy
3. Communicate School
4. EC English
5. Essential English Centre
6. Kaplan International Languages
7. MC Academy
8. Express English College
9. English Path
10.  New College Group
11. University Centre for Academic English
12. International House
13. EF Manchester
14. Think English
15. The Languages for Business Centre
16. UK Language Project
17.  City Football Language School

At Papora, we've compiled a list of the best English language schools in Manchester so you can choose the one that best suits your learning needs and expectations. Evaluate each of the following options and advance your career in this vast and prosperous city.

1. Papora - Online English Course

If you're looking for a reliable, 100% flexible school that offers learning guarantees, Papora is for you. It's an online platform that will help you speak English from day one thanks to its interactive educational method.

Papora is unique because it combines live classes with a self-guided course designed to help you learn in an engaging way, with fun lessons led by experienced teachers.

Benefits of studying with Papora

You’ll have the opportunity to build essential English skills and take part in a variety of activities with your tutor — helping you improve your pronunciation, enhance your reading comprehension and writing, and gain the confidence to speak fluently in English.

All of the platform's teachers are native speakers from the United States or the United Kingdom and have extensive experience teaching English as a second language. But the best part is that they adapt to your learning pace and encourage your active participation in each lesson.

Why choose Papora?

Papora classes are conducted with the help of audiovisual tools such as videos, audios, emojis, images, memes, and dialogues to ensure your correct understanding of grammatical concepts.

It's also worth mentioning that group classes are unlimited with a single monthly payment. They are taught with a maximum of six people at any time you prefer; all you need is an internet connection and the best attitude to study the language.

2. Britannia English Academy

We continue our list with a British Council-accredited school offering a wide range of courses in Manchester city center.

Key Features

It offers general English courses, exam preparation courses, conversation lessons, a Cambridge proficiency certificate, IELTS exam preparation, one-to-one tuition, and business English.

Plans and Locations

• Address: 12 Charlotte St, Manchester M1 4FL, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. / Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 923 4649 / info@britannia-school.com
• Plans: From £44 / 4 lessons per week

Advantages and disadvantages

Classes have a maximum of 10 students, so you'll learn faster. However, classes are not held on weekends for those who require this schedule.

3. Communicate School

Communicate School is an academy that emphasizes the importance of communication and encourages students to take an active role in the classroom — whether they are beginners who only know basic greetings or more advanced learners who already understand how to use “was” and “were.”

Main Features

It offers courses in general English, professional English, IELTS preparation, Cambridge Certificate, and conversational English.

Plans and Branches

• Address: Murray House, 85 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2DA, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 235 8480 / manchester@malvernplc.com
• Plans: Available at the branch

Advantages and Disadvantages

They offer a residential option to experience the learning experience with other students. However, they don't offer flexible schedules.

4. EC English

EC English has a 30-year history of educating students from all over the world in the English language using inclusive and stimulating methodologies.

Key Features

You can choose between Academic English, Business English, and General English courses, and study with people from all over the world at both its Manchester headquarters and its English language schools in Oxford.

Plans and Branches

• Address: Boulton House, 17-21 Chorlton St., Manchester M1 3HY, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 233 1000
• Plans: From £288.30/week

Advantages and Disadvantages

One of its great advantages is its modern facilities and the quality of its teaching materials. However, admission to the institution is difficult.

5. Essential English Centre

This school is also endorsed by the British Council and offers a variety of English language experiences thanks to the support of its teaching team.

Main Features

It features professional General English courses, the IELTS exam, the Cambridge B2 First exam, the Cambridge C1 Advanced exam, and its British cultural activities.

Plans and Branches

• Address: Gainsborough House, 109 Portland St, Manchester M1 6DN, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 236 2364 / contact@essentialenglishcentre.com
• Plans: From £215/1 to 11 weeks

Advantages and Disadvantages

The courses include a certificate to demonstrate your language proficiency. However, many students are not satisfied with the customer service.

6. Kaplan International Languages

This school is located in the city center's Northern Quarter, an artistic and vibrant area that seeks to encourage immersion in the language being studied.

Key Features

This school accepts closed groups for students between the ages of 12 and 17, led by mentors who help them with their studies and life in Manchester.

Plans and Branches

• Address: 6th Floor, 1 Portland St, Manchester M1 3BE, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 219 8220
• Plans: From £305/week

Advantages and Disadvantages

The school facilities range from study centers to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and interactive whiteboards. The only drawback is the high prices compared to other schools like Papora.

7. MC Academy

Opened in 2005 in central Manchester, MC Academy has since welcomed students from all over the world to help them achieve their language goals and express their emotions naturally in English.

Main Features

Courses offered include: General English, IELTS, Corporate and Business English, Vocational English, and private and group courses.

Plans and Branches

• Address: Royal Buildings, 2 Mosley St, Manchester M2 3AN, United Kingdom
• Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 236 7575 / info@themcacademy.co.uk
• Plans: From £105/week

Advantages and Disadvantages

Its advantage is the family and residential accommodation it provides, allowing students to learn about British culture. However, places are limited and enrollment is not constant.

8. Express English College

Express English College is a private language school ideal for those wishing to study English abroad in the thriving city of Manchester.

Key Features

It specializes in high-quality academic and professional English courses and IELTS preparation courses. It also teaches general English for young people and adults.

Plans and Branches

• Address: 130 Princess Rd, Manchester M16 7BY, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 232 0302 / info@expressenglishcollege.co.uk
• Plans: From £240/from 1 to 7 weeks

Advantages and Disadvantages

They organize trips, visits, and social events on weekends, which are included in the course price. However, they continue to use traditional teaching methods and few audiovisual tools.

9. English Path

English Path is a school with specialists in English language teaching. Its courses are available in many cities to meet the needs of its users.

Main Features

It offers English classes for professionals, exam preparation, general corporate English courses, courses for teachers, and intensive and semi-intensive courses for young people and adults.

Plans and Branches

• Address: Universal Square, Devonshire St N, Manchester M12 6JH, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
• Contact: +44 759 841 4651
• Plans: Available at the branch

Advantages and Disadvantages

They offer a very comprehensive academic offering and are highly regarded because they are part of the Global Education Group. However, they do not allow you to make up missed classes if you have to miss them.

10. New College Group

This institution, with schools across the UK, has been offering English courses to university students for over ten years.

Main Features

At this school dedicated to providing general English courses for young people and adults, as well as skills classes, you'll have the opportunity to explore the English language in context and make lots of friends.

Plans and Branches

• Address: 9 Portland St, Manchester M1 3BE, United Kingdom
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Contact: +44 161 233 4290 / info@newcollegegroup.com
• Plans: From £250/week

Advantages and Disadvantages

Their staff is always available to kindly guide you throughout your stay at the school. However, as it is an in-person academy, you will always have to travel to the physical location, which is not the case with online platforms.

Other English schools you might want to consider

Now we want to briefly tell you about other schools you might want to consider if you want to explore more options for learning English in Manchester.

Why do we recommend studying English online at Papora?

All Papora content was created by teachers who fully understand why learning English is so important, so the lessons are tailored to be practical and allow you to incorporate the language into your daily life.

With Papora, you learn to think in English, either through live classes with native-level teachers or through a self-guided course available 24/7. Either way, you'll work on all areas of the language simultaneously and see results in no time.

Upon completing each course level, you'll receive an official certificate to demonstrate your English proficiency and attach to your CV or LinkedIn.

Frequently asked questions about English courses in Manchester