English For Life

• become more fluent

• increase your vocabulary

• improve your pronunciation

• speak English with confidence

English Language Classes

This is a general course, but not a traditional English language class – it allows you to activate your language skills, to use them in everyday situations and to grow in confidence.

On our English For Life course you will learn how to speak, listen, read, and write in English. Build your grammar and vocabulary and develop your English speaking skills in small groups. Our experienced teachers will guide you through the course, giving you the attention and support you need. These standards of teaching and our personal approach mean we can guarantee your progress, giving you the skills you need to use English every day.

english language classes
english speaking course

An ideal course for students looking to develop their everyday English language skills

This course is tailored to help international students develop their English reading, writing, listening and speaking. Levels range from basic to advanced, so whatever your current level, we have the right course for you. Become one of the thousands of students who finishes this course every year fluent and confident using English every day.

Course information

Age: 17+
Level: from elementary to advanced CEF A1 to CEF C1
Length: two weeks to 12 months+
Class size: maximum 12 students
Lessons: 21 English plus 3 guided self-study per week (19.25 hours plus 2.75 hours)

Course structure

Classes in the mornings focus on developing greater accuracy and greater fluency in the use of English. Lessons incorporate the four skills — reading, writing, listening and speaking — as well as the building-blocks of the language — grammar and vocabulary.

Classes in the afternoons are based on student choice. A wide range of options is available each week and popular examples include:

  • Speaking, Listening and Pronunciation
  • Grammar, Vocabulary and Collocation
  • English “out and about” in Oxford
  • English for Business and Work
  • Popular Music and Film
Sample Timetable

English for Life

Monday to Friday

09.00-11.00 Focus on Accuracy
Break
11.30-12.30 Focus on Fluency
Lunch
Tuesday to Thursday 13.15-15.15 Subject choices
15.15-16.15 Open Learning Club (optional)

Why not use our Fees calculator

Become more fluent and confident in English for everyday use

The benefits of this course include:

  • increased overall confidence in the use of English
  • a wider range of vocabulary
  • greater accuracy in grammar
  • better pronunciation and greater fluency in speaking

Course Dates and Fees


Students can choose to learn English at all levels at St Clare’s. We offer short and long courses with regular start dates throughout the year, including the summer. Many students extend their studies or progress on to other courses, such as English plus Academic Subjects, or the University Foundation Course.

From September to May, English Language course students live and socialise alongside native English speakers from American universities. Plan your studies and choose a date and a course to suit you.

Courses start on Sundays

2018
7 January 4 February 4 March
8 April 6 May 27 May
17 June 24 June 8 July
22 July 29 July 5 August
19 August

Price September 2017- August 2018

21 lessons per week 2-5
weeks
6-11
weeks
12-17
weeks
18-23
weeks
24-35
weeks
36+
weeks
£407 £397 £387 £377 £367 £357
One-to-One lessons
10 private lessons per week £570
15 private lessons per week £855
25 private lessons per week £1425

Book for more than five weeks and pay less!

Minimum stay is two weeks
One lesson = 55 minutes

Price September 2018- August 2019

21 lessons per week 2-5
weeks
6-11
weeks
12-17
weeks
18-23
weeks
24-35
weeks
36+
weeks
£419 £409 £399 £389 £379 £369
10 private lessons per week £570
15 private lessons per week £855
25 private lessons per week £1425

Minimum stay is two weeks
One lesson = 55 minutes

Try our Fees calculator to see how much the course will cost

Accommodation options
Self catering — per week
Twin Standard £238
Twin Superior £289
Single Standard £307
Single Superior £376
Homestay — per week
(includes breakfast and dinner every day)
Single Standard – with shared bathroom £238
Single Superior – with private bathroom £314
Add Meals
Lunch — Monday to Friday £44 per week

Try our Fees Calculator to see how much the course will cost

Optional extras

Personal Language Training
Students can add one-to-one English language lessons to their language classes. Lessons last 55 minutes and are charged at £57 per lesson.

Examination fees
Fees for the following examinations are currently between approximately
£150 -£210.

IELTS

Cambridge examinations
B2 First (FCE)
C1 Advanced (CAE)
C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Other examinations
TOEIC
TOEFL

Optional college weekend trips / theatre visits / excursions, etc.
Day excursions at weekends — free to £40
Theatre tickets and transport — £25 to £45
Weekend trip with overnight stay (two nights) — £70 to £300
Additional sports and other activities — £10 to £15 per week

Other costs
Stationery/book purchase (loan of books is included in fees)
General spending money — allow a minimum of £80 per week
Bus travel: single trip from £2.00; 1 week £14.50; 4 week 49.00
St Clare’s sweatshirt £20

Please note: Prices are approximate please contact us at ic.enquiries@stclares.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Contact the Department

Please do contact us with any questions you may have about the course, the accommodation, the college and what it is like to be a student here. We will help you to make your choice and apply for the course.
Louis Jobin
Client Relations Coordinator
Tel: +44 1865 517184
louis.jobin@stclares.ac.uk
Manuela Williams
Admissions Registrar
+44 1865 517706
manuela.williams@stclares.ac.uk
Bardwell Road Campus
18 Bardwell Road

Oxford OX2 6SP

Office hours: Monday – Friday 0900-1700 GMT

Student profile: Lourdes from Spain

Student profiles is a blog feature designed to celebrate our international student body and their achievements. We are very proud of all our students, and love to share their success stories with anyone who will listen! Lourdes joined our English for Life...

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On Wednesday, the Fantasy Literature and Oxford course took a two-hour guided tour of The Kilns, CS Lewis' home in Headington. The students, having read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, as well as biographical pieces about Lewis and his role as a member of the...

Balancing a Marketing Internship while studying in Oxford

Janek Bielski is currently studying at The International College as well as working as an intern for Paul Sinclair. He has been at St Clare’s since September and he is due to return to his home institution University of San Diego in January. On the 1 December 2017, he...

Become more fluent and confident using English every day

This is a great way to enjoy learning English and live in beautiful Oxford.

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St Clare's, Oxford