Starting school in the UK is a big step for any student, but for international learners, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Academic English, unfamiliar classroom styles, and cultural differences can make the transition challenging - but with the right support, it can also be exciting, empowering, and successful.
At Living Learning English, we support students at every stage of their academic journey, and we advise on academic pathways – from their first English lessons to exam preparation, school interviews, and settling into life at a UK school. Find out more about your academic support journey with LLE.
Our academic preparation courses offer a calm, personalised alternative to crowded summer camps. Whether your child is starting a UK boarding school this September, preparing for GCSEs, joining a sixth-form college or accepting their place at university, our homestay tuition helps them build confidence and skills before term begins.
Why Families Are Choosing Homestay Tuition
More and more families are opting for one-to-one tuition in a homestay environment rather than large group courses. Here’s why:
Immersion in English: Students are fully immersed in an English-speaking environment, with no opportunity to fall back into using their home language.
Focused learning: Our courses are tailored to each student’s level, goals, and academic needs – nothing generic.
Individual support: Students benefit from their teacher’s full attention, allowing for faster progress and more targeted help.
Peaceful environment: Without the noise and distraction of large groups, students can settle in and truly focus.
Safe and welcoming homes: All teachers are inspected and DBS-checked, and offer full-board accommodation and a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Cultural immersion: Living with a British teacher helps students improve their communication skills and learn about life in the UK.
What Our Courses Include
Our academic preparation courses are flexible and fully personalised. Typical elements include:
- English for academic study: reading comprehension, essay writing, note-taking, and presentation skills
- Classroom communication: asking questions, giving opinions, taking part in discussions
- Exam preparation: IELTS, Cambridge, or GCSE English
- British culture and school life orientation
- Excursions and activities to build vocabulary and confidence in real-life situations
Tuition can be booked for 15, 20, 25 or 30 hours per week. Many students choose 4 - 6 weeks before term starts, but longer stays (up to 6 months) are also available.
Example Weekly Schedule (15 hours/week):
Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 12:00 - English & academic tuition
Lunch with teacher
Afternoons - Project work, homework review, cultural activities, sports
Evenings - Dinner with the teacher’s family, games, film night, local visits
Weekends - Excursions and activities
Meet Our Teachers
Marie who has been teaching with LLE for almost 10 years
All our teachers are experienced, welcoming, and committed to helping students succeed. Here's what some of them say:
"I love helping my students build confidence and independence before they start school. It's amazing to see how much they grow in just a few weeks." - Caroline
"We always have great fun together: in lessons, in experiencing our local area, and especially in cooking. I love seeing students grow in confidence as they practise English in real situations – it's one of the most rewarding parts of teaching." - Katy
Caroline has been teaching with Living Learning English since 2015. She offers a calm, structured environment for students who need time and space to grow in confidence.
Katy is based in the South-East of England and has extensive experience preparing teenagers for UK boarding schools. She balances high academic standards with an easy-going style that students really respond to. Katy's students often arrive feeling uncertain about their English, and leave confident and ready to participate in class.
Real Student Success: Hiromasa from Japan
Hiromasa enjoying a day out on his teacher Caroline’s boat
Hiromasa, from Japan, arrived in the UK in April 2022 and studied with teacher Caroline for an extended academic preparation course. His lessons focused on improving his English across all skills, as well as developing the study habits and cultural understanding needed to succeed in a UK school. Over time, he grew more confident, independent, and academically capable. His agent Sheridan shared:
"His teacher Caroline has been absolutely amazing. We are so happy with his progress, both with his English and with adapting to life in the UK."
His school was also impressed with his academic development and ability to participate fully in lessons.
Preparing for Boarding School: A Recent Student's Experience
A recent student from France joined Living Learning English for a 12-week academic course before starting her GCSEs at a UK boarding school. Her teacher designed a course around academic writing, science vocabulary, and classroom conversation skills. By the end of the course, she felt confident, well-prepared, and ready for life in a British school. Her new teachers noted that she adapted quickly and performed above expectations by the end of her first term.
How Long Can Students Study?
We offer flexible course lengths to fit your schedule, with start dates available year-round.
Many students join us over the summer for 4 - 8 weeks before term starts, while others study with us for several months to make a smooth transition. Many continue to take courses throughout the school year to support their English learning.
Visa Requirements
A visitor visa allows students to study with us for up to 6 months, which is ideal for most school or university-age learners. If your child plans to move on to full-time study in the UK, they will need to return to their home country to apply for the appropriate student visa before beginning their ongoing studies.
We recommend checking with the British Embassy in your country or a qualified in-country visa specialist for the most up-to-date guidance, as Living Learning English staff are not legally able to provide visa advice. Once your course with us is confirmed and full fees are paid, we will issue a visa invitation letter to support your application for a visitor visa to the UK.
Study Online with LLE
If travel is not possible, or if you prefer your child to begin their academic preparation from home, our one-to-one Online English Courses offer the same personalised support. Students are matched with a qualified LLE teacher and follow a bespoke programme designed around their academic goals. This is an excellent option for:
- Students preparing for boarding school or exams from abroad
- Those needing extra support during term breaks
- Families who want to try LLE before booking an in-person course
Our Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Living Learning English is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. We are proud to have been reaccredited in 2025 with strengths noted across all key areas of our service. All teachers receive safeguarding training and enhanced DBS checks, and our courses are regularly inspected and quality assured.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should we start planning?
As early as possible! Summer places fill quickly. We recommend booking 2 - 3 months ahead. Courses are available to start every week of the year.
Can my child come on a visitor visa?
Yes - for stays of up to 6 months. We provide a visa invitation letter once the full course fees are paid.
Will this help with school interviews or entrance exams?
Yes. Teachers can include practice interviews, personal statement writing support, or specific exam prep.
What age group is this suitable for?
Most students are aged 14 - 17, but we also welcome younger students preparing for UK prep schools, and young adults (18-25) starting college or university.
How are teachers chosen?
We carefully match each student with a teacher based on their academic goals, personality, and preferred location.
Will my child be lonely without other students?
Not at all. One-to-one courses allow students to build a strong relationship with their teacher. Excursions and activities provide variety and real-world interaction.
What does it cost?
- 15 hours/week: from £1495/week
- 20 hours/week: from £1720/week
- 25 hours/week: from £1945/week
- 30 hours/week: from £2170/week
Includes tuition, accommodation, all meals, and excursions. Extra fees: airport transfers, exam fees (if needed).
View All Course Fees
Our academic preparation courses give international students a real head start. With expert teaching, individual care, and a welcoming home environment, they can arrive at school confident, capable, and ready to succeed. We also continue to support students throughout their academic journey in the UK, offering follow-up tuition, academic holiday courses, and ongoing English support as needed.
Contact us today to discuss your child’s goals and find the perfect course.
Enquire Now, fill in our Booking Form, or email us at info@livingenglish.com
