1. LSI London
About the school. LSI London is in the West End. It started in 1965 and offers many courses, from general English to special classes for pilots, lawyers, and doctors.
Why this school is special. You can get extra help with grammar or find a job through their special clubs. Real teachers lead all the fun trips, and lessons last 50 minutes so you get plenty of time to talk.
Who this school is for. People who need English for work or want to study for exams in the middle of London.
My classes were fun and had a lot of variety, and our teacher even showed us local music and food. The office staff were very friendly, and the social trips helped me make friends from all over the world. The active lessons helped me feel confident enough to speak English in real life from my very first day.
2. TopUp Learning London (Tti School of English)
About the school. This small, friendly school opened in Camden Town in 1998 to teach English in a warm setting.
Why this school is special. It is a cosy, independent school instead of a big chain. You can learn about British culture and art while enjoying free snacks and tea all day.
Who this school is for. Adults who want a friendly school with flexible morning or afternoon classes.
I spent three months here and loved the cosy feel, especially the free tea and crisps in the lounge. My English improved so much during my time here, and the friendly lessons really helped build my confidence. It feels like a big family where you can easily make friends from all over the world.
3. Language Trainers UK
About the school. This school has offered private lessons with native speakers since 2004.
Why this school is special. They build a custom plan for your goals, like English for business or daily life. You can study online or in person, record your lessons, and change times easily.
Who this school is for. Busy people and families who need flexible lessons that fit their schedules.
My family made great progress with their English, and the lessons really helped build my son's confidence for school. My first teacher was not the best fit for me, but the team quickly found me a new tutor who was wonderful. The support team is very quick to reply and they make the whole learning process smooth and stress-free.
4. Stafford House London
About the school. This school is in Bloomsbury, a famous area for learning, and has been open since 1952.
Why this school is special. You can switch classes for free with their special package. They also offer business certificates in marketing and project management. They even teach you how to use Bloomberg, which is a famous financial tool.
Who this school is for. People who want to work in business or become teachers.
The business classes were incredibly practical and gave me the confidence to speak in real-world situations while settling into the UK. From the moment I arrived, the team made me feel welcome, and the daily social activities were perfect for practising my speaking. The teacher training course was highly rewarding, but the heavy workload felt quite overwhelming at times.
5. The London School of English
About the school. This school started in 1912. It teaches high-quality English to adults and business professionals.
Why this school is special. It is a top-rated school that mixes business and law classes with a restaurant that serves fresh three-course lunches every day.
Who this school is for. Adults who want fast, daily classes in a supportive place.
My teacher was fantastic at explaining hard grammar simply, and the supportive atmosphere meant I was never afraid to make mistakes. The staff even helped me find a place to live when I was struggling, which showed how much they truly care about their students. I really enjoyed the structured social programme and the delicious, high-quality lunches provided by the school every day.
6. Speak Up London
About the school. This school is on Oxford Street and has been teaching English since 2015.
Why this school is special. The British Council, which checks school quality, approves of this school. It has a great central location and helps you get a student visa. You will use excellent textbooks and go on fun trips around the city to practice speaking.
Who this school is for. Students who want flexible classes in central London and lots of social trips.
The staff and teachers are incredibly patient and kind, and they made me feel welcome from my very first day. The lessons are highly organised and professional, and the social activities after class are a great way to meet people. It was a real pleasure coming here every morning because the school is in a perfect location and the team is so supportive.
7. UK College of English Liverpool Street
About the school. This school started in 2004 near Liverpool Street. It teaches general English and helps you prepare for exams.
Why this school is special. The school has a large campus with modern study pods and a ping-pong table. You can also join weekly trips with a teacher to explore London.
Who this school is for. Students and workers who need flexible morning, afternoon, or evening classes.
My teachers were so patient and kind, and the lessons helped me make great progress with my English. I loved the social events because they helped me practise speaking, make friends, and see London.
8. International House London
About the school. This famous school and charity started in 1953.
Why this school is special. They created the famous CELTA course in 1962, which is a special certificate for English teachers. The school has a huge nine-floor building with fifty-three classrooms, a library, and a café.
Who this school is for. People who want flexible classes on weekdays or Saturdays to practice speaking.
The teachers are incredibly patient and professional, and every single day of my course felt valuable. I had a great experience taking my exam here because the staff were friendly and the instructions were very clear. The exam day felt a bit disorganised because the staff were strict and the lift was not working.
9. Islington Centre for English
About the school. This small school in central London started in 2005. It offers good classes that do not cost too much money.
Why this school is special. You can practice your English by volunteering at local shops or city farms. The school feels like a family, and classes have a limit of fifteen students.
Who this school is for. Students who want cheap, useful courses with flexible schedules.
My two weeks here were wonderful because the staff were incredibly attentive and I made memories that will last a lifetime. The teachers are so passionate and they make the lessons highly practical and engaging. I felt very uncomfortable after a worrying incident with a teacher outside of class.
10. EF International Language Campus
About the school. This school started in 1965 near Waterloo station. It offers full-time English courses for students of all ages.
Why this school is special. They use a special method that mixes normal lessons with computer tools. You can also take classes about British culture and business. They even promise you will move up one level every six weeks.
Who this school is for. Anyone who wants a structured, full-time program in the middle of London.
The teachers are incredibly patient and funny, which makes the classes feel very welcoming and helps you make fast progress. I loved studying in such a beautiful building right in the middle of the city, and the international community made it easy to make friends. The lessons and staff are wonderful, but some of the weekend trips felt a bit unorganised and the school lacks a microwave for students.
How HearSay works with language schools
A good class teaches you a lot. But it is hard to find time to practice speaking before your next class. That is where HearSay helps.
- We match our practice to your school lessons. This means you practice what you just learned in class, not random things.
- You can practice speaking hands-free while you travel or cook.
- These short daily sessions fit easily into the gaps between your classes.
Are you an English teacher? Join the HearSay teacher community.
Do you run a school? Learn how to partner with us.
If you cannot move to the UK or do not have time for daily classes, you can still build your confidence. Skip the travel and start with HearSay to practice speaking English on WhatsApp whenever you have ten minutes.