English School London | English Schools London | English language Schools London with Kingstreet

Frequently Asked Questions

This is not a comprehensive index of all school information. Instead it is a guide to the most frequently asked questions. If you do not find the answer to your question please contact us and we will do our best to help.

King Street College has a Welfare Officer who can offer you advice and assistance at all times of day. If you have an important question which you want to discuss in private you can make an appointment with the Welfare Officer. If the question is academic you can speak to the Director of Studies. The office staff can also provide information on most subjects.

The guide below is arranged into six sections. Each section has ‘key’ words listed alphabetically and then questions related to those words. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please e-mail us and we will try to help.

[Academic] [Work] [Visas] [Accommodation] [Welfare] [Entertainment] [Other questions]

Academic

When shall I come to school and what will happen on the first day of my course?

On your first day we need to meet you and assess your level.

If you have taken the on-line grammar test we will know your grammar level, but we would also like to speak to you for a few minutes to check your spoken English.
If you haven't taken the grammar test you will do this on your first day.

We also ask that non-EU students bring their passport, a photocopy of their passport and a passport size photo for our records. It is essential we check your visa status on the first day of the course.

Please come to our SHEPHERDS BUSH GREEN school at the correct time:

if you have a short (1-6 weeks) morning course please come at 8.00 to start your course on Monday
if you have a short (1-6 weeks) midday course please come at 11.00 to start your course on Monday
if you have a short (1-6 weeks) afternoon course please come at 2.00 to start your course on Monday
if you have a long course (9-52 weeks) please come between 3.00 and 5.30 to start your course on Tuesday

(If you are already in London you can of course complete the enrolment procedure the week before your course starts)

Do I have to attend every lesson?

Yes. We want you and the other students in the class to have an uninterrupted programme and therefore expect all students to attend on time and participate in the class. For non-EU students, attendance is compulsory as it is a legal requirement of student visa status. (See visas below)

The UK Border Agency require proof that a student has attended at least 80% of his/her course.

Do I need to buy a course book?

Yes. We use modern and well structured course books so it is important for your study to have your own copy of the course book. We also recommend students buy the workbook for practice and homework. Students should also consider buying a good grammar reference book and dictionary. All books are on sale in the school. Course book costs £22.

What happens if I want to change class?

If you want to change level before the end of term, you should first speak with your teacher who will direct you to the Director of Studies for advice. If you are in the wrong level you will, of course, be moved to the correct level.

If you want to change your class time, or change site, you can do so providing we have space in the class. Please ask in the office.

What time of day will I study?

Full-time (GE15) classes are offered three times day; morning 8:30am-11:30am; mid-day 11:50am-2:50pm and afternoon 3:00pm-6:00pm. Please choose when you book your course.

How big are the classes?

The maximum number of students in each class (depending on the size of the class room) is 20. The average number of students per class is, however, 16. Small group options (conversation classes) have a strict maximum of 7 students.

What is the most popular course?

General English 15 hours per week (GE15)

Can I take any examinations?

Yes. We have internal exams at the end of each term and progress tests during the term. At the end of your course (two weeks or longer) you get a KING STREET COLLEGE diploma.

We also prepare students for internationally recognised exams:- Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and IELTS (for entry to UK Universities). Students studying Business English can take the Cambridge Business English certificates at upper intermediate and advanced level (BEC2) and (BEC3). For more information about taking exams at King Street College see our IELTS Test and Cambridge Examinations page.

Do I have to attend during school exam weeks?

Yes. In order to monitor our students' progress we conduct mid-term and end-term progress tests. The administration of the tests takes 2-4 days of a week. No refund or postponement can be given if your course falls in one of these weeks. Please check our web site or contact the office for the dates of the test weeks.

When can I take the external exams?

Cambridge First Certificate and Advanced are held in March, June and December, the Proficiency exam can be taken twice a year in June and December.

IELTS is held most Saturdays.

How long will I need to study before taking an external exam?

It depends on your level at point of entry. As a general rule, an intermediate level student can be expected to pass First Certificate after one year or less. We recommend a minimum pre-exam course of 3 months. Our Director of Studies/Academic Adviser can advise you on the best course of study for your level, needs and learning speed.

How do you test my progress?

We have internal progress tests in the middle and at the end of each term. These exams should show that the students are making progress and are ready to pass to the next level. They normally take 1-2 days of class time. We test student's grammar, listening, writing and oral skills.

Are the exam fees included in course fees?

Internal exams - YES. External exams - NO.

Do I have to pay extra for exam classes?

No. You will receive full preparation for exams in general English classes.

Do you have a language laboratory?

No, unfortunately not. We recommend that students who need extra support for their oral skills take our Conversation Class options.

Do you use video in the classroom?

Yes. Class time is given to viewing appropriate language and feature film videos.

Do students get homework?

Lower level students receive 15-30 minutes homework every day. At exam levels students get more demanding homework three times a week.

All homework is marked. We place great emphasis on grammar exercises for homework because we want class time to be free for communicative work.

How many levels are there?

We teach seven levels: Level A: beginners, Level B: pre-intermediate, Level C: intermediate, Level D: upper-intermediate, Level E: Cambridge First Certificate, Level P1: Cambridge Advanced, Level P2: Cambridge Proficiency

How many nationalities are there in the school?

We have students from over 40 countries. You will probably meet other students from your country but the common language in the classroom is always English.

Do you offer private lessons?

You can book private lessons (one to one classes) either in combination with a general English course or by themselves. The advantage of private classes is that the lesson content can be negotiated to concentrate on your particular requirements and the language and skills you need.

Which subjects do you teach?

English as a Foreign Language.
French, Italian and Spanish courses
"Voice Training" courses for people who would like to improve their accent.

Are your teachers qualified?

Yes. We only employ teachers who hold professional qualifications as EFL teachers (University degree + Royal Society of Arts CELTA or DELTA or equivalent).

[Academic] [Work] [Visas] [Accommodation] [Welfare] [Entertainment] [Other questions]

Work

Can I work while I am studying?

All EU nationals are allowed to work. Non EU students will normally receive 'leave to enter' the UK as a student for the duration of their course. Most of these visas allow students to work up to 10 hours a week. Non EU students with a student visitor's visa are not allowed to work.

Can you help me to find a suitable part-time job?

We can advise students on how and where to look for a part-time job. We are regularly notified by local employers about vacancies and these are posted on our notice boards.

Do I need a National Insurance Number?

You will need to apply for a National Insurance Number but you do not need to have received your National Insurance Number before you can start work. You will need to provide the Benefits Agency (National Insurance Contribution Section) with two form of identity (for example: passport, bank statement) and details of when you received a job offer or started work.

Click here to see the UK government's leaflet about international students working in the UK.

[Academic] [Work] [Visas] [Accommodation] [Welfare] [Entertainment] [Other questions]

Visas

Do I need a visa?

If you are a member of the European Union (EU) - NO.
If you are outside the European Union - YES.
For some nationalities (called ‘non-visa nationals'), it is possible to either get a Student Visitor Visa (SVV) at the point of entry to the UK (Heathrow / Dover etc.) or to apply for a General Student Visa (GSV) in your own country in advance of your departure.
If you are from a visa national country you will need to apply for either of these visas in your country. See below for a list of visa and non-visa national countries.
For more information on visas please see our Visa Application information.

Can you help me apply for a visa?

Of course. When you enrol at the school, we will send you a Visa Letter to confirm that you are registered as a full-time student of English at King Street College. The Visa Letter shows: the total course fees, what you have paid and, if applicable, what your balance is; whether accommodation has been booked; the type of course booked and its duration including holiday. If you are applying for a GSV we will also put both your level of English and the evidence we have used to assess your level. We must receive from you with your application documentary evidence that you have studied English.

Can King Street College guarantee that I will receive a visa?

No. Permission to enter this country is issued by the British Embassy abroad, the UK Border Agency or Immigration authorities in the United Kingdom. We cannot influence their decision in any way.

Why would the British embassy refuse to give me a visa?

The embassy / immigration authorities may refuse a SVV if they think:

you will not return home at the end of your course
you do not have sufficient money to live in the UK for the length of your course
your real objective is to work in the UK
learning English will not benefit your future career

The embassy / immigration authorities may refuse a GSV if:

they believe your evidence of level to be fraudulent
they check your level of English and believe you to be a beginner
you do not have sufficient funds in your bank account

Visa extension

How long can I stay in the UK on my student visa?

At the moment it is possible to have 'leave to remain' in the UK on English language courses for a maximum of 3 years.

How can I extend my visa?

King Street College will help you with your application. Visas will only be extended if a student has attended classes regularly, made adequate progress, passed external exams and can continue to demonstrate a means of financial support.

Please visit the UK Border Agency web site for more details.

[Academic] [Work] [Visas] [Accommodation] [Welfare] [Entertainment] [Other questions]

Accommodation

What type of accommodation can you provide?

We can arrange a host family for you. Email us on accommodation@kingstreet.co.uk well before your arrival to enable us to make the most suitable accommodation arrangement for you.

Booking accommodation in advance

If you need a visa, please try and book at least six weeks prior to arrival so that we have time to send certificates and for you to arrange your visa. We do not release the address of the accommodation until you have confirmed that you are been granted a visa. Please do not forget to tell us when your visa has been confirmed by the embassy and when you plan to arrive. If you do not need a visa, we can arrange accommodation at shorter notice.

Host Family Accommodation

Can I visit the host family homes before I stay with them?

Unfortunately, no. However, our families are inspected regularly by the Accommodation Officer.

Where are the host families?

Most of our accommodation is in west London in residential areas like Ealing, Acton and Chiswick.

What happens if I do not like my accommodation?

We will do our best to resolve any problems you may have. In our experience it is usually because there is a minor misunderstanding that can be easily solved. However, if the problem cannot be solved, we will move you to a different accommodation within 48 hours. For all other reasons we must have two weeks' notice to change your accommodation. We regret that accommodation, once booked, cannot be cancelled or refunded.

What can I expect from my accommodation?

We only contract friendly hosts with clean, tidy homes in safe, residential areas. The maximum distance from the school by public transport is 50 minutes in the budget category and 40 minutes in the standard category. A 'family' may mean single people or a couple with or without children. A minority of hosts are not native speakers - but they all speak English well. Smoking is not usually permitted in any home. Hosts may have specific house rules (for example, students are not given a house key). King Street College asks that students respect these rules. Students of the same nationality are not usually placed in the same family. Many British families have either a cat or a dog. If you do not like pets you must tell us. British homes usually only have one bathroom, so students will normally have to share with the family. All families supply bed linen and, if you are using the kitchen, cooking equipment. Washing clothes: some families will allow students to use the family washing machine for a small cost, others will recommend a local laundrette.

Welfare

Who can help me if I have a personal problem?

King Street College employs a Welfare officer who is responsible for helping students with any problem which may arise in London. If necessary we can put you in touch with professional bodies who may be able to help. There is a Welfare A-Z for students to refer to in the school which will give you all the information you need regarding life in London.

Can I open a Bank account?

It is currently very difficult to open a UK bank account unless you can provide the correct documents confirming your address in London.

Can I drive a car?

Yes, if you have an international licence you can drive in the UK for one year. If you plan to stay longer in the UK you will need to apply for a UK licence after one year.

What about parking?

Parking is very difficult in London. Most parking is for residents only. If you bring your car you will have to pay to park at a meter or in a public car park.

Does the College have a car park?

Unfortunately we do not have parking spaces for students.

Emergencies

All emergency medical treatment is free, regardless of visa status.

Is non-emergency medical treatment free?

The NHS (National Health Service) offers free treatment to:

EU nationals
Students from certain countries with a reciprocal agreement with the UK
Students with a student visa of six months or longer
Students with a student student visitor's visa, who have been resident in the UK for at least a year

Students with a visa for less than six months, who do not come from the EU or a country with a reciprocal agreement should take out personal insurance to cover the cost of medical treatment in the case of illness.

Can I get dental care?

You can get National Health Service dental care if you are registered with a doctor, but you will still have to pay for the treatment. It is less than at a private practice.

Can I practice my religion?

London is a multi-faith city. All religions are represented here. We can give students a list of places to worship.

Travel

How can I travel around London?

London is divided into zones. The centre is in zone 1; King Street College is in zone 2. Much of our Host Family accommodation is in zone 3. Public transport is excellent and often runs late and sometimes 24 hours a day. The school is very close to three underground (tube) stations. We suggest you buy a travel card which allows unlimited use of buses, the underground and trains in the relevant zones.

Students who are enrolled on a full-time course for 14 weeks or more can apply for a London Transport Student Photocard. This card costs £5.00 and gives you a discount of 30% on weekly, monthly or yearly travelcards. Application forms are available in the school office.

[Academic] [Work] [Visas] [Accommodation] [Welfare] [Entertainment] [Other questions]

Entertainment / Social Programme

Do you have a social programme?

Yes. King Street College organises a social programme with one or two activities each week. The social programme for each month is advertised in the classes and posted on the notice board. There are also several magazines available in London giving information on everything that is happening in the capital. Some are free. One of the most popular is Time Out.

What about discounts?

Students enrolled on a full-time course for 6 months or more can apply for an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). It costs £7.00. Application forms are available in the office.

If you have an International Student card you can get discounts on some services by up to 50%.

There are other ways of seeing London with limited funds. Some restaurants offer “all you can eat” for £5.00; cinemas have cheap afternoon shows and many museums or historic places are free.

[Academic] [Work] [Visas] [Accommodation] [Welfare] [Entertainment] [Other questions]

English School London | English Schools London | English language Schools London with Kingstreet

Frequently Asked Questions

Academic

Work

Visas

Visa extension

Accommodation

Booking accommodation in advance

Host Family Accommodation

Welfare

Emergencies

Travel

Entertainment / Social Programme

Other Common Questions

Holidays

Money

Inoculation and vaccination

Insurance

Safety

Weather