The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the required examination for entrance into UK, Australian and New Zealand institutes of higher education, and is increasingly becoming one of the most important English exams for adult learners. The aims of the course are to familiarise you with the specific format of the examination and to develop appropriate strategies and skills. It includes a self-study component in the afternoons. Please note, students who are not taking the exam can join the preparation course, providing they meet the entry level requirements.

We are open from 8:45am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday and from 7:45pm to 9:45pm two or three evenings per week, except on National Holidays. During opening hours, students are welcome to use all the school facilities, which include the self-study area, the social club, the internet café and bar, and the table tennis room.

EiM is open from Monday the 9th of January to Friday the 15th of December, but will be closed on the following National Holidays: the 7th and the 10th of April, the 1st and the 29th of May, the 28th of August, and from the 15th December 2023 to the 8th of January 2024. The first day back for students in 2024 is Monday the 8th of January.

On national holidays there are no classes. Students have the option of joining a teacher-led excursion (transport not included) instead of classes. Any missed individual classes will be taught on another day. When the national holiday is on a Monday, students arriving will have their induction on the Tuesday. However, the above does not apply to our Christmas Break (from the 18th of December to the 8th of January), where no trips may be offered as the Centre will be fully closed.

On arrival, students receive a Welcome Pack as part of English in Margate’s Induction programme. This contains comprehensive information about the school as well as relevant details about the local area, including transport and recreational facilities. During the Induction, students are given both a written and oral test to determine their levels, followed by a tour of the school. After a mid-morning break, during which they have the chance to meet other students, they join classes at 11:30 (in summer this will be an introductory class).

After the first afternoon lesson, there is an orientation tour of Margate and an academic induction to our self-study facilities.

One of the key features of our Academic team is the degree of hands-on support offered to students from the moment they arrive until their departure. This is an ongoing process of communication with all students, including feedback questionnaires at various points during their stay. Students are also welcome to express their opinions to their classroom teacher, particularly if they have concerns over their placement and class level. In addition, fortnightly tests and a system of 1-to-1 tutorials enable us to assess and monitor the progress of all students, ensuring appropriate classroom provision.

For students who wish to add additional elements to their learning programme, our self-study centre, open weekdays from 8:45am to 9:30am, 11am to 11:30am, most of the day from 8:45am to 5:30pm and on two or three evenings from 7:45pm to 9:45pm, offers the ideal practice opportunity, with assistance from staff available whenever necessary.

With academic progress being so closely linked to a student’s personal circumstances, we have a strong system of pastoral care in place, based on care and confidentiality. During their stay, students can be sure of finding a sympathetic and helpful member of our Welfare team who will offer the appropriate advice and guidance, with the individual’s best interests in mind.