The English Language Centre Bristol
Study at the No. 1 English school in the UK. Join ELC Bristol in the beautiful Clifton area for premium courses and academic excellence.
Information
Learn at the number one English language school in the UK
Are you looking for the highest-rated English school in Bristol? ELC Bristol (The English Language Centre) was established in 1969. It is a family-run academy and is currently the number one-rated school in the UK. This ranking is based on the official British Council inspectors’ reports.
Choosing to study English in Bristol with us gives you access to a Centre of Excellence. We provide high-quality English courses in Bristol for all levels except beginners. Our school is located in the beautiful Clifton area, right next to the University of Bristol.
Our language school is a proud member of Quality English and IALC. You can learn English in the UK while staying in excellent housing options located near the campus. Most students find that they do not need to use public transit, as everything is within walking distance.
We are a premier English language school in Bristol that prioritises a great nationality mix. Our skilled and caring teachers are dedicated to your academic and personal progress. We offer a supportive environment that has been helping students succeed for over 50 years.
Your time here includes more than just academic work; we offer a very active social programme. You will practice your skills during harbour cruises, street art tours, or trips to the BBC studios. Join an academy organised to provide a full immersion into the British university lifestyle.
Why ELC Bristol is the top academy to study English in the UK
- Number 1 ranking: study at the school officially rated as the best in the UK by inspectors.
- Family tradition: enjoy the care of a family-operated institution established in 1969.
- Prime location: live in Clifton, the most prestigious district, adjacent to the University.
- Academic variety: find courses for all levels, including Proficiency, throughout the year.
- Diverse community: benefit from an excellent nationality mix in every single classroom.
- Quality housing: Stay in homestays or residences situated conveniently near the school buildings.
Best English school in Bristol: social activities at our English school in Bristol
- Afternoon clubs: join our Conversation Club every Wednesday or the Job Club for career advice.
- Local culture: enjoy a BBC studio tour, a harbour cruise, or a cream tea with classmates.
- Sports and fun: participate in weekly football matches, American pool, or bowling nights.
- Evening events: experience free jazz evenings, theatre visits, and professional rugby or football matches.
- Street art: discover Banksy's works on our famous street art walking tours.
- Weekend trips: join organised excursions to London, Oxford, Cardiff, and Stonehenge.
FAQs: Living and studying in Bristol
Is ELC Bristol really the best school in the country?
Reputation: Yes, we are the number 1 rated school in the UK according to British Council inspection reports.
Do I need to use the bus to get to the school?
Location: Usually no, most students live within walking distance of our buildings in the Clifton area.
Does the academy accept absolute beginners?
Programmes: No, we do not have beginner classes, but we offer all other levels year-round.
What kind of housing does the school provide?
Accommodation: We offer high-quality homestays and two student residences located near the campus.
Are there activities for students interested in careers?
Support: Yes, we host a Job Club every six weeks to support students' professional development.
Location
Facilities
Library
Student Lounge
Free Wifi
Computer Room
Interactive White Board
Multimedia Learning Centre
Terrace
Garden
Summary
| Total students capacity | 200 |
|---|---|
| Number of classrooms | 19 |
| Age minimum | 16 |
| Accreditations | British CouncilEnglish UKIALCQuality EnglishTEN The English Network |
| Last day for 2027 bookings with 2026 prices | 31/Oct |
Year 2026
| Holidays (school) | 21/Dic → 03 → 01 |
|---|---|
| Holidays (country) | 01/Jan, 03/Apr, 04/May, 25/May, 31/Aug, 25/Dic, 26/Dic, 28/Dic |
| High season period courses | 22/Jun → 11/Sep |
Statistics on ages
Low Season
| Students total average | 160 |
|---|---|
| Students per classroom maximum | 14 |
| Students per classroom average | 10 |
High Season
| Students total average | 320 |
|---|---|
| Students per classroom maximum | 14 |
| Students per classroom average | 10 |
Statistics on nationalities
Low Season
| Total nationalities | 35 |
|---|
High Season
| Total nationalities | 40 |
|---|
Images
Prices
Year 2026
| GBP | ||
| Enrolment fee | 60£ | ≈ 0 |
| Placement fee | 60£ | ≈ 0 |
| Material course total | 60£ | ≈ 0 |
Accommodation
Homestay accommodation in Bristol
Host family accommodation in Bristol, live the experience of full immersion living with a British host family in Bristol
Student Houses and Flats in Bristol
Student accommodation in Bristol at 5 minutes walk from the school
Unite House Residence
University summer residence in Bristol for students over 18 years old and a 27-minute walk from the school
Residence Unite Students
Young adults summer residence in Bristol for 16-17 years old students with game & cinema rooms 16-minute by public transport from the English school
Courses
| # | Language | Course | Weeks | Lessons Week | Age Minimum | Profiles | Levels | Related Exams | Price Week from (GBP) | Price Week from () |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EN | General English Course 28 lessonsThe most popular general English course intensive 28 lessons per week in Bristol, England {999} | 1-50 | 28 | 16 | Adults 18+General English | A2B1B2C1C2 | 320£ | ≈ 0 | |
| 2 | EN | Full-time Cambridge FCE Course 28 lessonsCambridge B2 preparation course full time 28 lessons per week in Bristol, England {1001} | 10, 13, 14 | 28 | 16 | Adults 18+Cambridge FCE | B2C1C2 | 345£ | ≈ 0 | |
| 3 | EN | Full-time Cambridge CAE Course 28 lessonsCambridge C1 preparation course full time 28 lessons per week in Bristol, England, United Kingdom {1002} | 10, 12, 14 | 28 | 16 | Adults 18+Cambridge CAE | C1C2 | 345£ | ≈ 0 | |
| 4 | EN | Full-time Cambridge CPE Course 28 lessonsCambridge C2 preparation course full time 28 lessons per week in Bristol, England {1003} | 9, 13 | 28 | 16 | Adults 18+Cambridge CPE | C2 | 345£ | ≈ 0 | |
| 5 | EN | Full-time IELTS Course 28 lessonsAcademic IELTS preparation course full-time 28 lessons per week in Bristol, England {1000} | 4-50 | 28 | 18 | Adults 18+Cambridge IELTS | B2C1C2 | 320£ | ≈ 0 |