English schools
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
The Essential English Centre is the only quality English member school in Manchester. This means we are part of an internationally -recognised group of very high quality schools.
We are boutique, so you will receive a warm welcome, and personal attention in all areas throughout your stay with us.
Our nationalities are mixed, and so you will have lots of opportunity to practise English during your stay. Classrooms are bright and spacious, with large and comfortable relaxation areas during breaks.
Price starting from
£380
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
Academic Programs
We offer full-time and intensive courses in General English, plus specialised intensive courses which combine General English with IELTS, OET and Cambridge Preparation, as well as Business English. Our Academic Year Programme is normally for those preparing to go to university, and we have a YMS visa programme specific to those wishing to work in the UK after their English course with us.
- General English 15 Hours/20 Lessons
- General English 22.5 hours / 30 Lessons
- General English + IELTS Exam 22.5 hours/30 Lessons
- General English + Cambridge Exam 22.5 Hours/30 Lessons
- General English + Business English 22.5 Hours/30 Lessons
- General English + OET Exam 22.5 Hours/30 Lessons
- Cambridge Intensive 22.5 Hours/20 Lesson
- Academic Year Programme •YMS Visa Programme
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
School features
Accepts Beginners
Perfect for first-time learners. No previous English knowledge is required, and classes start with the basics before progressing steadily to everyday communication.
IELTS Preparation
Specialist training for the Academic or General IELTS exam. Courses focus on helping students achieve a competitive score.
Cambridge Preparation
Targeted preparation for Cambridge English exams with structured training and goal oriented lessons.
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
Our Courses
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
General English Full Time
This is a full time course and will allow you to improve your overall English skills. As well as a strong focus on speaking, listening and communication, you will also develop your reading, writing and grammar skills.
Course length
2 weeks to 11 months (duration of a Short Term Study Visa)
Available starts
Every Monday (except for bank holidays and Christmas closure)
Schedule (weekdays)
Morning class: 09:30 - 12:45
Course hours per week: 15
School intensity
Medium-high intensity
Balanced courses with steady progress and time for cultural activities.
Other features
English Test prep elective classes
This school offers elective classes focused on English test preparation designed to help students build confidence and improve exam scores.
Higher education prep elective class
This school offers elective classes to help students get ready for further study. These classes are designed to build academic skills and confidence for success in higher education.
Business classes
This school offers elective classes in business English. Students learn workplace vocabulary, communication strategies, and practical skills for professional environments.
Weekly course
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
24 weeks
Costs
Total course costs
Not included: coursebook, registration fee, student insurance, accommodation and associated fees, airport transfer.
The school offers programmes at 5 levels, in conjunction with the CEFR (Common European Framework of References for Languages).
Levels offered are: A1 (Elementary), A2 (Pre-Intermediate, B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate) and C1 (Advanced).
Each level has a carefully written syllabus that with specific learning outcomes, as well as weekly schemes of work. To move from one level to the next normally takes approximately 12 weeks, but this can vary.
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
General English Intensive
On this course you will join our morning General English classes studying all aspects of the language, and then return for our 'Language for Life' programme in the afternoons. The afternoon module focusses on improving confidence in speaking, listening and general communication skills.
Course length
2 weeks to 11 months
Available starts
Every Monday (except for bank holidays and Christmas closure)
Schedule (weekdays)
Morning class: 09:30 - 12:45
Afternoon class: 13:30 - 15:00
Course hours per week: 22.5
School intensity
Medium-high intensity
Balanced courses with steady progress and time for cultural activities.
Other features
English Test prep elective classes
This school offers elective classes focused on English test preparation designed to help students build confidence and improve exam scores.
Higher education prep elective class
This school offers elective classes to help students get ready for further study. These classes are designed to build academic skills and confidence for success in higher education.
Business classes
This school offers elective classes in business English. Students learn workplace vocabulary, communication strategies, and practical skills for professional environments.
Weekly course
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
24 weeks
Costs
Total course costs
Not included: coursebook, registration fee, student insurance, accommodation and associated fees, airport transfer.
The school offers programmes at 5 levels, in conjunction with the CEFR (Common European Framework of References for Languages).
Levels offered are: A1 (Elementary), A2 (Pre-Intermediate, B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate) and C1 (Advanced).
Each level has a carefully written syllabus that with specific learning outcomes, as well as weekly schemes of work. To move from one level to the next normally takes approximately 12 weeks, but this can vary.
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
Cambridge Intensive
This intensive course is structured to ensure students have comprehensive preparation for the Cambridge First or Cambridge Advanced exam. The course will systematically develop all four core skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening) with real-time exam practice. For Cambridge First, students should have a minimum B1 (intermediate) level. For Cambridge Advanced, students should have a minimum B2 (upper intermediate) level.
Course length
2 weeks - 44 weeks
Available starts
Every Monday
Schedule (weekdays)
Morning class: 09:30 - 12:45
Afternoon class: 13:30 - 15:00
Course hours per week: 22.5
School intensity
Medium-high intensity
Balanced courses with steady progress and time for cultural activities.
Other features
English Test prep elective classes
This school offers elective classes focused on English test preparation designed to help students build confidence and improve exam scores.
Higher education prep elective class
This school offers elective classes to help students get ready for further study. These classes are designed to build academic skills and confidence for success in higher education.
Business classes
This school offers elective classes in business English. Students learn workplace vocabulary, communication strategies, and practical skills for professional environments.
Weekly course
4 weeks
8 weeks
12 weeks
24 weeks
Costs
Total course costs
Not included: coursebook, registration fee, student insurance, accommodation and associated fees, airport transfer.
The school offers programmes at 5 levels, in conjunction with the CEFR (Common European Framework of References for Languages).
Levels offered are: A1 (Elementary), A2 (Pre-Intermediate, B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate) and C1 (Advanced).
Each level has a carefully written syllabus that with specific learning outcomes, as well as weekly schemes of work. To move from one level to the next normally takes approximately 12 weeks, but this can vary.
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
Academic Year Programme
Our Academic Year Programme is ideal for students who want to go to university and need to improve by at least more than one level. You will study on an intensive course for at least 6 months. Additional support is given free of charge through 1-1 tutorials with our Academic Managers, exam practice, language support, university applications and exam registration.
Course length
24 - 44 weeks
Available starts
Every Monday
Schedule (weekdays)
Morning class: 09:30 - 12:45
Afternoon class: 13:30 - 15:00
School intensity
Medium-high intensity
Balanced courses with steady progress and time for cultural activities.
Other features
Students study 15 hours of General English, moving up through levels as required. In the afternoons, students can choose their elective module, which is typically exam preparation (for example IELTS).
24 weeks
Costs
Total course costs
Not included: coursebook, registration fee, student insurance, accommodation and associated fees, airport transfer.
The school offers programmes at 5 levels, in conjunction with the CEFR (Common European Framework of References for Languages).
Levels offered are: A1 (Elementary), A2 (Pre-Intermediate, B1 (Intermediate), B2 (Upper Intermediate) and C1 (Advanced).
Each level has a carefully written syllabus that with specific learning outcomes, as well as weekly schemes of work. To move from one level to the next normally takes approximately 12 weeks, but this can vary.
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
Campuses & Location
Manchester
Our school is located in the heart of Manchester. Just a few minutes walk from our school, you will find the shopping district near Piccadily, the trendy Northern Quarter with its bars and cafes, as well as the scenic Castlefield, and buzzing university district on Oxford Road. Manchester is a thriving, modern city, known as ‘the capital of the north’. Voted ‘England’s Coolest City’ (New York Lifestyles Magazine, 2025), the city is a friendly and vibrant city. Up to 30% cheaper than London, Manchester offers something for everyone – art, culture, sport and much more!
Oxford Road Station: 3 minutes (~3 min walk) / Piccadilly Station: 8 minutes (~8 min walk)
Accommodation
Available accommodations
Homestay: From £200 per week
Our hosts are carefully selected and all are visited by a member of our team to ensure quality.
Student Residence: £270 per week
For independent living, enjoy the student life and stay at a student residence. Standard student residence offers private bedroom and bathroom, with shared kitchen and living facilities.
If you’re interested in exploring other accommodation options, please feel free to take a look at our other accommodation options.
Apply now
We are now accepting applications
The Essential English Centre (EEC)
Student demographics
Students come from all over the world to study at this school.
