+44 (0) 20 7499 8533

Courses FAQs - UK Schools

Do Shane Global Language Centres test my English level?

Yes. All students take a placement test on the first day of the course. The test includes a written paper and an oral test. It takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. After the test, you will be allocated a class and a book for your lessons.

Can I take the placement test before I arrive?

Yes. You can download our level test and email/fax back to use to mark. This is mainly of benefit to Tier 4 visa students who want to study in the UK. You will still need to take an oral test on arrival at school on your first day.

Do you have courses for complete beginners?

No, at our UK schools our lowest level is Elementary. Our Cape Town School can offer classes for Beginners dependent on demand.

Do you offer weekend English classes?

No, our English classes are normally arranged between 9:00am and 5:20pm Monday to Friday.

How much will my course and accommodation cost?

For courses starting in 2009, please download our Price List or Course Calculator

For courses starting in 2010, please download our Price List or Course Calculator

I am interested in combination courses? What options are available?

Please see our Combination courses page for options. You can combine group General English courses with private One-to-One lessons.

What time do lessons start and finish?

Please see our school timetables in the Courses Section

Currently all our morning classes start at 9:00. Your lessons will finish at different times depending on which course you take.

Our GE15 afternoon classes start at 14.00

Are there any discounts or promotions?

All promotions and discounts are advertised on our home page and our Facebook page.

Do you have Young Learners courses at your London School?

No, our London school is for adults only (17 )

Our Teen Activity Programme for 14-17 year olds is held at our Hastings school in the summer, and, if there is enough demand, for 1 week in Spring and Autumn. We can arrange closed group programmes outside peak times, according to demand. Please see our Teen Activity Programme page.

Do you offer group English for Work courses without General English?

Yes, from September 2009, you can take English for Work as a dedicated course - 15 lessons per week. This course runs for 4 weeks and starts at the beginning of each month..

Our Executive English 1:1 course is 30 hour per week tailor made for professionals and can concentrate solely on Business English if this is what the client requires. This is not a group course.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is an internationally recognised English exam used to measure English proficiency. Students who want to study at a UK university need to take this exam and get a grade of 6.5 or higher to be accepted by the university.

Students prepare for the exam at school and receive expert guidance and advice. Students also take regular practice tests to prepare for the real exam.

Is my English good enough to take the IELTS Preparation course?

The IELTS course is very demanding and students find it very difficult. You must be minimum high Upper Intermediate level to take this course. If your English level is lower, it is better for you to study General English and Grammar until your level is high enough to benefit from the IELTS course.

Can I take the IELTS exam at Shane Global schools?

No. There are registered test centres throughout the UK. Students are responsible for registering for the exam and paying the exam fee. Our teachers will give advice on test centres in the UK (and elsewhere if necessary), test dates, prices etc. Information can also be found on the IELTS website: www.ielts.org.

Do non-British universities accept IELTS as proof of English proficiency?

Many non-UK universities now also accept IELTS scores for entrance. Students should check with the university/universities they want to apply to for further entrance requirements.

Do you offer TOEFL preparation courses?

Yes, we offer dedicated TOEFL courses at Shane Global London School. Courses are 15 lessons per week and run for 4 weeks.

Do you offer TOEIC preparation courses?

Yes, we offer dedicated TOEIC courses at Shane Global London School. Courses are 15 lessons per week and run for 4 weeks.

Do you offer University Foundation courses?

We do not offer any Foundation courses.

Do you teach any other languages at Shane Global UK

No, we do not teach any other languages at Shane Global. However, Cactus Language run other language lessons in the evenings at our London school. Please contact Reception once you are at the school.

Do you have evening or weekend English classes?

No, all our classes are taught between 9:00am and 5:20pm Monday to Friday

Once I am in the UK, if I cancel my course or leave before the end of my course, can I get a refund?

No. Once you have started your course you cannot get a refund on your course. For some accommodation options we can offer refund but you must advise us of the cancellation within the specified time frame. Please contact the school for details.