Language schools in Bournemouth, The United Kingdom

Bournemouth, a seaside town on the south coast of England, has several English language schools in or near the town centre, a short walk from the beach. It is about 100 minutes from London by train, according to Anglo-Continental. Students come for short general English courses, for exam preparation and, at some schools, for longer academic or professional programmes.

What the schools offer

Our directory lists five language schools in Bournemouth. Most offer general English at all levels, IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation and courses from age 16 or 18. Examples:

• Anglo-Continental is accredited by the British Council and has more than 75 years of experience; it says its former students come from over 120 countries. Its General English course has 20 lessons a week, an average class of 10 (at most 15), a minimum age of 16 and a length of 2 to 60 weeks. The school also runs CELTA teacher training, aviation English and courses for young learners aged 10 to 17.
• Europa School of English, in the centre about ten minutes from the beach, teaches adults from 16 and has offered language courses for more than 30 years. Its General English course has 20 lessons a week, with optional afternoon modules of 10 lessons (intensive English, IELTS preparation or English at work).
• Bournemouth City College, on Old Christchurch Road, is accredited by the British Council and teaches students from 18. Besides general English and exam preparation, it offers a Level 3 International Foundation Diploma for Higher Education Studies.

Capital School of English and Bournemouth Business School International complete our list.

Costs and accommodation

Course fees are charged by the week and most schools publish them in price lists or fee calculators; Anglo-Continental, for example, offered discounts of at least 10% on full course fees in 2026. Ask for a written quote that includes registration, materials and accommodation fees.

Host families are the most common type of housing. Anglo-Continental's 2026 standard homestay costs £285 for the first week and £205 for each additional week, with a high-season supplement of £75 a week from 21 June to 8 August. The average journey to school is 30 minutes but can take up to 50. Europa says its host families are at most 45 minutes away by bus and offer half board, with breakfast and dinner.

Local buses are run by morebus. According to Anglo-Continental's transport page, a 30-day Zone A ticket in the morebus app costs £68.

Visas

For an English course of up to six months, most students come as visitors: you can visit the UK for up to 6 months to study at an accredited institution, including English language courses. Visitors from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries usually need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which costs £20, instead of a visa. For an English course of more than 6 and up to 11 months, you need a Short-term study visa, which costs £228 plus a healthcare surcharge that usually costs £776, according to GOV.UK.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for an English course in Bournemouth?

For a course of up to six months most students come as visitors, with an ETA or a visitor visa depending on nationality. For a course of more than six and up to 11 months you need a Short-term study visa.

How much does a host family in Bournemouth cost?

At Anglo-Continental, a standard homestay costs £285 for the first week and £205 for each additional week in 2026, plus £75 a week in the summer high season.

What is the minimum age for adult courses?

It depends on the school: 16 at Anglo-Continental and Europa School of English, 18 at Bournemouth City College. Anglo-Continental also runs separate courses for ages 10 to 17.

Are the schools accredited?

Anglo-Continental and Bournemouth City College state that they are accredited by the British Council. Check each school's own site for its current accreditation.