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About the Courses

  • Are discounts available for students staying for a long time?
    All Kingsway courses are priced very competitively for the services and facilities that we offer, so regretfully we cannot offer discounts for longer stays.
  • How late can I apply for a course?
    Our courses can be very popular, and courses with one-to-one lessons get booked up early, so the earlier you apply the better. It is possible to make a last-minute booking, but there is a risk that the course may already be full. If you want to check availability call us on +44 1905 619877 or send an email to info@kingsway-english.com
  • Will the people on my course be of a similar age to me?
    The minimum age at Kingsway is 21 years; the typical age range is from around 23 - 55 years. The actual average age of our students is 36 years. All of the students at Kingsway are motivated and want to be here, so providing you are of a similar mind the exact age of the students is not too critical.
  • I am a working professional, but don't want a 'business' course. Is there a suitable course for me?
    Yes, our General English Group course covers all the skill areas you will need. Remember that all Kingsway students are motivated adults, so many (if not all) of the people in the group may be similar to you. If you tell us your needs by email, we can ensure that we offer you something suitable.
  • Is there anything I can do if I'm not happy with my course?
    If you are not happy, it is important that you talk to a member of staff as soon as possible. If you don't wish to talk to your teacher, then speak to Richard, our Director of Studies - he is here to help you get the best out of your time at Kingsway.
  • I heard that a pre-course telephone assessment might be required. Do I really have to do this?
    A telephone assessment will be recommended if there is any question of whether a course is suitable for your needs. Don't be nervous - it's not an exam - we simply want to be sure that we are providing the best course for you.
  • Is my language level suitable for a particular course? How can I check?
    The course description pages give the levels at which the courses are run. If you are not sure of your level speak to your English teacher in your home country, the agent you are booking through, or give us a call on +44 1905 619877 and we will assess your level.
  • How can I be sure that I've chosen the best course for my needs?
    The course description pages give you information on the style of teaching and the course content. However, if you have any questions, please contact us by e-mail info@kingsway-english.com or by phone +44 1905 619877. If you are booking through an agent, check with them first.
  • Can I start at any time?
    You can start a course on any Monday (including Christmas) throughout the year except the BXG which is once a month, subject to availability. The school is closed on public holidays (most are Mondays) and there is a full day trip instead of lessons, so you should still plan to arrive on a Sunday to start Monday.
  • What is the minimum length of a course?
    The minimum course length is one week. If you want to come for less than one week you must still pay for one week.
  • Can I study mornings only or afternoons only?
    We sometimes make exceptions for people who live in Worcester but our courses are designed for full-time intensive study and that’s what 99% of our students do.

Before you arrive

  • Can I make split (or part) payments for longer stay courses?
    We ask for full payment in advance in order to keep our prices as low as possible. Only in exceptional circumstances will we accept split payments.
  • Can I book direct with you or do I need to book through an agent?
    This is entirely up to you. We will be happy to process your booking direct, but you may feel more comfortable in using the services of an agent in your home country if you would prefer someone to help you.
  • What forms do I need to fill in before I come to the school?
    All we need from you is a completed Application Form. This can be done on line or you can download a form from this site and fax it to us. We also accept agents’ own application forms or we can email you a form.
  • How do I know that my booking has been accepted?
    You can only be sure that you have a place on the course when you receive an acceptance confirmation from us.
  • Why do I need to pay a deposit and what happens if I cancel my booking?
    To book a course you must pay a GBP200 deposit. Once your deposit has been paid and your booking has been accepted, your place on the course is guaranteed. The balance of the course fees must be paid 3 weeks before your course begins. Because we have guaranteed your place, we cannot offer it to anyone else. Therefore, we can only refund your deposit if you cancel at least three weeks before the start of your course. Please see our terms and conditions for details.
  • Will I need a visa?
    Visa requirements vary according to your nationality. Some nationals do not require a visa; nationals from some countries can get one automatically when they arrive; for some nationalities you must get your visa before you leave home. You should check with the British Embassy in your country for details.
  • If so, how difficult is it to get one?
    Visa requirements vary according to your nationality. Some nationals do not require a visa; nationals from some countries can get one automatically when they arrive; for some nationalities you must get your visa before you leave home. You should check with the British Embassy in your country for details.

Arrival

  • I have booked an airport pick-up. What should I do if there is no one at the airport to meet me?
    Kingsway drivers will be at the meeting point no later than 30 minutes after the arrival time - allowing time for you to clear immigration, collect your luggage and go through customs. If you are early, please wait at the Information Desk in the terminal building where you arrive. Sometimes there may be traffic problems. If no one is there 1 hour after your flight arrival time, please call the Kingsway number +44-1905-619877. This is manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • What is the best way to get to Worcester when I arrive at the airport?
    There are a number of options. The easiest is for us to arrange an airport pick-up - a Kingsway driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation. However, there are alternatives such as trains and buses (coaches) and we will send you information about these when you book.

Accommodation

  • I am a smoker. Is this a problem for my homestay?
    It is important that you tell us in advance if you wish to smoke in your accommodation. The great majority of our homestays prefer non-smokers, but some are happy for you to smoke outside the house. There are almost none who will allow you to smoke in the house itself. In the UK you are not allowed to smoke in any enclosed area, such as pubs, bars, cinemas etc, so wherever you stay smoking inside will be difficult!
  • Do I need to bring towels and where can I do my laundry?
    There’s no need to bring towels as these will be provided for you. Most homestays will either do your laundry for you or let you use their washing machine, iron etc. Towels are provided in the Kingsway apartments and they also have their own washing machine and iron. If you prefer there are also laundrettes in the city .
  • I have a special request for my homestay - will this be a problem?
    We can usually meet most special requests. These typically include pet or food allergies, or you might prefer a homestay with or without children. But the more flexible you can be the better and the more notice you can give us the better.
  • How far away are the homestays from the school?
    Most are about 30 minutes on foot from Kingsway although a few are up to about 45 minutes away. We consider all our homestays to be within walking distance but all are on or near a bus route. We think distance from school is far less important than being with a nice, friendly family.
  • What happens if I don't like my homestay accommodation?
    We take great care to find accommodation to match your requirements. However, if you are unhappy with your accommodation, then we will do everything we can to resolve the problem or find you something else more suitable. Talk to the Student Services Manager as soon as you can.
  • What meals do I get at the homestay?
    Most of our students are pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of English home-cooking! You can expect your hosts to provide good quality, well-balanced home-cooked meals using fresh ingredients. The meals you can expect are : Breakfast - you will have breakfast, though not necessarily with the family as this is a busy time of day and people leave for work/school at different times. Evening meal - the main meal of the day is dinner which you will eat in the evening with your host family. Times vary but anytime between 18h30 and 20h30 is normal. Weekends - you can expect the above plus a light lunch provided you are at home. If you choose to go out for the day then you will have to buy your own lunch - our homestays do not provide packed lunches.
  • How do you make sure your homestays are good quality?
    Our Accommodation Manager visits every potential host family in person and needs to feel totally satisfied that they are suitable for hosting our students. Each family is required to sign a "Code of Practice" so that they are very clear about what we expect from them. Once a family is on our register we monitor them constantly, through End-of-Course questionnaires filled in by students and through re-visiting them every year. If a family's circumstances change and they are unable to deliver the high quality service that we expect, the answer is simple: we stop using them. As we have a waiting list of families who want to work with Kingsway, we do not need to continue using sub-standard accommodation.
  • Do I have to stay with a homestay?
    No. You can choose to stay in one of Kingsway’s self-catering apartments, a hotel or bed & breakfast. However most of our students choose a homestay for the exceptional value, the warm and friendly welcome and the maximum exposure to the English language. We understand that many people are nervous about staying with a host family. Sometimes this is because of bad memories of school exchange trips. Well forget that level of accommodation! Kingsway host families are superb and we highly recommend them; 95% of our students choose to stay with a host family and the overwhelming majority are very pleased with their choice.
  • WIll my homestay have an internet connection for my laptop?
    All of our Executive homestays are obliged to have wireless internet as part of our contract with them. If you are staying with a Regular or Premium homestay you may have internet but it is not guaranteed. If an internet connection in your homestay is very important to you please tell us when you book your course. Remember, we have free computers and free wireless internet in the school which is open from 08h00-18h00 Monday - Thursday and 08h00-17h00 on Friday.

General Questions

  • If there is an emergency, what should I do?
    If there is a genuine emergency in the UK that is life-threatening, you should dial 999 or 112 from any phone and ask for the police, ambulance or fire service. Stay calm and try and answer the questions asked as best you can - the person on the other end of the phone will be used to dealing with all kinds of emergencies. If you are ill, let the Student Services Manager or your homestay know. They will be able to call a doctor for you. If you urgently need to speak to someone from the school outside normal opening hours, you can call the school number +44-1905-619877 and we will help you.
  • I would like to visit London while I am at Kingsway. Is this easy to arrange?
    Yes, it is very easy. There are regular trains direct from Worcester to London every day. The journey takes about 2 hours. Our Social Manager, Bob, can help you arrange a tour, or if your stay at Kingsway coincides with one of Bob's trips to London, you can get the full tour guide treatment!
  • Will I be able to connect my laptop computer at the school and at my homestay?
    You can connect your laptop at school either using the wireless network or using a network cable to one of the points around the building. Some homestays have wireless internet - if this is important to you, please tell us at the time of booking.
  • Are there computer facilities in the school? Are they connected to the Internet?
    We have many fast, new computers in the school. All have high-speed internet connections including wireless and Skype which you can use from 08h00 to18h00 (until 17h00 on Fridays) FREE of charge.
  • Will I be able to phone home from my homestay and from the school?
    You should always check with the homestay, but most will be happy for you to receive calls, so long as you don't spend a long time on the phone. To make calls, we recommend you use your mobile phone (expensive!) or buy an international phone card from Kingsway. If you are staying in the UK for some weeks it may be worth buying a new UK SIM card for your mobile phone. You can "pay as you go".
  • What should I do for lunch? Are there plenty of places to eat?
    Kingsway is located right in the centre of the city, so you can find a good range of food within about 300m. This ranges from sandwich shops to fast food outlets, to pubs serving food to proper restaurants. If you buy sandwiches you are welcome to bring them back to school to eat, or you can go and sit by the river if you wish. At lunch times students often go out together in small groups. On your first day we will team you up with another student if you wish so you will have a guide to the city centre!
  • I have heard that the UK is very expensive. Is this true?
    It all depends on where you are coming from. Like many European countries, there are plenty of places that like to charge a lot of money, however with a little care you can live quite cheaply. London tends to be quite expensive; away from London, in the countryside things are cheaper. Worcester is somewhere in the middle!