About IH London
IH London teaches across the full learning journey: young learners, English for adults, exams, professional learners, teacher training and other modern languages. Our broad range of experience means we are with you every step of your learning journey.
International House London is an educational trust (since 1964) and we continue the aims of our founders: to promote intercultural understanding and teaching standards within education. Profits are reinvested into the school to continually improve your learning experience.
Expand your world
International House London is part of the International House World organisation for top schools, which now has 160 schools in 52 countries committed to excellence in language teaching and training.
Study with a top school
We are in the top 1% of UK language schools, judged by the latest British Council inspections, and we have been named best value school in London. We are also in joint second place in the latest EL Gazette’s ranking for UK schools, with 93%.
Our latest EAQUALS inspection showed high quality standards in ALL areas, with the majority exceeding the high quality standards demonstrating “consistent excellence”.
Our history
International House was founded in 1953 by John Haycraft (CBE) and his wife Brita Haycraft with their first school in Spain. International House London was founded in 1959. John and Brita believed in, and promoted, intercultural understanding through language learning and teacher training.
International House London was the birthplace of the first qualification for teaching English as a second language (in 1962). This then became the CELTA qualification that is assessed by Cambridge English (part of the University of Cambridge) and is recognised throughout the world.
An old language lab
Teaching in the 1960s
Our founder teaching in the first school in Spain
The pioneering teacher training advertisement
Teaching in the 1980s
Accommodation
Your home in London. We have a range of London accommodation options, including homestay with a host, one of our modern student residences or a boutique-style guest house.
See your options
Experience London
Remarkable things to see or do in London are everywhere and our dedicated social team can be your guide.
Discover LondonGot a question?
Our friendly multilingual team are always happy to help you find the perfect course.
Contact us
Need a UK visa?
Find out if you need a visa to study in the UK and read our guide on how to apply for one if you do.
Read our guide