Why choose us?
Improving their English, experiencing another culture and making a network of global friends is a huge step towards your child’s bright future.
Here are a few reasons to trust us to inspire and teach your child.
What we believe in
- Connecting the world
- Educating beyond language
- Inspiring people to unlock their potential
- Bringing people together
Who we are
Our story began in 1953 when John Haycraft (CBE) and his wife Brita Haycraft started a school, because they believed in intercultural understanding through language learning.
We have continued their mission and changed people’s lives through language for over 65 years.
Learning before profits
International House London is a charitable education trust and we reinvest profits to improve your child’s learning experience.
Accredited by the British Council
Our Young Learner centres and courses are accredited by the British Council. The British Council assess the standards of management, resources and premises, teaching, welfare, and safeguarding under 18s, and we met the criteria in all areas.
The British Council noted particular strengths in the areas of strategic and quality management, staff management, student administration, premises and facilities, learning resources, course design, care of students, leisure opportunities, and safeguarding under 18s.
Love learning, love the planet
We are the first UK language school to offset carbon emissions, for all flights to all our summer young learner courses, supporting the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals.
On-site senior managers at every centre
All our young learner schools have four on-site senior managers. All senior staff have student welfare training every year, in addition to professional development. (Find out more)
17 courses for all interests and levels
We have 17 courses to choose from, with a course to suit all interests and levels. Explore new topic themes every week. New courses include Football Academy, Tennis Academy, STEM and English Experience. Our course design is an area of strength in the latest British Council inspection. View all our courses.
6 locations across the UK
Every young learner centre has excellent facilities within large secure beautiful grounds. Students explore places of interest and practise their English on supervised study trips. (London courses are held at our adult school in central London). View all our locations.
Courses available all year
Summer is our biggest season, with the majority of our courses and centres available in July and August. We also now have courses available in winter and spring, including online courses. Group courses are available all year in London and Edinburgh.
Small class sizes
Maximum of 15 students per class for English lessons. 20 students per class for Future Leaders courses.
24/7 Support and supervision
We have a 1:5 staff to student ratio for 8-11 year olds and a 1:8 staff to student ratio for 12-17 year olds at all our young learner centres. All lessons, activities, meal times and accommodation are on site. Study trips are all in groups with IH London staff. Our student care is an area of strength in the latest British Council inspection.
Young Learner Online
Online courses are available all year. The perfect way for young learners to top up on their skills safely, before or after visiting the UK, or as an alternative to travel. Bespoke group online courses are also available. View online courses.
Video tours
Our young learner centres each have a video tour, so you can have a look around before you decide on the centre for your child. Edinburgh, Ellesmere, Moulton, and Oxford. (Frensham is a new centre, so doesn’t have a video yet. We will create one the first year we are there. Until then view the photos!).
All-inclusive courses
- All tuition
- All class materials
- All activities
- Full and half day trips to exciting destinations
- Evening activities organised and supervised by IH staff at the school
- On-site residential accommodation at the school
- All meals
- Regular drinks and snacks
- 24/7 support and supervision by our on-site IH team
- Free Wi-Fi access
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- (London courses at our adult school are run a little differently. Find out more)
Language and life skills
On every one of our courses your child will:
- Improve their English in the four key areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing
- Make new friends from around the world
- Be prepared for studying in an English-speaking environment
- Increase their confidence
- Increase their team-working skills
- Develop ‘21st century skills’, such as collaboration, creativity, flexibility, media literacy, technology literacy, and more.
- Try new activities and improve their skills
- Explore and experience the UK
- Learn about other nationalities and cultures
- Have fun!
Expand their world
Courses
We have 17 young learner courses to choose from, for a range of ages and for a range of interests. Now available in winter, spring and summer. Online courses also available.
View the courses
Locations
We have young learner centres across the UK, each with great facilities, English charm, and fantastic study trip destinations nearby. Mini brochures and video tours are available.
View locations