Chichester English Language School
British Council Accredited
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Explore the UK while you study English
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Our language school is located on the main campus of Chichester College and is accredited by the British Council. Or most recent inspection ranked us as the joint highest state-run English Language School in the UK. With a wealth of facilities on-site, including accommodation and supportive student welfare services- we aim to make your study experience with us truly memorable.

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General English 15 (15 hours of study a week) allows students more time for enrichment activities. Improve your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation with an emphasis on reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
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General English 21 offers afternoon classes to build on your English skills and prepare yourself for further academic studies. Includes familiarisation with exam structures, academic referencing, exam techniques and skills (Level B1+).
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This course is designed for students who want to focus on learning English as a Foreign Language. You can start in September or January and take up to two A-Level subjects or a Vocational subject where you will study alongside our British students.
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This is for students who are in full-time education in their home country. Study up to three A-Levels and English as a Foreign Language. Receive a detailed academic report at the end of your study, which you can take back to your school.

Why Choose CELS to Study English?

Please don't take our word for it. See what independent inspection reports say about the quality of learning at our British Council-accredited language school.

"The college campus is convenient and well-maintained and provides a pleasant general environment. The classrooms are appropriately furnished and equipped. There are a number of food outlets available to CELS students, as well as other leisure facilities. Learning resources, in terms of facilities, equipment and materials, are of a high standard."

British Council Report April 2023

"Learners and apprentices enjoy greatly their time at college. They are ambitious to achieve. They benefit from the excellent relationships that leaders and staff have developed with employers and other stakeholders to inform and contribute to courses. Consequently, learners and apprentices study courses that are relevant and are in line with industry practice. They cherish the passion and subject expertise of their teachers which inspire them to extend their learning."

Ofsted Report March 2020

"The college campus is convenient and well-maintained and provides a pleasant general environment. The classrooms are appropriately furnished and equipped. There are a number of food outlets available to CELS students, as well as other leisure facilities. Learning resources, in terms of facilities, equipment and materials, are of a high standard."

British Council Report April 2023

"Residential students make exceptional progress in their education and social skills while living on site. A highly individualised approach to support is detailed in the well-being and education plans. This has helped staff to thoughtfully support a student who had been struggling socially and educationally in their home country. As a result, the student was able to make a fresh start at the college and is now succeeding in their studies and making positive friendships."

Ofsted Care Standard Report (Residential) September 2022

"Learners and staff are safe and know who to contact if they have a concern. Leaders use their comprehensive policies and procedures, including highly effective information technology monitoring systems to make sure that learners and staff are safe. Well-trained staff and governors understand their safeguarding roles and responsibilities."

Ofsted Report March 2020

"Students say that staff are friendly, approachable and available at all times. They are clear on who to contact 24 hours a day and describe feeling well-supported when they have concerns or worries. They enjoy the residential environment and love to hear the stories and experiences of those who live in other countries. Students were supported well during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown periods, which has been a motivating factor for new students to choose this college."

Ofsted Care Standard Report (Residential) September 2022

"Systems for ensuring the safety and security of students are robust, and pastoral care is excellent. Accommodation is comfortable and well managed, and the leisure programme is well designed and very popular. Care of students, Accommodation, and Leisure opportunities are areas of strength."

British Council Report April 2023

CELS LOGO W5000pxChichester English Language School | EFL

CELS is our language school, and we welcome students at all levels of English. We have been offering English teaching for over 30 years. We are part of the Chichester College Group, which is respected for its good English as a Foreign Language teaching. Chichester College, which we are proud to be part of, was rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted in 2014 and 2020.

With over 40 years of experience, CELS warmly invites international students. We have won awards for our excellent support and accommodation services. We offer intensive English courses with either 15 or 21 hours of lessons per week. We aim to help you improve your reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary skills. Join us and see improvements in your English.

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English as a Foreign Language

An Immersive English Course Experience

Opened in 2015, our school was created to provide English language education offered at Chichester College. Accredited by the British Council since 1991 and a member of English UK since 2004, CELS provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students learning English.

Instead of studying English in the USA, why not have a life-changing educational experience in England—the birthplace of the English language? We are recognised as one of the leading English schools in the UK.

Join our Intensive courses in English at language levels that suit your ability.

We offer classes capped at 16 students per class in CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) levels A1-C2. These small group lessons are ideal for students with English as a second language.

Choose from studying English for 15 or 21 hours on our full-time English programmes, or join us as part of your academic or study abroad. For those wanting to progress to University, we offer the Business Pathway Course and a wide range of A-level studies.

CELS brings English language teaching together in one place, where students from all English language courses can meet, study, relax, and make friends worldwide. Our classrooms, some of which allow students to join remotely worldwide, are close to our offices and teachers’ rooms. We provide a personal service. Students are never far from help and support should they need it.

Why Study English with Us?

International students should consider studying English at Chichester Language School due to its exceptional reputation for academic excellence and student support. Located in the picturesque city of Chichester, the school offers a vibrant and culturally enriching environment, providing students with the perfect blend of academic rigour and real-world English practice, ideal for improving your business English too.. The school's experienced and highly qualified native-speaking English teachers employ innovative teaching methods tailored to meet the diverse needs of international learners. Additionally, Chichester Language School provides a wide range of extracurricular activities and support services, ensuring students improve their language skills and immerse themselves in British culture, making their learning experience both effective and enjoyable.

 Ten Reasons to Choose CELS

  1. Top-grade teaching quality: EL-Gazette ranked us as the UK's joint top state-run English school (2023).
  2. Recognised qualifications in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). We offer classes from A1-C2 CEFR levels (Common European Reference for language levels), and we are proud to be a member of English UK.
  3. Linked with "Ofsted Outstanding" Chichester College Group.
  4. Over 40 years of experience in teaching international students.
  5. Deep care for the well-being and welfare of our students.
  6. Our campus provides a lovely setting with great resources and is within easy reach of Brighton and London.
  7. Intensive English programs with flexible hours (15 or 21 hours per week).
  8. Qualified teachers provide guidance and support; we even have a dedicated Japanese student support officer.
  9. Comprehensive focus on reading, listening, writing, speaking, grammar, and vocabulary.
  10. Access to the resources of Chichester College, including free gym membership.

Chi365, Progress and Self-Study

CELS brings students from all over the world together and provides learning materials on "Chi365," an online platform you can use on computers, tablets, and phones. English learners can check their progress and review sessions with teachers to set learning goals.

With Chi365, students can see their semester and weekly class schedules, find assignments, and get important information about our language school and the local area. This includes help with setting up a UK bank account.

Students can also explore the social activities program and sign up for outings and events. After studying at our language school, you can use self-study materials for three more months.

Chichester Summer School

Join our prestigious summer program, where excellence meets experience! Recently acclaimed by the British Council with a remarkable score of 13 out of 15 areas of strength, we stand as one of the top-ranking language schools in the UK. Immerse yourself in quality education, cultural enrichment, and unforgettable experiences. Elevate your language skills with us this summer!

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Unlock Your Summer of Learning and Laughter! Join our UK Summer School for English Excellence and Endless Fun.

Memberships and Accreditation

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 Useful Information:

  • Class Sizes: Classes are limited to 16 students so that you will get more attention from your teacher.
  • Class Banding: We divide our classes into abilities so that you study alongside students of similar abilities.

If you have any questions or enquiries, please contact our team below. Our dedicated staff are here to support you every step of the way. We offer academic guidance and personal support to help you have a great experience at Chichester College Group.

Our small class sizes allow for personalised attention and teacher support, helping students reach their full potential. Our class banding system ensures that you study with peers at a similar level, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our team. We are here to help you succeed and make the most of your time at Chichester College Group.

Further Advice from UKCISA

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UK’s national advisory body supporting students and those who work with them. UKCISA provides advice and guidance about all aspects of the student experience, from visas and fees to mental health, culture shock, and orientation. To learn more, please click on their logo, which will take you to the UKCISA homepage.

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CELS Showcase

Find out more about learning English in the UK with Chichester English Language School.

CELS Home Showcase

Meet new people and make lifelong friendships...from bowling, go-karting and cinema trips to cooking, karaoke, sports, indoor rock climbing, scavenger hunts and more!

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Looking for a quality education provider in England? We've welcomed international students to our wide range of study programmes at Chichester College Group for over 30 years.
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We're lucky enough to have our auditorium, the perfect on-site cinema. When the weather is glum, what better way to spend the evening than with a bag of popcorn and a film? For new releases, we take students to the nearby cinema.
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It's not just learning in the classroom that we offer. Our Chichester College international students benefit from enrichment activities designed to inspire.
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Chichester College has a scenic campus and is an ideal place to study. Facilities include playing fields, tennis courts, floodlit football, a gym, restaurants, barbers, a beauty spa, a shop, and laundry facilities. There's more to explore!
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CCG offers accommodation options for international students. Students can stay in halls or with a host at Chichester College or opt for Homestay with a host at Worthing, Northbrook, and Brighton campuses.
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Our UAL Foundation programme in Art & Design is a popular course for international students intent on achieving their creative dreams. See what we offer with our UAL IFAD course located in the vibrant city of Brighton.
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Chichester English Language School is part of Chichester College and is accredited by the British Council. We are ranked in the top 5% of schools in the UK!
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Looking for more information? Our student information pages offer visa advice, healthcare, pre-arrival information, and much more.
Chichester English Language School is the ranked joint highest amongst state English Schools in the UK.
We work hard to ensure that our students benefit from a full enrichment programme.
The Ofsted Care Standard inspectorate inspects our residential services.
Helpful information for international students considering studying in the UK at CCG

Need to Talk?

Questions, Enquiries, or Information.

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