The Essential English Centre

Manchester · from €353/week

109 Portland Street, Manchester, United Kingdom (Show Map)

Score: 94% · Based on 7 student reviews.

“I have been so confortable in The essential english school. I've met two teachers extremly qualify a...” — 05/08/2013

British CouncilEnglish UKEnglish UK

Official accreditation and protection

✓ English UK member. Accredited through Accreditation UK (British Council) or another UK government-recognised body, a condition of English UK membership. If an accredited centre closes unexpectedly, English UK's Student Emergency Support may help students find a place elsewhere. More about this accreditation

2027 prices at The Essential English Centre

General English Full-time (20 lessons): from €315.94/week · 20 lessons/week
General English Intensive (30 lessons): from €430.83/week · 30 lessons/week
General English + IELTS exam (Academic), 30 lessons: from €465.30/week · 30 lessons/week
General English + Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced exam, 30 lessons: from €465.30/week · 30 lessons/week
Intensive Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced exam (30 lessons): from €465.30/week · 30 lessons/week
General English + Business English (30 lessons): from €465.30/week · 30 lessons/week

From the school's official 2027 price list; weekly price for 1-4 weeks. Updated: 2026-11-05.

Why book with LanguageBookings?

Our 4% discountYou pay less than the school's own price list.
Found it cheaper on the same terms? We match the priceIf you find the same course cheaper online, with the same dates and booking conditions, we match that price. Valid for 48 hours after you book and before the school confirms the booking. How price match works
Help in your languageWe answer your questions in your language, before and after you book.
We deal with the school for youIf the price, dates or accommodation change, we sort it out with the school on your behalf.
Book with a deposit onlyThe deposit is part of the course price. By card it is only charged when the school confirms your place, and refunded in full if it cannot.

Courses

Academic Year Programme (minimum 24 weeks)30 lessons/week · 24-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16General English Courses 30 lessons per week · Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €77.79 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2
Academic Year Programme, 30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week, A1 to C1 level, minimum booking 24 weeks. 1 lesson = 45 minutes. Courses start every Monday; minimum age 16. Registration fee 50 GBP; course materials 65 GBP for 30 lessons (per level, one course book and supplementary materials). The exam fee is not included. Accommodation is only available to students on a full-time or intensive course.
General English + Business English (30 lessons)30 lessons/week · 1-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16General English Courses 30 lessons per week · Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €77.79 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2
General English combined with Business English, 30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week, B1 to C1 level, minimum age 18. 1 lesson = 45 minutes. Courses start every Monday; minimum age 16. Registration fee 50 GBP; course materials 65 GBP for 30 lessons (per level, one course book and supplementary materials). The exam fee is not included. Accommodation is only available to students on a full-time or intensive course.
from €509/week
General English + Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced exam, 30 lessons30 lessons/week · 1-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €77.79 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2
First Certificate in English (FCE):
This is an upper-intermediate level qualification which is designed to assist learners of English in finding work or accessing opportunities to study in an English-speaking environment.
Students who pass this exam can show they have a B2 level of English which may be required by their employer.
Classes are taught by experienced teachers who ensure students receive the maximum support and guidance throughout the course.
from €509/week
General English + IELTS exam (Academic), 30 lessons30 lessons/week · 1-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €77.79 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Qualifications: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2, Advanced - Level C1
Our IELTS programmes focus on the Academic level examination, and will develop the essential techniques required for this exam. Each area is given equal focus – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Our IELTS course has been specifically designed for both working professionals who require a strong IELTS score to work or live in the UK or other English-speaking countries, as well as for those wishing to study on a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes both in the UK o
from €509/week
General English + OET exam (30 lessons)30 lessons/week · 1-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €77.79 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2
General English combined with preparation for the OET (Occupational English Test) exam, 30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week, B1 to C1 level. 1 lesson = 45 minutes. Courses start every Monday; minimum age 16. Registration fee 50 GBP; course materials 65 GBP for 30 lessons (per level, one course book and supplementary materials). The exam fee is not included. Accommodation is only available to students on a full-time or intensive course.
from €509/week
General English Full-time (20 lessons)20 lessons/week · 1-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16General English Courses 20 lessons per week · Course hours: 09:00 - 12:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 12 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 7 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €53.85 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Beginner, Elementary - Level A1, Pre-Intermediate - Level A2, Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2, Advanced - Level C1, Proficient - Level C2
Our General English 20-lesson (15 hour) courses are designed for motivated, professional students who wish to develop their overall English skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as grammar. We believe that in order to improve your language to its best potential, all of these areas are important, with the principal goal being communicative ability and development. On our General English 20 lessons (15 hours) per week programme, you will study for three hours of teacher-led sessions every morning, with weekly assessment to track your progress.
from €353/week
General English Intensive (30 lessons)30 lessons/week · 1-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16General English Courses 30 lessons per week · Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 12 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 7 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €77.79 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Elementary - Level A1, Pre-Intermediate - Level A2, Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2, Advanced - Level C1
Our General English courses are designed for students who wish to develop their overall English skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening, as well as grammar. In a General English class, students will also spend time developing their use of 'Professional English' which is a style of English more suitable for the workplace, career development and professional interactions.
from €473/week
Intensive Cambridge B2 First / C1 Advanced exam (30 lessons)30 lessons/week · 1-44 weeks · Minimum age: 16Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: €77.79 Mandatory and not included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2
Intensive exam preparation course for the Cambridge B2 First or C1 Advanced exam, 30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week, B1 to C1 level. 1 lesson = 45 minutes. Courses start every Monday; minimum age 16. Registration fee 50 GBP; course materials 65 GBP for 30 lessons (per level, one course book and supplementary materials). The exam fee is not included. Accommodation is only available to students on a full-time or intensive course.
from €509/week
One to One English, 10 hours per week10 lessons/week · 1-12 weeks · Minimum age: 16English One to One course 10 lessons per week · Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: Included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2
Private one-to-one English lessons, 10 hours per week, 1 to 12 weeks. Price per hour: 60 GBP for 1-20 hours in total, 57 GBP for 21-50 hours and 53 GBP from 51 hours (the rate depends on the total hours booked). Course materials vary and are agreed with the school at the time of booking. Registration fee 50 GBP. 1 lesson = 45 minutes.
from €682/week
One to One English, 20 hours per week20 lessons/week · 1-12 weeks · Minimum age: 16English One to One course 20 lessons per week · Course hours: 09:00 - 15:15 · Course days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday · Maximum class size: 10 · School admin. fee: €59.84 · Average number of students: 6 · Lesson duration: 60 minutes · Course materials: Included · Course certificate: Yes · Levels: Intermediate - Level B1, Upper Intermediate - Level B2
Private one-to-one English lessons, 20 hours per week, 1 to 12 weeks. Price per hour: 60 GBP for 1-20 hours in total, 57 GBP for 21-50 hours and 53 GBP from 51 hours (the rate depends on the total hours booked). Course materials vary and are agreed with the school at the time of booking. Registration fee 50 GBP. 1 lesson = 45 minutes.
from €1,269/week

Accommodation

Homestay, single room, half-board, private bathroomHost familyStudents per room: 1 · Board: Half board · Minimum age: 16 · Accommodation type: Host Family · Distance from school: 25 minutes in public transport · Facilities: 24-Hour Front Desk, Bed linen, Car parking, Central location, Close to local amenities, Cooking facilities, Deposit requiered upon arrival, DVD Player, Furnished to the highest standards, Garden, Heating, Hob/Oven and Extractor, Internet access, Iron, Kitchen, Kitchenette, Laundry, LCD /Plasma /Flat-screen TV, Microwave, Near the School, Open plan kitchen, Phone, Public transport near, Refrigerator, Seating Area, Tea/Coffee Maker, Towels, TV, Washing Machine
The Essential English Centre works personally with many host-families in the Manchester area. All accommodation is within a 30 minute commute from the school.
from GBP 270/week
Standard Residence (Student Residence)School residenceStudents per room: 1 · Board: Self Service · Minimum age: 16 · Accommodation type: School Residence · Distance from school: 20 minutes in public transport · Facilities: 24-Hour Front Desk, Bed linen, Central location, Close to local amenities, Cooking facilities, Deposit requiered upon arrival, Elevator, Heating, Hob/Oven and Extractor, Internet access, Iron, Kitchen, Laundry, Microwave, Near the School, Open plan kitchen, Phone, Refrigerator, Seating Area, Tea/Coffee Maker, TV, Washing Machine, Wireless (WIFI) Internet, Work Desk
The Essential English Centre works with Salford Student Village, which offers quality student residence accommodation for our students.
This residence provides everything you need to make the most of your student experience. Salford Student Village can accommodate short and long-term stays, and has two, three and four-bedroom apartments for our students. All facilities and bills are included, and it is situated just a short distance away from our school.
Staying at our student residence means you can immerse yourself into the famous Manchester student life and enjoy independent living during your studies. You will live in a secure and safe environment, surrounded by other students (both British and international students).
All bedding and living facilities are provided
from GBP 285/week
Homestay, single room, half-board, shared bathroomHost familyStudents per room: 1 · Board: Half board · Minimum age: 12 · Accommodation type: Host Family · Distance from school: 25 minutes in public transport · Facilities: Close to local amenities, Heating, Keys given on arrival, Towels, Wireless (WIFI) Internet
Staying with a local homestay host provides the opportunity to truly experience a warm Manchester welcome. It also allows you to practise your speaking and listening skills in a natural environment with friendly people. We know all of our hosts personally and they are within easy reach of the school with a commuting time of no more than 30 minutes.
Choosing this form of accommodation allows you to:
• immerse yourself into local British culture
• speak English every day in an authentic environment
• share meals with your hosts
• make new friends – many of our students stay in touch with their hosts long after they have returned home!
from GBP 205/week
Homestay, shared room (double or twin bed), half-board, shared bathroomHost familyStudents per room: 2 · Board: Half board · Minimum age: 12 · Accommodation type: Host Family · Distance from school: 25 minutes in public transport · Facilities: Close to local amenities, Heating, Keys given on arrival, Towels, Wireless (WIFI) Internet
Homestay with a local host family in the Manchester area, shared room with a double or twin bed, half-board, shared bathroom; price per person per week. Bedding pack 80 GBP (one-off); extra charge of 35 GBP per week if under 18; 35 GBP per week for special diets; supplement of 50 GBP in summer (June to August), Christmas and New Year. Accommodation booking fee 50 GBP.
from GBP 180/week
Budget Studio (private apartment, 18+)Studio apartmentStudents per room: 1 · Board: Self Service · Minimum age: 16 · Accommodation type: Studio apartament · Distance from school: 20 minutes in public transport · Facilities: 24-Hour Front Desk, Bed linen, Central location, Close to local amenities, Cooking facilities, Deposit requiered upon arrival, Elevator, Heating, Hob/Oven and Extractor, Internet access, Iron, Kitchen, Laundry, Microwave, Near the School, Open plan kitchen, Phone, Refrigerator, Seating Area, Tea/Coffee Maker, TV, Washing Machine, Wireless (WIFI) Internet, Work Desk
Budget Studio, private apartment for students aged 18+, available all year; minimum booking 1 week; 320 GBP per week (325 GBP per week sharing). Bedding pack 80 GBP (one-off). Accommodation booking fee 50 GBP.
from GBP 320/week
Luxury City-Centre Studio (private apartment, 18+)Studio apartmentStudents per room: 1 · Board: Self Service · Minimum age: 16 · Accommodation type: Studio apartament · Distance from school: 20 minutes in public transport · Facilities: 24-Hour Front Desk, Bed linen, Central location, Close to local amenities, Cooking facilities, Deposit requiered upon arrival, Elevator, Heating, Hob/Oven and Extractor, Internet access, Iron, Kitchen, Laundry, Microwave, Near the School, Open plan kitchen, Phone, Refrigerator, Seating Area, Tea/Coffee Maker, TV, Washing Machine, Wireless (WIFI) Internet, Work Desk
Luxury City-Centre Studio, private apartment for students aged 18+, available all year; minimum booking 4 weeks; 385 GBP per week. Bedding pack 80 GBP (one-off). Accommodation booking fee 50 GBP.
from GBP 385/week

About the school

Welcome to The Essential English Centre, an independently owned, professional English language school located in the heart of Manchester city centre. We offer a range of excellent English language, Exam Preparation and Academic preparation courses , designed to help you succeed as quickly and effectively as possible. Learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom either! With an exciting social programme to complement our courses, we ensure you have lots of fun too.

About the school: The Essential English Centre

Number of classrooms: 8

Average nº of student per classroom: 8

Minimum student age: 16

Placement test on the first day: ✓

Distance from the airport: 14 km.

Closest airport: Manchester International

Year the school opened: 2011

School opening times: 8:30 - 17:30

Facilities

After class/extra curricular seminars · Audio learning · Computer room · Cultural trips · Eating area · Elevator · Fax service · Free internet access · Internet WIFI · Library · Printing service · Self study material · Social activities · Student room · Study room · Table games · Tea / Coffee · Television room

Student information

We are located in the city centre and our school is easily accessible by the bus and tram network. Manchester is a fantastic place to live and learn English; perfect for shopping, nightlife, music and of course... football!

Our school is like a home away from home and teachers and staff support the students through all aspects of life here. Including help to find jobs, writing C.V's, finding accommodation and more!

Terms & Conditions: The Essential English Centre

- Bookings are not transferable.

- Bank charges are payable by students

- Students must be 16 years of age or over

Cancellation policy

- The cancellation needs to be communicated in writing to the school by the person who booked the course.

- No course changes will be allowed to make up for refunds in the case of course cancellations.

- The deposit is non-refundable.

- Enrolment fee is non-refundable.

- The registration fee is non-refundable.

- Accommodation booking fee is non-refundable.

- No refund will be made for shortening the course duration after the payment.

- There is no refund for any cancellation once the course has commenced.

- After a course has started there is no refund for any accommodation or other item booked.

- No tuition refunds are given for late arrivals, early departures or absences, for whatever reason, from classes during any course.

Refund policy

- A cancellation fee of £ 1 week's tuition fees applies when a course is cancelled less than 4 week/s before the course commencement date.

- A cancellation fee of £ all course fees applies when a course is cancelled less than 2 week before course commencement date.

Visa refusal

- In case a visa is refused to the student, the school will charge 130 £ and the remaining balance will be refunded to the student upon receipt of an original VISA refusal letter.

Other terms

Student reviews

4.7out of 5

7 reviews

Location4.6
Facilities4.3
Activities4.9
Teachers5.0

—Italy ★★★★★ Invited by e-mail · LanguageBookings, 2013

20 weeks · 01/2013

I have been so confortable in The essential english school. I've met two teachers extremly qualify and available to help me for everything. The school is easy to reach in fact is located in the city centre. There are several different courses for every levels of english also for correcting accent. This school has been remarkably useful for my english skill improvements.
—Mexico ★★★★★ Invited by e-mail · LanguageBookings, 2013

8 weeks · 01/2013

I love it and I miss my class mates and my teachers. Thanks for the excellent school.

How we collect reviews: «Verified booking» means we e-mailed the student who booked when the course ended, so we know they took that course. «Invited by the school» or «by the agency» means the school or agency gave us the e-mail of one of its students and declared that they are a real student; we sent the invitation ourselves, but we did not see the booking. «Not verified» marks older LanguageBookings reviews written without a booking check. We publish good and bad reviews alike: schools and agencies cannot delete or hide them, they can only reply. We hide only insults and personal data.

Course types in Manchester

Compare in Manchester: General English courses · Intensive English courses · English exam preparation courses · IELTS preparation courses · One-to-one English lessons · Super-intensive English courses

Looking for accommodation on your own? Host families and rooms in Manchester on Gomfy

Help

How do I book a language course / accommodation?

Booking with us is really easy. You just have to go to the link of the school you are interested in. Where it says COURSE and then START, you select the dates you wish to study there. Afterwards, you select how many weeks you want to study.

You then select the course you wish to attend. You can add optional services, such as accommodation and airport transfer. If you would like to add these additional services, you need to go further down the page where you will find the section relating to ACCOMMODATION. You select the option of the type of accommodation you want (You do not have to select the dates here if they are the same as the course - they are automatically selected).

After the Accommodation, you have another option, that of TRANSFER. This option allows you to book a transport that will pick you up at the airport and will take you to your residence or host family.

Once you have selected all these options, on your right hand side, you are going to see a summary of your reservation with all the information about the course and the accommodation, together with their prices. Also, the deposit you have to pay will be displayed there. You just have to press the Orange Button that says BOOK NOW and this will take you to another page to enter your personal details. When you are booking you only have to pay the little deposit. After that, we will contact the school and request your booking. When your booking is confirmed by the school or host, they will hold your place until the your booking balance is paid in full. The same applies for the accommodation. You can pay with credit card, a PayPal account or, for most countries, bank transfer; as you prefer. This deposit you pay now will be discounted from the total price. The rest of the money will not have to be paid until 15 days before your course starts. In any case, you will be receiving emails about your deposit payments; and also, reminders about the rest of the money when it needs to be paid.

What are the benefits of booking through LanguageBookings.com?

Our discount: When the school offers it, you get the LanguageBookings discount and pay less than the school's own price list. You will see it on the school and course pages.

Help in your language: We answer your questions in your language, before and after you book.

We deal with the school for you: If the price, dates or accommodation change, we sort it out with the school on your behalf.

Book with a deposit only: The deposit is part of the course price, not an extra charge. If you pay by card, it is only authorised when you book and charged once the school confirms your place. If the school cannot confirm it, you are not charged, or the deposit is refunded in full.

When do the courses start?

The start dates of intensive and standard language courses are generally flexible. If you have some basic knowledge of the language, you will be able to start any Monday of the year at almost any school. If you are a total beginner, courses usually start once or twice a month.

You should be aware that language schools have more students in July and August than during any other time of year, which means that course fees, housing prices and the overall cost of living are often more expensive during this time. If you would like to book a course in July or August, you should do so very early: schools have limited spots and might be booked well in advance for the high season. Your chances to get your preferred housing type are also greater if you book your course early. Housing options near the school are especially difficult to secure in the summer and tend to fill up quickly.

Language courses during the low season (September to June) are not only less expensive, but also have smaller classes. If you are able to wait to take your courses during this time you will pay less for your courses, and you may even receive better housing, since demand is much lower. Please, review this information within the language course details on the language school page.

How do I know if a place is available?

You can find the availability status underneath each price on the school / host page. Nevertheless, if you submit a reservation request and your place is not available, the deposit paid will be 100% refunded.