International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

(IELTS) The International English Language Testing System is designed to assess the language ability of students who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is recognised by over 6,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

Governments do recognise IELTS as a language proficiency guide when issuing visas. If you make a visa application to stay or move to the UK, you need to be aware of changes made by United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI).

Students will receive outstanding individual student support and enrichment activities and studying on these courses will give students the skills, knowledge and confidence to obtain the highest IELTS score possible.

How will I learn?

Tutor-led, interactive and self study input on the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The course is preparation for the IELTS exam. Exams are taken at an external organisation and will incur additional charges.

The maximum class size for the part-time IELTS programme is 15 learners.

Qualification

There is no pass mark for IELTS. Students are graded on a scale 1 to 9.

Social Programme

While studying with Colchester Institute students can take part in trips, visits and activities organised by the college. These may include ten pin bowling, ice skating, theatre productions – costs will be between £6 and £10. There are also day trips to London, Cambridge or Brighton costing approximately £20 including travel.

Entry and Enrolment Requirements

Minimum English language requirement: B1 – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or ESOL Skills for Life framework Entry 3.

The minimum age for enrolment on the part-time IELTS programme is 16 years old.

Exam Information

The IELTS exam is taken externally through British Council Accredited Exam Centres. Please follow this link to find your nearest centre.

Holidays and Vacations

If you study September to December: 1 week holiday 24 October – 28 October

There will be no classes on Friday 23 October

If you study September to June:

1 week holiday 24 –28 October 2 weeks holiday 19 December – 30 December

1 week holiday 13 -17 February 2 weeks holiday 3 April – 14 April

There will be no classes on Friday 23 October, Monday 22 February, Monday 2 May or Tuesday 3 May

If you study January to June:

1 week holiday 13 – 17 February 2 weeks holiday 3 April – 14 April

There will be no classes on Monday 22 February, Monday 2 May or Tuesday 3 May

For further information please contact Admissions:

Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 712705. Email efl@colchester.ac.uk

Information published is correct at the time of printing; Colchester Institute reserves the right to amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will not take responsibility for any changes that may result in students having to cease their studies.

What can I do next?

Students who achieve the appropriate score will be able to attend university or college in the UK but also in other countries where English is the first language

Information for Under 18's

Many students at Colchester Institute are under 18. In the English Language department, we have a mixture: some students are under 18 and some are adults. You may be in a class with some adult students. They will welcome you and help you with your studies. Your teachers will also work hard to keep you safe.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Colchester Institute believes the health and safety of all our students is important. All of the English Language staff are trained to help keep students safe, happy and healthy in college.

Well-being and keeping safe

Bullying [using words or actions to make someone feel bad] is not allowed in the college. The College is committed to making our classes a place where all students are respected and where bullying is not allowed. If a student has a problem or complaint, we will listen to them and work to solve the problem quickly and fairly.

What should I do if I have a problem?

If a student has a problem or complaint they should speak to their teacher or the Student Services Welfare Team (B66a, Ground Floor, Main Building, Colchester Institute). At The College at Braintree, please go to Student Services A56. Student Services are very good at solving students’ problems.

We hope you will enjoy your studies with us and that you will always feel safe and happy to study here.

Accommodation

You need to arrange where you are going to live during your studies before you arrive in the UK. Colchester Institute is able to offer accommodation to students but it is limited depending on demand.

Accommodation offered by Colchester Institute

If you would like to arrange accommodation through Colchester Institute you will need to complete an Accommodation Request Form, you can email the Accommodation Officer to ask for this form once you have received your course offer.

Please contact:

Elizabeth Bloyce-Hykel

Tel: 0044 (0)1206 712297 Email: Accommodation@colchester.ac.uk

Address:

Student Union

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester, Essex

CO3 3LL





How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme. Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible. You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester (for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL
Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

English Language Courses (EFL, ESOL & IELTS)

We currently offer English Language courses on either a full-time or part-time basis depending on what suits you, your schedule and your needs. You can download the application form for the part-time IELTS course here.

Download Application Form – Part-Time English Language Courses (PDF)