Frequently Asked Questions
When did the school open?
The school opened in June 2018.
Is the school accredited?
Yes. Durham School of English holds UK Accreditation from ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities). ASIC Accreditation is a leading, globally recognised quality standard in international education. Institutions undergo an impartial and independent external assessment process to confirm their provision meets rigorous internationally accepted standards, covering the whole spectrum of its administration, governance, and educational offering. Achieving ASIC Accreditation demonstrates to students and stakeholders that an institution is a high-quality education provider that delivers safe and rewarding educational experiences and is committed to continuous improvement throughout its operation.
https://www.asic.org.uk/about/affiliations-credentials
How many classrooms does the school have?
We have the use of two classrooms.
Are the school's teachers qualified?
All of our teachers have a first degree and an English language teaching qualification.
Are the school's teachers experienced?
All of our teachers have at least 4 years of teaching experience (Last updated 01/01/2020).
What is the average class size?
In 2024, the average group class size was 5 students.
What is the minimum and maximum class size?
The minimum number of students is one. The maximum number of students is 8.
Do I need to go on the sightseeing trips?
No, you do not need to go on the sightseeing trips.
Can students on the semi-intensive general English course go on the trips?
This may sometimes be possible. Please ask your teacher.
Will I get homework?
Homework is optional. Usually, you will be given homework every day.
Will I get a textbook?
You are welcome to buy a textbook. If you don't buy a textbook, your teacher will provide you with all the materials you need.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, we'll give you a school certificate at the end of your course, provided that your attendance has been over 80%.
What is the weather like in Durham?
This graph shows the average monthly temperature and rainfall in Durham.
The school opened in June 2018.
Is the school accredited?
Yes. Durham School of English holds UK Accreditation from ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities). ASIC Accreditation is a leading, globally recognised quality standard in international education. Institutions undergo an impartial and independent external assessment process to confirm their provision meets rigorous internationally accepted standards, covering the whole spectrum of its administration, governance, and educational offering. Achieving ASIC Accreditation demonstrates to students and stakeholders that an institution is a high-quality education provider that delivers safe and rewarding educational experiences and is committed to continuous improvement throughout its operation.
https://www.asic.org.uk/about/affiliations-credentials
How many classrooms does the school have?
We have the use of two classrooms.
Are the school's teachers qualified?
All of our teachers have a first degree and an English language teaching qualification.
Are the school's teachers experienced?
All of our teachers have at least 4 years of teaching experience (Last updated 01/01/2020).
What is the average class size?
In 2024, the average group class size was 5 students.
What is the minimum and maximum class size?
The minimum number of students is one. The maximum number of students is 8.
Do I need to go on the sightseeing trips?
No, you do not need to go on the sightseeing trips.
Can students on the semi-intensive general English course go on the trips?
This may sometimes be possible. Please ask your teacher.
Will I get homework?
Homework is optional. Usually, you will be given homework every day.
Will I get a textbook?
You are welcome to buy a textbook. If you don't buy a textbook, your teacher will provide you with all the materials you need.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, we'll give you a school certificate at the end of your course, provided that your attendance has been over 80%.
What is the weather like in Durham?
This graph shows the average monthly temperature and rainfall in Durham.
How big is Durham?
Durham is one of the smallest cities in the UK. It is small enough to walk around. The population of Durham is 65 000. There are 18 000 students at Durham University.
How much do things cost in Durham?
Living costs are typically much lower in the north of England than they are in the south. For a standard meal out expect to pay between £5-10 for a starter, £10-15 for a main course and around £5 for a dessert. If you are cooking for yourself, you should allow approximately £30 a week for food.
Is Durham safe?
According to The Complete University Guide, a guidebook of UK universities, Durham is one of the third safest place in the UK to study.
What kind of visa do I need to study in the UK?
You need a short-term study visa. A short-term study visa is for courses less than 6 months long. It is available to students aged 18 and above. You cannot work in the UK with this visa and cannot bring children or partners. Visa nationals must apply for their visa before they travel to the UK in their own country. Students from non-visa national countries can apply on entry to the UK (at the airport, for example) with their passport and the school's offer letter.
Which is the nearest international airport to Durham?
The nearest international airport is Newcastle Airport.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Your health insurance should cover:
• emergency medical treatment costs, including hospital charges and ambulance fees
• returning you home following medical treatment abroad if you cannot use your original ticket
• reasonable additional transport and/or accommodation expenses for a close relative or friend to stay with you or travel from the UK to escort you if required
• temporary emergency dental treatment for the relief of immediate pain
• 24 hours assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
If you are travelling from the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC gives you the right to access NHS healthcare during your stay in the UK.
(Please note that The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may not be valid after Brexit. You should make sure your travel insurance covers your healthcare needs.)
Will I be met when I arrive?
Yes. We can meet you at Newcastle Airport, Durham railway station or Durham bus station.
What should I bring with me?
Here are some things you should bring with you:
• Your Acceptance Letter from Durham School of English
• Passport
• Details of your accommodation/the family where you are staying.
• Credit cards/ travellers cheques.
• For European citizens: EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
• Mobile phone and charger.
• Relevant documents if you have arranged your own insurance.
• An adaptor for non-British plugs - we use three-pin plugs and the power is 240 volts in the UK.
• A laptop/tablet computer. We have wifi at the school.
• An internationally recognised student card if you have one.
• A memory stick to save any work you do.
• Some passport-sized photographs, for student cards, travel passes etc.
Durham is one of the smallest cities in the UK. It is small enough to walk around. The population of Durham is 65 000. There are 18 000 students at Durham University.
How much do things cost in Durham?
Living costs are typically much lower in the north of England than they are in the south. For a standard meal out expect to pay between £5-10 for a starter, £10-15 for a main course and around £5 for a dessert. If you are cooking for yourself, you should allow approximately £30 a week for food.
Is Durham safe?
According to The Complete University Guide, a guidebook of UK universities, Durham is one of the third safest place in the UK to study.
What kind of visa do I need to study in the UK?
You need a short-term study visa. A short-term study visa is for courses less than 6 months long. It is available to students aged 18 and above. You cannot work in the UK with this visa and cannot bring children or partners. Visa nationals must apply for their visa before they travel to the UK in their own country. Students from non-visa national countries can apply on entry to the UK (at the airport, for example) with their passport and the school's offer letter.
Which is the nearest international airport to Durham?
The nearest international airport is Newcastle Airport.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Your health insurance should cover:
• emergency medical treatment costs, including hospital charges and ambulance fees
• returning you home following medical treatment abroad if you cannot use your original ticket
• reasonable additional transport and/or accommodation expenses for a close relative or friend to stay with you or travel from the UK to escort you if required
• temporary emergency dental treatment for the relief of immediate pain
• 24 hours assistance helplines to offer support and advice about appropriate treatment
If you are travelling from the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC gives you the right to access NHS healthcare during your stay in the UK.
(Please note that The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) may not be valid after Brexit. You should make sure your travel insurance covers your healthcare needs.)
Will I be met when I arrive?
Yes. We can meet you at Newcastle Airport, Durham railway station or Durham bus station.
What should I bring with me?
Here are some things you should bring with you:
• Your Acceptance Letter from Durham School of English
• Passport
• Details of your accommodation/the family where you are staying.
• Credit cards/ travellers cheques.
• For European citizens: EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
• Mobile phone and charger.
• Relevant documents if you have arranged your own insurance.
• An adaptor for non-British plugs - we use three-pin plugs and the power is 240 volts in the UK.
• A laptop/tablet computer. We have wifi at the school.
• An internationally recognised student card if you have one.
• A memory stick to save any work you do.
• Some passport-sized photographs, for student cards, travel passes etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the school open?
The school opened in June 2018.
The school opened in June 2018.
Is the school accredited?
Yes. Durham School of English holds UK Accreditation from ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities). ASIC Accreditation is a leading, globally recognised quality standard in international education. Institutions undergo an impartial and independent external assessment process to confirm their provision meets rigorous internationally accepted standards, covering the whole spectrum of its administration, governance, and educational offering. Achieving ASIC Accreditation demonstrates to students and stakeholders that an institution is a high-quality education provider that delivers safe and rewarding educational experiences and is committed to continuous improvement throughout its operation.
https://www.asic.org.uk/about/affiliations-credentials
Yes. Durham School of English holds UK Accreditation from ASIC (Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities). ASIC Accreditation is a leading, globally recognised quality standard in international education. Institutions undergo an impartial and independent external assessment process to confirm their provision meets rigorous internationally accepted standards, covering the whole spectrum of its administration, governance, and educational offering. Achieving ASIC Accreditation demonstrates to students and stakeholders that an institution is a high-quality education provider that delivers safe and rewarding educational experiences and is committed to continuous improvement throughout its operation.
https://www.asic.org.uk/about/affiliations-credentials
How many classrooms does the school have?
We have the use of two classrooms.
We have the use of two classrooms.
Are the school's teachers qualified?
All of our teachers have a first degree and an English language teaching qualification.
All of our teachers have a first degree and an English language teaching qualification.
Are the school's teachers experienced?
All of our teachers have at least 4 years of teaching experience (Last updated 01/01/2024).
All of our teachers have at least 4 years of teaching experience (Last updated 01/01/2024).
What is the average class size?
In 2024, the average group class size was 5 students.
In 2024, the average group class size was 5 students.
What is the minimum and maximum class size?
The minimum number of students is one. The maximum number of students is 8.
The minimum number of students is one. The maximum number of students is 8.
Do I need to go on the sightseeing trips?
No, you do not need to go on the sightseeing trips. However, we are unable to give discounts to students that do not go on sightseeing trips.
No, you do not need to go on the sightseeing trips. However, we are unable to give discounts to students that do not go on sightseeing trips.
Can students on the semi-intensive general English course go on the trips?
This may sometimes be possible. Please ask your teacher.
This may sometimes be possible. Please ask your teacher.
How long will it take for me to receive my brochure?
If you live in Europe, it will take 4 - 12 days for you to receive your brochure. If you don't live in Europe, it will take 7 - 14 days.
If you live in Europe, it will take 4 - 12 days for you to receive your brochure. If you don't live in Europe, it will take 7 - 14 days.
Will I get homework?
Homework is optional. Usually, you will be given homework every day.
Homework is optional. Usually, you will be given homework every day.
Will I get a textbook?
We don't give textbooks to our students. Your teacher will provide you with all the materials you need.
We don't give textbooks to our students. Your teacher will provide you with all the materials you need.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes, we'll give you a school certificate at the end of your course, provided that your attendance has been over 80%.
Yes, we'll give you a school certificate at the end of your course, provided that your attendance has been over 80%.
Why don't you have many courses?
We are a new school. Additional courses will be added as the school grows.
We are a new school. Additional courses will be added as the school grows.
How big is Durham?
Durham is one of the smallest cities in the UK. It is small enough to walk around. The population of Durham is 65 000. There are 18 000 students at Durham University.
Durham is one of the smallest cities in the UK. It is small enough to walk around. The population of Durham is 65 000. There are 18 000 students at Durham University.
How much do things cost in Durham?
Living costs are typically much lower in the north of England than they are in the south. For a standard meal out expect to pay between £5-10 for a starter, £10-15 for a main course and around £5 for a dessert. If you are cooking for yourself, you should allow approximately £30 a week for food.
Living costs are typically much lower in the north of England than they are in the south. For a standard meal out expect to pay between £5-10 for a starter, £10-15 for a main course and around £5 for a dessert. If you are cooking for yourself, you should allow approximately £30 a week for food.
Is Durham safe?
According to The Complete University Guide, a guidebook of UK universities, Durham is one of the third safest place in the UK to study.
According to The Complete University Guide, a guidebook of UK universities, Durham is one of the third safest place in the UK to study.
Which is the nearest international airport to Durham?
The nearest international airport is Newcastle Airport.
The nearest international airport is Newcastle Airport.
What should I bring with me?
Here are some things you should bring with you:
• Your Offer Letter from Durham School of English
• Passport
• Details of your accommodation/the family where you are staying.
• Credit cards/ travellers cheques.
• For European citizens: EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
• Mobile phone and charger.
• Relevant documents if you have arranged your own insurance.
• An adaptor for non-British plugs - we use three-pin plugs and the power is 240 volts in the UK.
• A laptop/tablet computer. We have wifi at the school.
• An internationally recognised student card if you have one.
• A good bilingual (elementary to intermediate students) or monolingual dictionary (intermediate to advanced students).
• A memory stick to save any work you do.
• Some passport-sized photographs, for student cards, travel passes etc.
Here are some things you should bring with you:
• Your Offer Letter from Durham School of English
• Passport
• Details of your accommodation/the family where you are staying.
• Credit cards/ travellers cheques.
• For European citizens: EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
• Mobile phone and charger.
• Relevant documents if you have arranged your own insurance.
• An adaptor for non-British plugs - we use three-pin plugs and the power is 240 volts in the UK.
• A laptop/tablet computer. We have wifi at the school.
• An internationally recognised student card if you have one.
• A good bilingual (elementary to intermediate students) or monolingual dictionary (intermediate to advanced students).
• A memory stick to save any work you do.
• Some passport-sized photographs, for student cards, travel passes etc.
