Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

We collaborate with a diverse range of organisations spanning various sectors, including business, education and government.

Our business clients comprise multinational banks, Big 4 consulting firms, prominent fashion and retail brands, technology and manufacturing companies, and many more.

Furthermore, we maintain close partnerships with universities and other educational institutions, where we offer specialised courses in this field. Additionally, we collaborate with government departments to provide extensive English language courses to learners of all backgrounds and levels. Within the education sector, we also support schools at every life stage, through specialised learning and assessment.

Find out more about our success stories.

If you're looking for courses designed just for you or for an individual, we invite you to try our flexibe online course. Our experienced instructors are available 24/7, our our in-person courses.

We provide a comprehensive portfolio of English courses, which we can tailor to your requirements. Our portfolio includes a variety of English and professional communication skills courses aimed at corporates, education and governments. These are available online, through our network of teaching centres, and in some cases we also offer courses at clients' premises. Our course content is aimed at a comprehensive range of social, business and employability contexts. Online we can offer fixed or flexible learning plans with 24/7 live group and private classes, designed using our proven flipped learning model. 

Our approach is collaborative. We work closely with you to comprehend your needs thoroughly, in order to recommend the most suitable course at a competitive price.

Regardless of your industry or sector and whether you require enhanced business communication skills or English language proficiency, we can provide a host of courses and assessments. We curate these to align with your needs, ensuring you attain the maximum benefit from our offerings.

We offer:

• self-study courses (learn at your own pace)
• blended learning (self-study plus live lessons)
• live online classes (for groups or individuals)
• in-person classes (at your office or our centre)
• one-to-one coaching (personal help).

Book a free consultation for more information contact us.

Leading organisations choose our award-winning English online courses. Our services extend across various industries, including education, corporate sector, government, donors and foundations. In 2024–25 we were proud to work with over 131,000 online course participants.  

We conduct our online courses via our exclusive proprietary English online platform. This platform enables participants to manage their courses, gain access to learning materials and schedule classes with teachers. These interactive sessions take place on Zoom, a cost-free and secure videoconferencing software, ensuring a seamless learning experience. 

Globally accessible: Our course platform is accessed by hundreds of thousands of course participants from around the world.  

User-friendly: With features such as platform tours, videos and an easy-to-use interface and layout, English language learners at all levels can comfortably navigate our platform.  

Stability: Systems are in place to accommodate large user traffic numbers. We continuously monitor CPU usage and can scale our servers dynamically to handle increased user traffic.  

Security: The British Council takes security very seriously, maintaining robust internal controls aligned with ISO 27001 principles across our global operations. Additionally, our English online platform development supplier is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified.  

Book a free demo.

Yes, various modules from different courses can be combined to create a customised training programme, and in some instances it might be feasible to develop content together with our clients.

Understanding your needs in order to provide effective, targeted training solutions is at the heart of what we do.

Indeed, we offer targeted training solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your business. Our services encompass a wide variety of content and are available both in person and online, catering to a range of budgets.

As part of our process, we begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of your requirements. This forms the foundation of our working relationship and enables us to offer you the most appropriate solutions. Our aim is to make the process as seamless as possible, ensuring your objectives are met effectively and efficiently. Book your free consultation.

We help with various speaking and writing communication and soft skills such as business writing, presentations, meetings, negotiations and working with people from other cultures. You can choose the skills that are most important for your team. Book a free consultation for more information.

Yes, we offer over 20 different professional business skills courses, designed for a range of English proficiency levels. Each course is carefully created to develop a specific skill, helping you and your team progress quickly in real workplace situations. Our courses support both spoken and written communication and are suitable for different industries and roles.

Key modules include delivering service excellence, effective public speaking, business writing and email composition. Most courses are flexible and can be delivered online or face-to-face. Book a free consultation to find out more.

We follow these steps:

1. Consultation: We find out what your team needs to learn.
2. Design: We build a training plan that suits your company, using online, in-person or mixed learning.
3. Delivery: Our trainers teach your team using real-life examples and activities.
4. Evaluation: We check progress, give you reports and help you see the results of the training.

Book a free consultation for more information.

Yes. We give you clear reports and information to help you show the benefits of training to your managers and get their support. Book a free consultation for more information.

Yes. You can find case studies and stories from other companies, governments and schools that have worked with us.

We offer an array of courses that can be delivered online, at our centres or directly at your location.

These online courses encompass self-access, blended and live learning alternatives. In addition, we provide in-person courses, which can be delivered in a multitude of ways and in numerous locations globally.

All our courses are imparted by qualified and experienced trainers from the British Council.

We conduct our online courses via our exclusive, proprietary, English online platform. This platform enables participants to manage their courses, gain access to learning materials and schedule classes with teachers. These interactive sessions take place on Zoom, a cost-free and secure videoconferencing software, ensuring a seamless learning experience.

Globally accessible Our course platform is accessed by hundreds of thousands of course participants from around the world.  

User-friendly With features such as platform tours, videos and an easy-to-use interface and layout, English language learners at all levels can comfortably navigate our platform.  

Stability Systems are in place to accommodate large user traffic numbers. We continuously monitor CPU usage and can scale our servers dynamically to handle increased user traffic.  

Security The British Council takes security very seriously, maintaining robust internal controls aligned with ISO 27001 principles across our global operations. Additionally, our English online platform development supplier is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified.  

Under certain conditions and depending on the specific type of training requested, we can link our platform with client learning management systems (LMS) via a single sign-on API. For more information about our platform, book your platform demo.

Most of our courses offer additional materials and resources to aid employee learning. 

Our expert-designed online courses use a proven ‘flipped learning’ approach, combining flexible online exercises with live, interactive classes to practise language in real-life situations. Backed by 90+ years of experience and the latest language research, our method emphasises active participation, engaging learners through task-based activities like role plays and problem solving that reflect real-world needs. With tailored, learner-centred lessons, ongoing feedback and reflection, we empower participants to build communication skills, develop self-study habits and take charge of their learning journey.

Please note that the variety of resources and materials you receive is contingent upon the course you opt for. Book your free consultation.

Our very own British Council English online courses are designed and delivered by our experts via our proprietary platform, creating a powerful and unique learning experience that the British Council is known for the world over.  

Through our English online platform, students will find everything they need for their studies in one place. It's the place where participants can get an overview of their courses, access their interactive learning exercises and arrange their classes with our expert teachers. All of these classes are held on Zoom, which is a safe and free-to-use videoconferencing tool, integrated with our platform. 

In certain situations, and based on the specific training requirements, we have the capability to connect our English online platform with corporate learning management systems (LMS) through a single sign-on API. 

For more information about our platform, book your platform demo.

Our team of consultants is on hand to personalise courses and cater to your individual needs.During your consultation with us, we'll take the time to understand your specific requirements. This will include your learning objectives, the size of the group, the preferred training format, your budget, the location and your preferred timetable. Taking all these into consideration, we will then recommend the most suitable courses for you.

We typically offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your timetable. Online courses, in particular, provide a highly adaptable and scalable learning option with both flexible and fixed learning plans. In the case of flexible pathways, individuals can engage in the same programme of study but at their own pace, even when live learning is part of the curriculum, and study with learners and teachers from around the world. As for our in-person courses, these are delivered at fixed locations. However, we are usually able to arrange these in a manner that aligns with your team's schedule. Book a free consultation.

Before we start, we talk with you to understand your team’s needs and goals. We then curate a programme that matches your organisational needs and your learners' development needs, whether you are a business, government or educational institution. You can book a free consultation.

The length of our courses can differ greatly, ranging from a single day to a whole year.

This variance depends upon both your objectives and how you wish the course to be delivered.

We can cater to a multitude of needs, offering everything from concise one-day workshops to extensive language enhancement programmes that last a full year. Always centred around your team and your goals, our approach is to tailor the solution specifically to your requirements. Book your free consultation.

We offer both in-person and online classes, tailored for private (one-to-one), small or larger group settings.

The delivery method of our programmes depends entirely on your preference, be it face-to-face, a blended approach or entirely online. If a course involves group live classes, we strive to maintain a participant count between 10 and 15 individuals per class for optimal interaction.

However, the total enrolment for the entire programme is at your discretion. We are fully equipped to deliver our services to large groups distributed across the globe. We have a few streamlined enrolment and onboarding options which our account managers can discuss with you during your consultation. To meet our team, please fill in this form with your requirements.

This greatly relies on the specific type of programme you're seeking.

Depending on the intricacies of your needs, the onboarding process for your learners might be swift, possibly completed within a mere few days. Nonetheless, some courses might need a more extensive plan of action. Thankfully, we have a global training team always at your disposal. They are well equipped and capable of accommodating most demands, thereby ensuring that we can fulfil your requirements, no matter how unique or complex they may be. Book your free consultation.

Yes. We work in more than 80 countries and can train large, international teams, and our online courses are available in more than 100 countries. We can adapt our training for different places, languages and time zones. Book a free consultation for more information.

Our educators are exceptionally skilled, undergoing routine assessments to maintain the highest standards of teaching.

As part of the esteemed British Council English teaching professionals, our teachers are experienced English teaching professionals and online specialists with internationally recognised qualifications such as the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or equivalent. Many also hold master’s degrees in fields like English language teaching or applied linguistics. 

They excel in communicative teaching methods, adapting approaches to ensure effective learning and measurable outcomes. Our teachers work with learners from diverse cultural backgrounds, supported by regular training and quality monitoring by Teaching Excellence Managers. 

All our British Council teachers are proficient English users with expert knowledge of internationally accepted English varieties, adhering to the British Council’s Teaching Excellence Standards. 

In order to continuously deliver the best possible learning experience, our educators regularly participate in teacher training programmes. These programmes, coupled with our rigorous system of monitoring and evaluation by a team of specialists, ensure that teaching excellence, i.e. the quality and effectiveness of our teaching, remains at the forefront of our institution.

We measure the success of a course based on engagement and improvement.

When assessing success, we consider several factors, including engagement and improvement. Therefore, we utilise various metrics, such as pre- and post-training test scores, course completion, certificates and feedback. Find out more on how we measure success in a free consultation.

We use tests and online tools to see how much your team improves. We measure the success of a course based on engagement and improvement. 

For our online courses, you have your own client login to access a dashboard that tracks your leaners’, their progress, KPIs and trends. This transparent, real-time information helps you keep track of your programme’s progress and impact.  

When assessing success, we consider several factors, including engagement and improvement. Therefore, we utilise various metrics, such as pre- and post-training test scores, course attendance, and exercise completion and grades, certificates and feedback. We share regular reports so that you can see the results and the value for your company.

Our classes are very interactive and focus on building real-world communication skills and fast-tracking application of those skills in real life. 

Book a free consultation for more information.

We support our clients all the way through, offering different tools to monitor their learners’ attendance and progress and evaluate impact of the training. 

Client dashboard: All clients have access to their dashboard to track their learners’ class bookings and credit balances, class and Live25 attendance, progress and grades on online exercises and more. 

Reports are also provided on:  

• group and/or private class attendance 
• grades and completion rates of online exercises 
• self-access and teacher-delivered test results  
• attendance in Live25 webinars. 

An insights dashboard can be created for you by your designated account management at agreed intervals. 

Your learners receive badges and certificates of completion as they achieve micro-credentials through the course and a certificate of attendance endorsed by the British Council, which are prized around the world.

Additionally, we can also combine our courses with various British Council English tests such as IELTS, Aptis, EnglishScore and others that are recognised and prized around the world. Book a free demo.

Your employees undergo assessment via a suite of technology-enabled methods.

We evaluate your employees' receptive and productive skills utilising a range of scalable, technology-based solutions. These aim to assist you in recruiting, retaining the appropriate talent and making informed decisions about training.

Our range of technology-assisted assessments are varied to suit differing needs.

The British Council level test serves as a swift, straightforward and cost-free method to gauge your team's competency and plan suitable training accordingly.

IELTS, recognised worldwide, stands as the most favoured English language test for higher education. It serves as a globally acknowledged standard for admissions.

Aptis, on the other hand, is a versatile and scalable computer-based test that assesses all four fundamental skills and delivers rapid results.

EnglishScore: it's unique as the only mobile-proctored English test in the world. It offers a simple and trusted method to verify proficiency. Book your free consultation.

Your test results will be dispatched to you via email.

The types of results you receive will depend on the assessment your group chooses.

For the British Council level test, the results will be emailed to you, indicating the current overall level at which each person has been assessed.

For in-course assessments, participants will receive their scores and/or feedback, and a report will be shared with you for your cohort of participants.  

Your learners receive badges and certificates of completion as they achieve micro-credentials through the course and certificate of attendance endorsed by the British Council, which are prized around the world.  

Regarding Aptis, individual test takers will receive results in two formats to understand their performance better. They will get a numerical score (ranging from 0 to 50) for each language skill tested. They will also receive a CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level for each skill. If all four skills are assessed, an overall CEFR level will be given. To ensure accuracy, each test taker completes a Grammar and Vocabulary test, followed by the chosen English language skills. The Grammar and Vocabulary test helps in making decisions between CEFR levels and ensures precise level determination.

For EnglishScore, the certificate provides secure proof of English proficiency. It includes scores for core skills, speaking and writing tests, as well as the CEFR level and overall score.

In the case of IELTS, paper-based test results are available online 13 days after the test date, while computer-delivered test results are available online 3–5 days after the test date. A paper copy of the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) will be sent by post, showing scores for each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking), along with an overall band score. Find out more.

Our certificates and tests (like EnglishScore, Aptis, IELTS) help you check English skills when hiring or promoting staff. Employees can also use these certificates to show their progress. Book a free consultation for more information.

The cost of our courses is determined by their duration and the number of participants.

This means that the cost can vary significantly depending on the nature, length and target audience of your course. Rest assured, we're here to help you select the right course to suit your specific needs, taking into account any existing skill gaps, learning objectives, preferred modes of learning and budget constraints. Our online courses offer a range of learning modes, including self-study, blended learning and live learning, allowing us to fit different budget and learning needs easily.  

The prices for our fully live and one-to-one courses differ, mainly depending on your location. Book your free consultation.

After we've collected all the necessary information, we can proceed with negotiating potential discounts.

Please note that the possibility of a discount relies on several factors: the specific course chosen, the number of students included in your order, and the length of the course and training period. Once we've collated all these details, we'll be able to ascertain whether a discount is feasible. Book your free consultation.

The cost of assessments varies according to the chosen course and test. Book a free consultation to find out more.

Feel free to reach out to us. Rest assured, a member of our team will respond to your query within 24 hours.

With our offices strategically placed in over a hundred countries, we maintain a truly global presence. We also offer our online courses, including live learning, blended and self-study pathways, around the world, delivered to hundreds of thousands of learners. Continually, we strive to create opportunities for individuals, fostering a culture of learning that encompasses an international dimension. This approach aims to broaden their perspectives, linking local experiences to a global context.

We work in partnership with educational institutions to develop teaching and assessment plans for students and academic staff. We can provide:

• customisable English and communication skills courses for academic professionals and students
• specialised courses to enhance English delivery in lectures and research presentations
• General and Academic English courses for students to excel in their studies
• targeted coaching from specialists that prepares students for IELTS
• comprehensive assessment of English skills to support ongoing development and academic success
• in-sessional and pre-sessional options to support ongoing academic engagement
• certification recognised globally – IELTS - to validate the language proficiency of your team
• affiliate partnership opportunities for our courses and assessments.

Book a free consultation for more information.

We provide schools with a full suite of solutions, ensuring each stage of the learning journey is engaging, age appropriate and effective.

Courses for learners

Support student success with our internationally recognised English programmes.

• From early years to upper secondary, tailored to every age group
• Delivered at your school, in our centres or online
• Focused on communication, critical thinking and global skills
• Led by qualified, British Council-certified teachers

Teacher training

Strengthen your teaching team with targeted professional development.

• English improvement for educators
• Practical classroom strategies through CPD
• Online, in person or blended delivery

Assessment and exams

Reliable and internationally benchmarked English tests for all ages.

• CEFR-aligned, with clear progress tracking
• Full support for UK exams like IGCSEs and A-levels

Strategic partnerships

We collaborate with ministries and schools to scale high-quality English education.

• Policy alignment, teacher frameworks, assessment integration and evaluation tools

Book a free consultation for more information.