553 Finchley Road, London, NW3 7BJ

Phone: +44 (0)20 7794 3533Fax: +44 (0)20 7431 2987

email: info@hampstead-english.ac.ukwebsite: www.hampstead-english.ac.uk

HampsteadSchool of English

HampsteadSchool of English

London

From your first contact with uswe treat you as an individual,placing you in the appropriatelevel and monitoring you toensure you move along asrapidly as possible, but alwaysat your own pace.

Hampstead philosophyWorking for your success: SpeakingEnglish opens up a world of opportunitiesin study, work and travel. The Englishcourses at Hampstead School of Englishtake you successfully through all stagesof adult life: from academic study tocareer development, foreign travel andfascinating cultural experiences.Our philosophy is simple: we aim forexcellence in everything we do, so that

you make maximum progress in Englishduring an unforgettable stay in London.Quality first: Students come first atHampstead and you will receiveindividual attention from us. We give youa complete language learning experiencein London: first-class teaching, excellentaccommodation, enjoyable socialactivities and full support and advice.Hampstead School of English is

accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English as a foreign language.We also meet the strict quality standardsof two international associations:EAQUALS, the European Association ofQuality Language Schools, and IALC,the International Association ofLanguage Centres.

Experience: Since our foundation in 1977, we have become one ofLondon’s premier English language schools. In that time, we haveadded new courses, accommodation and facilities, while maintainingthe key to our original success – individual attention to each student.Professional memberships:English UK – the Association of accredited English language schoolsEAQUALS – the European Association of Quality Language Schools IALC – the International Association of Language CentresQuality English – a select group of schools that put quality first.

Student satisfactionIndividual attention: Language learningis an individual matter and we take thisinto account from our first contact withyou. We guide your course andaccommodation choice, monitor yourprogress closely and look after yourpractical needs and questions, so that youcan concentrate on learning the English

you need and enjoying London life.Quality teaching: All members of ourteaching team hold a professionalqualification and have English languageteaching experience. Led by anexperienced and approachable Directorof Studies, they are motivated andenthusiastic professionals.

Ideal location: Hampstead is London’smost famous “village”, a green havenjust 25 minutes from the city centre.We are located on a main road into thecity centre with good transportconnections and shops, within walkingdistance of the delightful HampsteadVillage and Heath.

Excellent accommodation: Our homestays are a short journey by footor bus from the school and offer a choice of three meal plans. For amore independent lifestyle, we have our own studios, as well as flat-sharing and residential accommodation. Extensive resources: Our library and computer centre contain anexcellent range of resources and media for practice after lessons. Inclass, our teachers use the best contemporary textbooks, CDs, DVD’s, video and audiocassettes, authentic and individually developed materials.

We monitor your progressclosely and look after yourpractical needs.

Ideal locationHampstead is one of London's best-preserved old villages, surroundedby 800 acres of countryside known asthe Heath. Many writers and intellectualshave lived and still live in HampsteadVillage and around the Heath, alsohome to some famous celebrities.

Hampstead will enchant you. You canvisit Keats House and the FreudMuseum, or enjoy a summer eveningopen-air concert at Kenwood House,also home to a very fine art collection.You can take a walk with friendsthrough the narrow streets of the

Village and across the wooded Heath,or explore the cafes, pubs andspeciality shops that give Hampsteadits village charm.Situated in north London, HampsteadSchool of English is on the borders ofHampstead and West Hampstead, with

excellent bus routes into and through London, and the WestEnd is only a 25-minute bus ride away. The location combines the advantages of having the centrewithin easy reach and varied accommodation choices veryclose to the School so that students have the benefit of livingin a residential area and the attractions of central Londonwithin easy access.

Quality teachingOur teachers are central to your andour success.All attend training courses and updatetheir skills regularly. They areencouraged to develop their special

areas of interest, making the teachinglively and stimulating. All have professional teachingqualifications and are selected fortheir enthusiasm as well as their

ability. Friendly and accessible, theyappreciate the needs of students andtake an active role in planningcourses.

Teamwork: Teamwork is another aspect of our school that we feelis special. We all belong to one team: teachers, administrativestaff, senior academic staff and the Principal. We work togetherthrough discussion, communication and cooperation, sharingideas and materials on a day-to-day basis with the aim ofbringing you the best and most inspiring teaching.

Individual attentionWe monitor your progress continuouslythrough regular one-to-one tutorialsand weekly staff meetings, ensuringthat you receive the correct level ofinstruction at all times.We encourage you to discuss your

programme with the Director of Studiesand your teachers. Depending on yourneeds and rate of progress, we cantransfer you to a different class at anystage of your course.If you have special areas of interest, we

can also design an individual studyplan for you.Progress: Each student progresses ata different rate. We hold weekly tests toconsolidate the material covered duringthe classes and regular general

progress tests across all levels. These enable you and yourteachers to measure your language development and evaluateyour performance over a period of time.Length of study: Many students attend the school for twenty-four weeks or more, while others study for just a few weeks.The level of personal attention you receive is always the same.The minimum stay is one week.

We work closely as a teamto provide individualattention for each student.

Extensive resourcesLibrary: Our library is well stocked withcontemporary learning materials andmedia for practising and developingdifferent language skills. In addition to computers for self-accessstudy, it contains interactive DVD’s,books, magazines, worksheets, audio-visual aids etc. It is open before and after

classes and a teacher or library assistantis always there to help you.In-class materials: You can borrow yourcourse book for a small charge. Yourteacher will supplement your coursebook with materials from other sources,including authentic material fromnewspapers, TV, etc.

Television: We encourage you to watchas much TV in English as possible. Thisis why you will find TV's in the school'ssocial areas, so that when you are notchatting to your classmates you canpractise your listening skills in a relaxedfashion.

Classrooms: All of our classrooms have TV, DVD/Video andCD/cassette players. Your teacher makes full use of these and otherresources to make the best use of your time in the classroom.Private Study: If you want to study at home, the library lends books,CDs, cassettes and videos as well as grammar, vocabulary andbusiness exercises.Practise your Social English: Speak English with other students andHampstead staff during your breaks. We have three coffee areas andtwo patios as well as a canteen serving hot and cold food.

Our facilities reflect theimportance we place on you.

Our facilitiesComputer Room: Our Computer Roomhas 28 computers, giving fast andefficient Internet access. Thecomputers have the facility to write inmost scripts, so keeping in touch with

friends and family at home is easy.Wireless (WiFi) Internet: You canconnect to the internet via your laptopfrom almost anywhere in the building,including outside on the patios.

Café Plus: One of our three coffeerooms also has Internet connectionpoints for ten laptop computers for private work, e-mail and Internet access.

Patios: We have two patios where you can relax at break timesand after classes. They are also where we hold our barbequesand other social events throughout the year.

In ClassPlacement: We have twelve carefullygraded language levels from beginnerto advanced. On your first day at school you take aspecially designed written, listening andoral placement test, so that we canplace you in the appropriate class foryour language level.

Classes: We accept a maximum of eightstudents in Premium classes and fifteenin our Standard classes. All classes arelively and stimulating – the best languagelearning environment. You cover allaspects of grammar, vocabulary, listeningand reading comprehension, writing,compositions, discussions, idioms and

pronunciation. In addition to our intensivegeneral English classes, we offerspecialised courses and options foracademic study, examinations andworking life.Homework: Your homework complementsthe work you do in class and is carefullycorrected and returned to you.

By setting much written work as homework, we ensure that more of your class time is devoted to interactive communication with your teacher.Levels: To make sure you progress to the best of your ability, the Directorof Studies checks the level and nature of classes regularly with shortobservations. As individual students study for different lengths of time, wecarefully coordinate levels and structure our syllabus with weekly learningmodules, so that it is possible to enter a class in any week.

Classes are lively andstimulating; the best learningenvironment.

Courses

Our aim is to increase yourconfidence, consolidateyour knowledge anddevelop your fluency.

Courses for Professionals: Professionals are always short of time.When studying English, they need a course that will address theirprecise needs in their particular field and give them the maximum benefitin as little as one week. Our Professional English courses combine thedynamic environment of a class where they perfect their GeneralEnglish, with a 1:1 training programme that is devised and designed forthem prior to arrival, and meets their exact individual needs. Cambridge Examination: Offering the flexibility of 12, 10, 6 or 4 weeksand for 15, 20, 25 or 30 hours per week, the Cambridge examinationcourses cater for all abilities and everyone’s schedule. We can test yourEnglish before you register and then give you advice on which courseis right for you. These courses prepare you for BEC, KET, PET, FirstCertificate, Advanced or Proficiency.

Most of our courses can be taken ontheir own or in different combinations,and almost all have the option of amaximum of 8 students per class(Premium) or a maximum 15 studentsper class (Standard). General English: The vast majority of ourstudents take this course, often as part of apackage or combination with othercourses. This course takes a global view ofthe English language. While different areassuch as grammar, pronunciation, speaking,

writing, etc are addressed individuallythroughout the course, the end result is anoverall improvement in the standard ofEnglish. There is a variety of timetables tochoose from, and you can take this coursefor 15, 20, 25 or 30 hours per week.Specialisations in Speaking, Writingand Grammar: Each of these topics isdealt with in one – hour classes makingup 5, 10 and 15 hours a week. They giveyou the chance to concentrate on aspecific area of English that you reallyfeel you need to improve.

Packages: In addition to studying for anexam such as TOEFL, TOEIC, and IELTSor improving their English for Business,most students need to make progress ontheir level of General English at the sametime as their exam preparation. Thepackages provide an excellentprogramme where general and specificlanguage skills and acquisition help youto do even better in your chosen elective.There is a variety of timetables to choosefrom, and you can take these courses for15, 20, 25 or 30 hours per week.

Courses (continued)

University Preparation Courses of 27 hours a week help to prepareyou for entry to an English speaking university. In addition to Package 25there are two hours a week of private tuition with a personal tutor whohelps with language skills and university applications. You can vary yourIELTS and/or TOEFL classes in the afternoons with other options.

Our wide range of coursesencompasses almost everyaspect of language learning.

TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTSThere are several courses that willprepare you for TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTSas part of a package. If your level ofEnglish is already high enough to studyspecifically for this test, we recommendTOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS 15, which givesyou 15 hours per week of test preparationfor any number of weeks. If you are reallyshort of time, you may want to chooseTOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS 30, which offersyou 60 hours of intensive test preparationover two weeks.

Business: This course covers businesslanguage and communication skills forworking life or academic study. There areseveral courses that help you improveyour English for Business as part of apackage. If your level of English isalready high enough to study onlyEnglish for Business, we recommendBusiness 15, which gives you 15 hours per week of English for Business. Ifyou are really short of time, you may wantto choose Business 30, which offers you60 hours of English for Business practiceover two weeks.

Semester and Academic YearProgrammes: Many of our programmescan be taken as fixed programmes for aperiod of 12 – 48 weeks. This allows us toplan a long-term strategy for your studies.Regular appraisals and tutorials ensuremotivation is kept high and your aims areachieved.

Courses (continued)

Work Experience and Paid WorkProgrammes: Combined with ourGeneral English courses, theseprogrammes are an excellent way ofmeeting the linguistic and culturalchallenges of incorporating yourself intoan English-speaking workplace. GMAT and MBA Preparationprogrammes: These courses prepareyou for the rigours of a Masters in

Business Administration. As well asaddressing the language and academicskills necessary to succeed at MBAlevel, the course also trains you to attainthe required score at GMAT, withintensive GMAT preparation classes asan integral part of the programme. Language in London: The perfectcombination of a holiday and a languagecourse. You study on the General

English course in the mornings and thenyou accompany us to some of London’sinfinite places of historical and culturalinterest. Your teacher-guides for theafternoon excursions are passionateabout their subject and will bringLondon’s past and present to life as theyshow you the city they love.

Live London: A relaxed way of practising your English in the world’sgreatest city. Our teacher-guides bring London’s rich history andculture to life and at the same time you are exposed to English andhave the opportunity to practise with your teacher-guides. There is nocourse component of this programme.

Practise your English ina relaxed manner onour absorbing tours ofcultural London.

Levels and examinationscourses that have set start dates. All other examination courseshave set start dates. * This table has been compiled using information from Cambridgeand Oxford University, the Association of Language Testers inEurope and the British Council. ** This table is based on the official descriptions of abilityproduced by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe).

Hampstead School of English offers awide range of tests and examinations.We are an examination centre for theUniversity of Cambridge, Oxford, LCCIand TOEIC examinations. We alsoprepare students for TOEFL, IELTS andGMAT. If you are not sure which exam

would be the correct one for you,please let us know and we will behappy to advise you.The table shows how the examinationsrelate to each other, and to theCommon European Framework. TheCommon European Framework is an

important measure of language abilityand is the basis of all formal andinformal assessment at the school. TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, BEC and GMATcourses start every Monday and theminimum stay is one week. There are also special intensive

Level Description Common European Cambridge IELTS TOEIC TOEFL TOEFLFramework (Approx) Computer based Internet based

1 BEGINNER Pre-A1Beginner

2 ELEMENTARY

3 PREINTERMEDIATE

4 EARLY A2 KET Band 1 330-495INTERMEDIATE Basic User

5 INTERMEDIATE 1 B1 PET Band 2

6 LATE Independent BEC Band 3/4 495-660INTERMEDIATE User

Preliminary

7 UPPER B1 + Band 5 200-215 72-81INTERMEDIATE 1 Independent

User

8 UPPER B2 FCE Band 6 660-825 215-230 82-88INTERMEDIATE 2 Independent BEC Vantage

User

9 EARLY B2 + FCE Band 6/7 230-245 89-97ADVANCED Independent BEC Vantage

User

10 ADVANCED 1 Band 7 825-950 245-280 98-114

11 ADVANCED 2 Band 8

12 PROFICIENCY C2 CPE Band 8/9 950-990 280-300 115-120Proficient User

A1Basic User

C1Proficient User

CAEBEC Higher

Language Levels and Examination Chart*

LEVELS

A1Levels 1 & 2Basic User

A2Levels 3 & 4Basic User

B1Levels 5, 6 & 7Independent User

B2Levels 8 & 9Independent User

C1Levels 10 & 11Proficient User

C2Level 12Proficient User

Common European Framework Explanation of the Levels into Overall Ability**

LISTENING/SPEAKING

CAN understand basicinstructions or take part in abasic factual conversation on apredictable topic.

CAN express simple opinionsor requirements in a familiarcontext.

CAN express opinions onabstract/cultural matters in alimited way or offer advicewithin a known area, andunderstand instructions orpublic announcements.

CAN follow or give a talk on afamiliar topic or keep up aconversation on a fairly widerange of topics.

CAN contribute effectively tomeetings and seminars withinown area of work or keep up acasual conversation with agood degree of fluency, copingwith abstract expressions.

CAN advise on or talk aboutcomplex or sensitive issues,understanding colloquialreferences and dealingconfidently with hostilequestions.

READING

CAN understand basic notices,instructions or information.

CAN understand straightforwardinformation within a knownarea, such as on products andsigns and simple textbooks orreports on familiar matters.

CAN understand routineinformation and articles, andthe general meaning of non-routine information within afamiliar area.

CAN scan texts for relevantinformation, and understanddetailed instructions or advice.

CAN read quickly enough tocope with an academic course,to read the media forinformation or to understandnon-standard correspondence.

CAN understand documents,correspondence and reports,including the finer points ofcomplex texts.

WRITING

CAN complete basic forms,and write notes includingtimes, dates and places.

CAN complete forms and writeshort simple letters orpostcards related to personalinformation.

CAN write letters or makenotes on familiar orpredictable matters.

CAN make notes whilesomeone is talking or write aletter including non-standardrequests.

CAN prepare/draftprofessional correspondence,take reasonably accuratenotes in meetings or write anessay which shows an abilityto communicate.

CAN write letters on anysubject and full notes ofmeetings or seminars withgood expression andaccuracy.

AccommodationRented rooms: Renting a room is an independent, inexpensiveoption, available with or without meals. While you will still be sharinga Londoner's home, your hosts will probably be leading busy livesand not be able to spend time with you.Residence: Staying in a residence with other mainly young adultsgives you independence and freedom. Our all-female residenceoffers half-board all year round. We also have a summer residencefor both sexes.

Knowing how much your home life affectsyour happiness and your studies, we takegreat care in choosing and monitoring theaccommodation we provide.Studios: Our studio apartments areclose to the school and ideal forindependent living. All have en-suitebathrooms, with the option of en-suite

kitchen, kitchenette or shared kitchen.Homestay: Living in a private home givesyou regular contact with English speakersand an insight into English life. Our welcoming, experienced homestaysare thoroughly vetted by us. Different mealplans are available. Premium homestayshave worked with us for a number of years

and have a proven record of providingexcellence in every aspect. Standardhomestays have been with us for less time,or are working towards gaining Premiumstatus. All of our homestays conform toBritish Council, EAQUALS and IALCstandards, and are chosen for the warmth,care and concern they show our students.

Your accommodation is crucial to your stay; we listen to you andmatch you with the best choice.

Studio Accommodationprovided with everything you could need to prepare meals. The Studios are furnished and equipped to the highest standards.They offer an excellent alternative to homestay accommodation forthose students who need to have complete independence while stillbeing taken care of by us.

Hampstead Studios are the perfectaccommodation choice if your priorityis independence combined withcomfort and convenience. Situated 5minutes from the school by bus, theyare exclusively for Hampstead School

of English students and are managedby us. Every studio has its own private en-suite bathroom. Each studio alsohas a desk, wardrobe, drawers, TV, andinternet connection (free of charge).

Bed linen and towels are alsoprovided. For cooking facilities youhave a choice from three types ofstudio: en-suite kitchen, kitchenetteand shared kitchen. Whatever your option of studio, you are

find everything from avant-garde to classical, street style to hautecouture. London is a city immensely rich in history and culture withsome of the best museums and art collections in the world. Nightand day, London buzzes with life and atmosphere. Yet thiscosmopolitan metropolis, the business and financial hub of Europe,is also a city of beautiful parks and palaces. London will surprise youwith its sheer variety.From London it is very easy to explore Britain. The cities of Oxfordand Cambridge, the Cotswolds, Brighton and the South Coast are aday trip away.

Social programmeStudying at Hampstead will keep yoursocial calendar full. There is alwayssomething happening in London andyou’ll have new friends to enjoy it with.At the school: The school cafeteria is theplace to relax between classes, chatting overcoffee with students from all over the world. The cafe opens onto two sunny patioareas - the scene of our popular summerbarbecues and parties.

Out and about: Our weekly socialprogramme has something for everyone.There are visits to museums, tours in andaround London, sports, parties, walks,pub tours, discos and more. Throughoutthe year, we organise video afternoons,karaoke evenings and theatre trips. Weekend excursions: Every weekend,we offer at least two excursions to othercities and places of interest outside

London. Favourites include Oxford,Stonehenge and Bath.Your visit to London is not only a greatway to improve your English in the homeof the English language, it is your chanceto get to know an eternally popular cityand the culture of its people.Life in London: Everyone should visitLondon at least once. London is a music,theatre and fashion capital where you will

Our commitment to youpredict many of the questions you may have and we provide you with a lotof information before you arrive and on your first day. However, we arealways pleased to hear from you, and to see you around the school asmuch as possible, so please remember, you are the reason we are hereand it is always our pleasure to help you.

We understand that going abroad to studya language can be a big step. Nearlyevery member of the Hampstead team haslived or studied abroad, so we find it easyto put ourselves in your place, and to do

everything we possibly can to make yourstay with us as profitable and enjoyable aspossible.You can contact us both before and afteryour stay and we will be more than happy

to give you as much information as youneed on anything that we can help youwith. There is no question or request thatcan be too small or unimportant.Our many years' experience allows us to

Our Office Team is always happyto advise you and answer anyquestions you have before youdecide on your course.

Destination HampsteadBus routes: Numbers 13, 82 and 113 stop directly outside the school.The 328 and 139 buses stop behind the school.Smooth arrival: Private airport transfers can be arranged on request - worth considering after a long flight or to take Londonpurchases home!

Getting to Hampstead is easy. Fiveairports serve London with rail and busconnections to the centre. There are alsoplenty of trains and ferries fromcontinental Europe.

Local Transport: Excellent localtransport links make it easy to reachother parts of London from Hampstead.

Rail and Underground:Finchley Road (Metropolitan and Jubilee Lines)West Hampstead (Jubilee Line)Golders Green (Northern Line)Finchley Road & Frognal (British Rail)

Luton Stanstead

Gatwick

Heathrow

Hampstead

L O N D O N

London City

Nothing compares with theexperience of studying abroad.Your memories of Hampstead will last a lifetime.