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Cambridge First Certificate (FCE)

Castle School of English

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Course description

Cambridge First Certificate is a B2-level qualification which is recognised throughout the world. Our First Certificate courses will build on your existing English language skills, combined with specific exam preparation tasks to help you achieve the highest grade.

Our teachers are highly-experienced in the different exam modules: Reading and Use of English (RUE), Listening, Writing and Speaking and will give you the skills to take your exam with confidence.

Why not combine the First Certificate course with a General English to get even more out of your stay in Brighton.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-52 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
23 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025

Castle School does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

You can choose from the following class times:

Morning session
09:15 AM - 12:30 PM
Afternoon session
01:15 PM - 04:30 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Absolute beginner
Elementary
Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
High intermediate
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Brighton.

Class size

Average 8 students
Maximum 16 students

Student age

Age range 16 years old and older
Average 23 years old
(20 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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school

School description

Castle School is a British Council accredited English language school delivering programmes of
General English as well as preparation for the IELTS and Cambridge exams.

Our professional and supportive teachers are dedicated to your success. Almost all are native speakers and all hold a teaching qualification.

Most classes are held in our two buildings in central Brighton and occasionally in other central Brighton locations. All classrooms have interactive capabilities with TV/computer facilities and wireless internet.

We have a student lounge with table football, TV, water cooler and cold drinks. Free tea and coffee are available.

Year opened
2003
Number of classrooms
10

Accreditations

Facilities

  • Social Activities
  • Cultural Trips
  • TV Room
  • Free Internet
  • Wireless Internet
  • After-Class Seminars
  • Studying Area
  • Sports Activities

Teacher qualifications

Native English speakers
Over 50%
Teachers with English teaching certification
All
Teachers with college degrees
All

Nationality and age mix

The nationality and age mix at Castle School of English varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 23. In the summer, the average age is 20.

School holidays

Castle School does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Open dates
Year round
School holidays
23 Dec 2024 - 03 Jan 2025

School location

Castle School is in the heart of central Brighton, right by the bus station and main shopping centre.
We are less than a 10 minute walk to the famous Brighton beach.

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photos

Photos

  • Reception of Castle School of English 1/11
  • Activities offered at Castle School of English 2/11
  • Building of Castle School of English 3/11
  • Students of Castle School of English 4/11
  • Activities offered at Castle School of English 5/11
  • Students of Castle School of English 6/11
  • Entrance to Castle School of English 7/11
  • Activities offered at Castle School of English 8/11
  • Classes at Castle School of English 9/11
  • Students of Castle School of English 10/11
  • Students of Castle School of English 11/11
housing

Housing

Castle School offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - 2-person shared room - No meals - 2 students must book together

£ 157
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Brighton
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen
Distance to school: 10 - 45 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 157
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Brighton. These homes are often between 25-50 minutes away from the school by public transport. Students will have the facilities to create their own meals and the opportunity to purchase meals from Brighton's many close by eateries. Students must be 16 years old and older.

Homestay - Single-person room - No meals

£ 177
weekly
Age range: 16 - 85 years old
Location: Outside the city center of Brighton
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Distance to school: 10 - 45 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Saturday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
£ 177
Homestay single bed accommodation available on a self catering basis situated from 10-30 minutes by bus from Castle School. Students will have the opportunity to store and cook their own food using the host family facilities.

Homestay - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner on weekdays, 3 meals on weekends - 2 students must book together

£ 182
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Outside the city center of Brighton
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Saturday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
£ 182
Homestay twin bed accommodation available on half board basis usually situated 15-30 minutes by bus from Castle School. Monday to Friday students will receive breakfast and dinner from their host family and be able to purchase lunch from any of the nearby shops and cafes in Brighton city centre. At the weekend students will also receive lunch.

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner on weekdays, 3 meals on weekends

£ 202
weekly
Age range: 16 years old and older
Location: Brighton & Hove
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner on weekdays, 3 meals on weekends (16 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen
Distance to school: 15 - 45 minutes by bus
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Saturday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
£ 202
Homestays are carefully selected and offer students the opportunity to learn more about the local culture in a comfortable setting while studying English in Brighton. These homes are often between 15-30 minutes away from the school by public transport. Students will have breakfast and dinner provided for them and the opportunity to purchase lunch from Brighton's many close by eateries. Students must be 16 years old and older.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

If you are studying in the UK for over 11 months, you will receive a reference number called a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that you need to submit to the UK embassy along with your General Student Visa application. Students who have successfully booked a language course and have paid their fees will receive a CAS from Castle School. Please note that UK law states that a CAS can only be issued to students who intend to pursue English language studies for over 11 months.

If you are studying in the UK for 11 months or less, you have to apply for a special visitor visa called a Student Visitor Visa. As a student visitor, you will not be able to work part-time while studying. If you plan to study in the UK for 11 months or less, a letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.

Learn more about how to get a UK visa »

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Brighton based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from Castle School of English staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

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