About Us
The Essential English Centre is an independently-owned English school located in the exciting city-centre of Manchester, UK. Originally founded by two passionate teachers, this friendly school is well-known for the level of quality and personal attention given to all students. Our passion is providing the very best in language teaching and learning, ensuring that our high standards are consistently met and that you receive the education and experience you expect and deserve.
Throughout the year, our school welcomes individuals and groups of students from approximately 30 countries worldwide, studying on General English and Exam Preparation programmes. We have helped hundreds of students to reach their language goals and have had the pleasure to watch many students progress to university and professional employment.
Quick Information
| School opening/closure dates | The school is open Monday – Friday 0830 – 16:45 (closed on Saturdays and Sundays). In 2025, the school opens on Monday 6th January and will close on Friday 19th December 2025. The school is also closed for all public holidays in 2025. |
| Minimum age | Minimum age = 16 years old Students who are 16+ can join our adult courses (with the exception of English + Workplace English, where the minimum age is 18) Students (and parents of students) who are under 18 must read additional ‘Care of under 18’s’ information before booking a course. Private Group bookings are subject to availability – minimum age 16 |
| Average age | The average age of our students is 20 |
| Class sizes | Minimum 3 – Maximum 14 |
| Average class size | Average number of students in class, September to June: 10 Average number of students in class, July and August: 14 |
All staff are committed to ensuring that our high standards are consistently met and that you receive the education and experience you expect and deserve. We care about your future goals and understand that for many of our students this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn, experience and grow.
Average student numbers during the year
Accreditations and Memberships
British Council
The Essential English Centre is accredited by the British Council, which is an international stamp of quality. This means that that you can be assured of excellent standards in all areas of your experience with us.
English UK
We are members of English UK, the world’s leading language teaching association. English UK’s members are all accredited, high-quality institutions and include universities, college and English language schools.
Trinity College London exam
We are a registered preparation and examination centre for Trinity College London. Trinity exams are well recognised internationally and in the UK, and can lead to a place at university, a new job or even a new life in another country
Cambridge Exam Preparation
The Essential English Centre is accredited by the British Council, which is an international stamp of quality. This means that that you can be assured of excellent standards in all areas of your experience with us.
Quality English
The Essential English Centre is accredited by the British Council, which is an international stamp of quality. This means that that you can be assured of excellent standards in all areas of your experience with us.
Our Values
Our vision is and has always been to offer a high quality, personal language learning experience in an exciting city centre destination. We achieve this by following our values, which are:
Always showing we care. We do this by:
- Nurturing a genuine interest in every student’s experience.
- A commitment to consistently high levels of customer service.
- Always being there when a student needs us.
- Always treating our clients with the utmost respect and patience.
Ensuring every student achieves. We do this by:
- Recognising that learning takes place inside and outside the classroom.
- Offering a quality product that exceeds expectations.
- Going above and beyond to help students recognise and achieve their goals.
