Learning French in the UK

Most cities and large towns in the UK offer part-time classes in French at adult education centres. They are not usually too expensive but may not lead to a qualification, so this is something worth checking before enrolling. Times and days of the week are not, however, bound to suit you. There are several organisations that now offer French courses in major cities throughout the UK, and they would probably be more flexible over times and days.

Language Trainers provide classes to individuals and small groups in either business or general French. They can be arranged to take place at any time, on any day of the week. All instructors are qualified native speakers who will teach you in your own home or office. Course materials are provided by the organisation. Language Trainers currently offer courses in Birmingham, Brighton, Bristol, Dublin, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Milton Keynes.

Another organisation that provides French classes is the organisation Cactus Languages. They operate in Canterbury, Exeter, London (at several locations), Manchester and Brighton, as well as in France and Switzerland. They provide a twelve-week course with twenty lessons per week (five each weekday), or an intensive course with thirty lessons per week (six per day). Classes take place in groups in the morning, with private tuition following in the afternoon. Cactus also organise language and activity holidays and exam preparation classes. If you are not studying in your home town, they will arrange accommodation for you. This could be with a host family, in a shared or private apartment, in a student residence or at a hotel.

With thanks to Elizabeth Allen