Learn English Outside London: Why ILC's UK Cities Give You More English

London is famous, exciting and one of the world's great cities. But if your main goal is to improve your English quickly, it may not be the best place to study. The more English you hear and use outside the classroom, the faster you learn, and official UK figures show that ILC's cities give you much more of it than London does.

How much English will you hear? The numbers

The 2021 Census of England and Wales asked every resident what their main language is. Here is the share of people whose main language is English in each ILC city, compared with London:

• Colchester: 93.4%
• Portsmouth: 90.8%
• England average: 90.8%
• Bristol: 89.9%
• Ipswich (summer school): 88.3%
• Birmingham: 84.4%
• Cambridge: 80.0%
• London: 78.4%

In Colchester, more than 9 in 10 people speak English as their main language. In London it is fewer than 8 in 10. Every ILC city has a higher share than London.

Source: Office for National Statistics, Census 2021, Proficiency in English (TS029), usual residents aged 3 and over.

Why this matters when you learn English

Your English lessons are only part of your day. The rest of the time you are shopping, ordering coffee, taking the bus, talking to your host family and making friends. When almost everyone around you speaks English, every one of these moments becomes extra practice. You hear real British English all day, you have to use it, and you get used to natural speed, accents and everyday expressions much faster.

Six reasons to choose an ILC centre instead of London

1. More English every day

As the figures show, you are surrounded by English speakers in our cities. It is much harder to fall back on your own language, so you practise more without even trying.

2. A real British host family experience

Living with a local host family is one of the best ways to improve your speaking. With homestay in our cities, you become part of everyday British life, from family dinners to weekend plans, and you use English from breakfast until bedtime.

3. Easier and more relaxed daily life

Our centres are in or near the town or city centre, so you can walk to class, to the shops and to the social activities. You spend less time travelling across a huge city and more time studying, exploring and talking to people.

4. Your budget goes further

London is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Living costs such as accommodation, transport and eating out are generally lower outside the capital, so you can study longer or enjoy more of your free time.

5. A friendly, personal school

At ILC you are not just a number. Our centres are welcoming and personal, teachers know their students, and it is easy to make friends with classmates from around the world.

6. London is still close

You do not have to miss London. Colchester is within an hour of London by train, Cambridge is about 1 hour 15 minutes away, and Portsmouth, Bristol and Birmingham all have direct train connections to the capital. Many of our centres also offer weekend excursions, so you can visit the sights and come home to a quieter, more English-speaking place to study.

Which ILC city is right for you?

Colchester: the most English-speaking

Britain's oldest recorded town has the highest share of people speaking English as their main language of all our locations: 93.4%. It is a historic, friendly town with a beautiful castle park, a great shopping scene and fast trains to London. It is ideal if you want maximum English and a calm place to focus on your studies.

Portsmouth: English by the sea

The UK's only island city matches the England average, with 90.8% of people speaking English as their main language. Our centre is in the heart of the city, close to the historic dockyards, Gunwharf Quays and Southsea beach.

Bristol: creative and lively

With 89.9% of residents speaking English as their main language, Bristol combines a very English environment with a young, creative atmosphere, great food and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Birmingham: big-city life

Britain's second city gives you big-city shopping, culture and nightlife, and with 84.4% of people speaking English as their main language it is still more English-speaking than London.

Cambridge: the international university city

Cambridge is home to one of the world's most famous universities, so it attracts academics and students from all over the world. 80% of residents speak English as their main language, and 98% speak English well or very well. It is the perfect choice if you want an inspiring academic atmosphere, especially if you are preparing for university.

Ipswich: summer school

Our Ipswich summer school brings young learners to a friendly Suffolk town where 88.3% of people speak English as their main language.

Start learning English with ILC

Whichever city you choose, you will study with qualified teachers, enjoy a weekly social programme and use your English every day. Explore our English courses in the UK, take our free English level test or contact us to find the right centre for you.