Quality Assurance

We believe that a language experience should offer not only tuition but also an immersion into the rhythm of England. In this way it is possible to learn the language effectively and at the same time discover the customs and the culture of the UK.

Teachers

Castle school is proud of the level of experience our teachers have. Our recruitment policy means that we only employ appropriately qualified and experienced teachers who can demonstrate that they can teach to a very high standard. Our exam teachers must demonstrate complete knowledge of their subject and this is reflected in our excellent exam results.

Regular Student Discussion Groups, Questionnaires + Feedback

It is important that you are happy and satisfied with the quality of Castle School in terms of the student services, the learning experience and the facilities. We are very interested to know your opinions, so we have regular student discussion groups and we ask you complete electronic questionnaires. The information we receive from these discussion groups and questionnaires is looked at carefully and we resolve any problems that students may have regarding the quality of the school.

Small classes maximum 15 students

We know that students learn faster in small classes. This is because the teacher has more time to help students with any questions or difficulties in the lesson. It also helps you progress faster through the syllabus, and allows the teacher to adapt the lessons to individual needs more than in larger classes. Our classes are small and the maximum number of students in any class is 15, although we do try not to exceed 12. Some of our courses (English Plus University Preparation and English Plus Career Skills) include mini groups with a maximum of 8 students. By keeping our classes small we assure the quality of our educational services remains high.

Private One-to-One Tutorials

You will have regular opportunities to discuss the progress you are making with your class teacher. This is important because it allows your teacher to highlight your individual learning progress and give you specific advice on how to improve in the future. It is also your opportunity to let your teacher know how you feel about the course and if you need any extra help with any area of the course. It is a two way process.

Dedicated staff and student services

Our Reception is open from 8.30am to 6.00pm. Our receptionists/administrators are there to help you with any problems you may have, including help and advice with accommodation and courses. They can also help you with any questions you may have about the school before you arrive, including help with the booking form.

You can communicate with them using our contact us page or email them info@castle-school.co.uk or telephone (044) 1273 748185. Please check our FAQ page before asking your question, because you can find a lot of information there.

Regular teacher observations + teacher continued development programme

At Castle School the academic management regularly observe the teachers in their lessons to ensure that they are maintaining the required high standards. This also gives the management the opportunity to give feedback to the teachers so that they continue to improve their teaching skills.

This is an important part of our CPD (Continued Professional Development) programme. Teachers also observe each other and present and attend CPD workshops, where they discuss and focus on specific aspects of teaching. Our teachers enjoy these paid workshops and find them useful and inspiring.

Thorough placement testing procedure

When a you arrive on your first day at Castle School you are given a Language Placement Test to help us decide which class and level is best for your learning needs. This test is important because excellent quality depends on all students being in the appropriate class. If every student in your class is the same overall level as you, with similar learning needs, you have the best chance of making good progress with your language learning.

Regular progress tests

During the course you will have regular tests. These test are so that you can see if you are progressing properly on the course, and also to show your teacher if there are any areas of the course which need more attention, and if any students need extra help. These tests help to improve the quality of our courses because they make sure all the students are progressing well. They also encourage you to look through what you have learnt that week so that you will not forget. It may seem like we have a lot of testing, but this constant revision will really help you to improve.

Facilities

Castle School recently renovated its centrally located premises, and this extensive renovation has resulted in a welcoming and comfortable learning environment. Every classroom has at least one computer with broadband connection. These computers are connected to sound equipment, which has the effect of very good sound quality in the classrooms. During school hours there is a room for students to use the internet and a relaxing social area where drinks and snacks are available.

Exam Results

Castle School is very proud of its excellent Cambridge Examination results. The most recent results clearly demonstrate the quality of our courses and teaching. 100% of our students who took the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) passed with grade C or above, and 75% of our students who took the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) passed with grade C or above.