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

All Castle School teachers are native speakers, who grew up with English as their first language. Furthermore, our recruitment policy means that we only employ appropriately qualified and experienced teachers who can demonstrate that they can teach to a high standard.

Regular Student Focus 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 focus groups and questionnaires. The information we receive from the focus groups and questionnaires is looked at carefully and we resolve any problems that students may have regarding the quality of the school. Feedback on any changes we make is given in the next focus group.

Small classes maximum 12 students (some classes 15)

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 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

We have private one-to-one tutorials about every 6 weeks, in the middle of a term and at the end of a term. This gives you and your teacher the opportunity to talk about the course and the progress you are making. 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 9am to 7pm. 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 managers 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

There are regular progress tests, which will help both you and your teacher decide if there is anything you need additional help with, and maybe arrange a catch-up plan. The end of course test shows if you are ready to move up to the next level.

Weekly testing

During the course you have a test each week. This test is 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. At any time from 08.50am to 21.30pm 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 (June 2009) clearly demonstrate the quality of our courses and teaching. 87% of our students who took the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) passed with grade C or above, and 81% of our students who took the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) passed with grade C or above, with 24% achieving a grade B.