FAQs 
I am not sure what the best course for me is, I have very specialised requirments, or your course dates don't really fit my schedule. Can you advise me?
We are very happy to advise you as to your best course options. If you have any particular requirements that are not covered by our current course portfolio, please contact us to discuss alternative solutions. We are here to help and our advice is always available, free of charge.
Should I choose the Balanced Combination Course or 1-to-1?
We normally recommend the Balanced Combination Course for most purposes. We use small group work when your needs are the same as other participants and when you need to practise communication skills. We combine this with 1-to-1 work where you have individual learninig needs or your material is confidential. Please see the comparison table which shows the main points for comparison but please contact us for further advice.
Do you provide accommodation?
For individuals, we offer recently updated on-site accommodation. All rooms have private shower rooms and a small kitchenette with a fridge. This means you can help yourself to hot drinks or prepare light meals over the weekend if you wish. We provide essential self-service items for weekend breakfast and the village shop is only a few minutes walk away. Each room has a flat screen television with a DVD player and we have an excellent range of films and other programmes for you to borrow.
Do you provide other facilities?
We have a modern infra-red sauna and a separate lounge that can normally be used in the evening and at weekends. You are welcome to relax in our beautiful garden when the weather allows! Tea and coffee is available at all times, free of charge, either in your room or in the main house during breaks in the training sessions.
What is the food like. Can you cater for special diets and allergies?
The food at LEC is excellent! Our house-keeper creates weekly menus including international cuisine using fresh local and organic produce as much as possible. If you have any specific dietary requirements (religious, vegetarian/vegan, coeliac, lactose intolerant etc.) please contact us in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
When do you provide meals?
During the week we provide all meals up to Friday lunchtime, and self-service breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Your kitchenette is available to you to prepare light meals at the weekend and there is a wide range of pubs and other eating places in our local town, Bishop's Castle, 5 kms away.
If you are staying over a weekend, you are welcome to join us for light meals if we are here. If you are booked in for a weekend programme, you will join your trainers for breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday and Saturday dinner.
Will LEC provide a certificate or report at the end of the course?
After your course we will send you a personalised English language profile based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) with an overall departure level, a breakdown of this level into different components and a future target level for each component. We will also advise you on future study and liaise with your language trainer at home if you wish.
When can I start?
Weekly courses start every Monday except for 3 weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. (You need to arrive on Sunday evening). We also offer weekend and split week courses throughout the year subject to availability. These can be for individuals or small groups; please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Providing we have a vacancy, you are welcome to start immediately after we receive your application. Please contact us to see if your preferred date is available.
How do I get to Lydbury English Centre?
Most participants choose to fly in to Birmingham, Manchester or Liverpool airports and we are delighted to arrange a taxi service from these airports. This cost is normally included in the course package price.The journey takes between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on traffic. We can also arrange collection from the London and other airports but there is a charge for this. Some participants choose to come by train to our local station, Craven Arms, whilst others choose to drive either in their own car or one they hire at the aiport.
How do you assure the quality of your training?
As part of our quality assurance process we have a system of daily feedback. All our training programmes are dynamic; we can respond immediately to your needs and make any changes that are necessary. You can talk freely to any of the trainers or owners. We value your end of course feedback and appreciate your constructive suggestions. These give us the input we need to help us adapt and keep our training up-to-date.