Learn English with ELC Brighton – English language school in Hove

“Study English by the sea—ELC Brighton blends coastal charm with top-tier teaching to make language learning feel like a summer by the shore.”

About ELC Brighton / The English Language Centre

• Founded: 1962 — one of Brighton’s oldest and most respected language schools. elc-schools.com+2englishinbritain.co.uk+2

• Status: Not-for-profit charitable educational foundation. languageschoolsdirect.co.uk+1

• Recognition: Achieved a flawless “15/15 areas of strength” on its most recent British Council inspection report. elc-schools.com+2I Study English in Brighton+2

• Address / Location: 33 Palmeira Mansions, Brighton & Hove, Hove, BN3 2GB Visit Brighton+2englishuk.com+2

• Setting: The school is located in a beautiful square just 5 minutes’ walk from the sea and about 15 minutes’ walk or 5 minutes by bus from central Brighton / Brighton’s shopping and cultural district. Visit Brighton+3ialc.org+3elc-schools.com+3

• Mission: ELC Brighton describes itself as a community that “invests all our surpluses in services and facilities for students” because of its non-profit nature. languageschoolsdirect.co.uk+2englishinbritain.co.uk+2

Because of its long-established reputation, strong accreditation, and seaside location, ELC Brighton is often ranked among the best language schools in the UK. ialc.org+2elc-schools.com+2

Facilities & Student Support

ELC Brighton boasts a strong set of facilities, combining historic charm and modern educational infrastructure.

• Buildings & classrooms: The school spans three interconnected buildings, with 32 classrooms — one of the largest independent language schools in Brighton in terms of classroom capacity. englishinbritain.co.uk+4languageschoolsdirect.co.uk+4englishuk.com+4

• Technology & study resources:
  – Free WiFi across all buildings. englishuk.com+2elc-schools.com+2
   - Interactive whiteboards and computer / study centre rooms with PCs. englishuk.com+2englishinbritain.co.uk+2

• Student common spaces:
  – Two student lounges with flat-screen TVs. englishuk.com+2elc-schools.com+2
   - A student “kitchen” with microwaves, kettles, vending machines. englishuk.com+2elc-schools.com+2
   - Patio / garden area. elc-schools.com+2englishuk.com+2

• Dedicated facilities: A business centre with its own lounge and workspace. englishuk.com+2elc-schools.com+2

• Support services & welfare: ELC Brighton has an Accommodation & Welfare team to manage and monitor student housing, homestays, and student wellbeing. ialc.org+2elc-schools.com+2

• Class size: Maximum class size is 12; average class size around 10. elc-schools.com+2englishuk.com+2

Even though it’s a large independent school, ELC works to maintain a friendly, “family” atmosphere. thecodds.eu+2elc-schools.com+2

Courses & Curriculum

ELC Brighton offers a broad portfolio of courses aimed at various student goals, from general fluency to exam credentials, business use, or teaching.

Main Course Types

• General English — available year-round for students aged 16+ ialc.org+3The British Language School+3elc-schools.com+3

• Intensive / Elective options — in addition to morning lessons, students can choose electives such as Pronunciation, Listening, Grammar, etc. I Study English in Brighton+3ialc.org+3elc-schools.com+3

• Exam preparation — for Cambridge exams (FCE, CAE, CPE) and IELTS ialc.org+3englishinbritain.co.uk+3elc-schools.com+3

• Business English / English for Work — tailored courses for professionals who need English for their careers elc-schools.com+1

• Teacher training — ELC offers courses for English teachers (methodology, pedagogy) and sometimes CELTA preparation elc-schools.com+2englishinbritain.co.uk+2

• Summer / Young Adult programmes — during summer months, the school hosts younger students (age 16-18+) on vacation programmes combining classes and social activities. I Study English in Brighton+3elc-schools.com+3ialc.org+3

• Study Year / Long-Term Programmes — for students who wish to stay for many months (24+ weeks) to substantially improve their English. ialc.org+2englishuk.com+2

• Mini-groups / 1:1 & Hybrid formats — for higher flexibility or for specific professional / specialist needs. ialc.org+1

Teaching & Methodology

• In the general English courses, morning core lessons are supplemented by electives or “skills” classes in the afternoon. ialc.org+2elc-schools.com+2

• ELC uses interactive and communicative methods: lessons integrate speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. englishinbritain.co.uk+2englishuk.com+2

• Teachers at ELC are described as “qualified, highly experienced, committed, caring.” languageschoolsdirect.co.uk+3englishinbritain.co.uk+3elc-schools.com+3

• Because the school works within a network (ELC / Sprachcaffe / IALC), it has quality assurance frameworks and shared curriculum development. ialc.org+1

Because classes are small and elective choices are flexible, students can customise their learning path based on personal goals—e.g. more speaking, exam focus, or business English.

Student Experiences & Reviews

• In directory sites, ELC Brighton holds a 4.6 / 5 average from ~65 reviews on The Codds listing. thecodds.eu

• On The British Language School listing, ELC Brighton collects a 4.6 rating (67 reviews). The British Language School

• Many student testimonials highlight the social programme, caring teachers, and friendly atmosphere:

  “After 7 months at ELC, I progressed from A2 to B2 level. The teachers weren’t just instructors — they supported me personally.” thecodds.eu
  “Everything is perfectly organized. The social programme, the teachers, the administration—the building is magnificent.” thecodds.eu
  “I love Brighton … my host family feels like home … the social activities and weekend excursions are a highlight.” elc-schools.com+2englishinbritain.co.uk+2

• On EnglishInBritain directory: ELC is commended for offering individual attention and high course quality. englishinbritain.co.uk

• On LanguagesSchoolsDirect: ELC is described as “investing all surpluses into facilities” and maintaining “a friendly and supportive environment.” languageschoolsdirect.co.uk

The reviews generally affirm that the combination of strong facilities, caring staff, and social integration make ELC a desirable choice for many students.

Culture, Lifestyle & Brighton as a Study Destination

Brighton & Hove as a backdrop

• Brighton is a vibrant, cosmopolitan seaside city known for arts, music, cafés, nightlife, and its welcoming, liberal atmosphere. Visit Brighton+2elc-schools.com+2

• It has a large student population (two universities nearby) which brings energy and cultural diversity. Visit Brighton+2elc-schools.com+2

• The South Downs and the sea are close by, giving students both nature and beach access. Visit Brighton+2elc-schools.com+2

• Brighton is well connected: about 50 minutes to London by train, and close to Gatwick Airport (≈35 min). Visit Brighton+3englishuk.com+3ialc.org+3

Living costs & student life

• Being a coastal city rather than London helps with somewhat lower housing and day-to-day costs (though still higher than many UK towns).

• Students often live in homestays, shared apartments, or residences arranged via ELC, typically within 40 minutes’ travel from the school. ialc.org+2elc-schools.com+2

• Because the school schedules social and activity programmes, students can practise English in cafés, local shops, theatres, and through day trips. elc-schools.com+2englishinbritain.co.uk+2

Brighton’s dual character as a seaside town and creative cultural hub makes it appealing to learners who want both English learning and lifestyle experience.

What Makes ELC Brighton Stand Out

In comparing language schools in the UK, ELC Brighton shines as a balanced choice: solid quality, central seaside / city location, broad course options, and student support—all in a non-profit framework.

Practical Details & Tips

• Address & Contact
   33 Palmeira Mansions, Brighton & Hove, Hove, BN3 2GB languageschoolsdirect.co.uk+3Visit Brighton+3elc-schools.com+3
   Phone: +44 1273 721771 englishinbritain.co.uk+3The British Language School+3elc-schools.com+3

• Opening Hours
   Mon–Fri: 08:30 – 17:30 thecodds.eu+2Visit Brighton+2
   Weekend: Closed (some limited summer operations) Visit Brighton+1

• Course Pricing
   From EnglishInBritain: General English from ~ £480 (depending on weeks and intensity) I Study English in Brighton
   Cambridge Exam / IELTS pricing: ~ £1,635 for exam prep packages (varies) I Study English in Brighton
   Typical weekly fees for general English (25–30 lessons) fall in the £300–449 range (depending on duration / intensity) per English UK course finder listing. englishuk.com

• Course Durations & Levels
   Courses are flexible: 1–2 weeks, 3–8 weeks, 9–12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year. englishuk.com
   Levels: from Beginner (A1) up to advanced (C2) and exam levels englishuk.com+2englishinbritain.co.uk+2

• Accommodation Options
   Homestays (carefully selected), student residences, or shared apartments — typically within 40 minutes’ travel time. elc-schools.com+3ialc.org+3englishuk.com+3
   All homestays include free WiFi. ialc.org+1

• Transport & Arrival Transfers
   Approved taxis / transfers from airports and railway hubs are available. elc-schools.com
   Trains to London take ~50 minutes; Brighton has strong rail connections. englishuk.com+2Visit Brighton+2

• Social Programme & Excursions
   ELC arranges afternoon / evening activities (conversation club, film nights, quizzes) and weekend excursions to London, Bath, Cambridge, Stonehenge, Oxford, Windsor, Stratford-upon-Avon. I Study English in Brighton+3elc-schools.com+3Visit Brighton+3

• Application & Placement
   Students take placement tests (written + speaking) on arrival to determine class level. englishinbritain.co.uk+1
   Beginners accepted in general English (not in exam prep for beginners) englishuk.com+2Visit Brighton+2

Imagine Your ELC Brighton Experience

Step out of a bus or train into Hove, stroll to Palmeira Square, and cross to the beautifully restored buildings of ELC. You begin with a placement test and get assigned to a small class of 10–12 students from around the world. Mornings are devoted to a core programme; afternoons you choose electives like Pronunciation, English for Work, or Cambridge exam skills. After class, join the school’s social programme—walk to the beach, café trips, film nights, or quiz evenings. On weekends, you travel to Bath, London, or Oxford with classmates. Your host family (if chosen) welcomes you warmly, and your evenings become informal speaking labs. Over weeks, your English transforms from hesitant sentences to confident communication—and you’ve also made friends, memories, and a love for Brighton’s vibrant culture.