“Study English where historic lanes meet modern learning—discover Globe English Centre in Exeter, a small-class gem in the Southwest.”
Overview & Reputation
The Globe English Centre in Exeter is a well-established, family-run language school that has been operating since 1978. Marshall Services+3Edufind+3Mysite+3 It is located at 31 St. Davids Hill, Exeter, EX4 4DA. Edufind+3Mysite+3StudyStay+3
The school holds British Council accreditation, is a member of English UK, and is also part of IALC, underscoring its credibility among language schools in the UK. LanguageCert+3StudyStay+3Edufind+3
In student-review platforms, Globe scores about 4.3 / 5 (96 student ratings) for overall performance, with high marks for teaching quality, organization, and social activity. LanguageCourse.Net+1
Facilities, Setup & Student Support
Globe English Centre operates from two adjoining 19th-century buildings in Exeter’s city centre—one dedicated to adult learners, the other to junior programmes. StudyStay The buildings are surrounded by gardens and terrace areas with views across the Exe Valley. StudyStay+2Marshall Services+2
Key facilities and support services include:
- Modern classrooms equipped with audio-visual tools. StudyStay+2StudyTravel+2
- Self-access study centre with computers, listening booths, free internet access. StudyTravel+1
- Student common areas: lounge, small kitchens, garden / terrace spaces for relaxation & socializing. StudyStay+2StudyTravel+2
- Accommodation liaison: Globe assists with finding homestays or shared flats, especially for long-term students. StudyTravel+3LanguageCourse.Net+3StudyStay+3
- Social & welfare support: They run social programmes (BBQs, theatre visits, local excursions) to help learners integrate and practise English outside class. Mysite+3StudyStay+3StudyTravel+3
Because the campus is right in Exeter city centre, students enjoy walkable access to shops, cafés, public transport, and local amenities. Mysite+3StudyStay+3StudyTravel+3
History & Milestones
- Founding: Globe was founded by Catherine Borgen in 1978. StudyTravel+3ucasl.com+3Mysite+3
- Family leadership: The current Director is Anton Borgen-Davis, continuing the original vision. StudyTravel+3Mysite+3ucasl.com+3
- Modernisation & growth: The school refurbishes historic premises into functional educational spaces while retaining charm. StudyTravel+2StudyStay+2
- Junior / year-round programmes: Globe has expanded to host year-round junior courses, not only summer. Mysite+2Mysite+2
This blend of heritage and adaptation helps Globe maintain a strong reputation among best language schools in the UK for long-term and junior study.
Classes & Curriculum
Adult & General Programmes
- Main / General English Programme: covers the four skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing), grammar, vocabulary. StudyStay+1
- Authentic English Programme: uses real materials—newspapers, videos, interviews—to expose students to natural language. Mysite+3StudyStay+3StudyTravel+3
- Exam Preparation: Globe offers Cambridge (FCE, CAE, CPE) and IELTS courses (e.g. 10-week sessions) to prepare students for formal assessments. Mysite+3StudyStay+3StudyTravel+3
- Combined & specialist courses: You can combine general English with Business English, IT English, or 1:1 tuition. StudyStay
- Age & class size: Classes for adults are limited to maximum 6 students (often average 4) to ensure personal attention. LanguageCourse.Net+3StudyTravel+3Marshall Services+3
Junior Programmes
Globe welcomes children from age 6+ in specialised junior programmes:
- Explorer (ages 6–10): 15 hours/week of lessons + afternoon social activities + full-day excursion weekly. Mysite
- Discovery (ages 11–18): More intensive classes (15 hours) plus more robust activity programme (5 afternoons, 1 evening activity, 1 full-day excursion per week). Mysite
- Class size caps: Explorer classes max 10, Discovery classes max 14. Mysite
- Closed-group programmes and one-to-one lessons are offered for juniors & adults. StudyStay+1
Teaching Methodology & Philosophy
- Placement testing at start to ensure you enter the correct level. StudyTravel+1
- Communicative & authentic learning: classes include real materials, group work, discussions, and interactive tasks. StudyTravel+1
- Tutorials & workshops: free tutorials and workshops supplement class learning. The British Language School+4Marshall Services+4StudyStay+4
- Homework & self-study: The self-access centre supports independent study outside class hours. StudyTravel+1
Because of small class sizes and close teacher contact, Globe can adapt lesson emphasis to student goals (e.g. speaking, exam, professional English).
Student Experiences & Reviews
Student feedback is broadly positive:
- Rating & metrics: Globe has 4.3 / 5 average on LanguageCourse.net with 96 ratings. LanguageCourse.Net+1 Scores:
• Teaching quality: 4.5 LanguageCourse.Net
• Organization: 4.5 LanguageCourse.Net
• Social activities: 4.3 LanguageCourse.Net
• Facilities: 4.1 LanguageCourse.Net
• Value for money: 4.0 LanguageCourse.Net - What students say: “The teaching style… I’m so happy to meet such nice teachers and staff.” LanguageCourse.Net
“Lessons were varied … small classes helped me benefit a lot.” LanguageCourse.Net+1
“My host family was very friendly … lessons and activities interesting.” LanguageCourse.Net
Some noted that classes are shorter (45 min lessons) compared to other schools. LanguageCourse.Net - Other listings: Edufind describes Globe as offering “small classes, a good mix of nationalities, free tutorials, Wi-Fi, computer rooms, refreshments in pleasant buildings & gardens.” Edufind
These testimonials reflect a generally strong reputation for teacher commitment, supportive staff, and a multicultural learning environment.
Exeter: Culture, Lifestyle & Study Setting
The City Experience
Exeter is a historical cathedral city in Devon, southwestern England, combining urban amenities with countryside and coastal access. Marshall Services+2StudyTravel+2 It has a compact core, making it walkable, with transport links to London, Cornwall, Bath, and the Devon coasts. StudyStay+2Marshall Services+2
Students at Globe benefit from:
- Access to parks, riverside walks, and nature, providing balance to study life.
- Cultural venues: theaters, museums, festivals.
- Proximity to the sea (20 minutes or so) for beach trips and coastal immersion. LanguageCourse.Net+1
- Student-friendly atmosphere: Exeter is known for a good quality of life and safety — often ranked highly for livability. Marshall Services+2Edufind+2
Cost & Local Integration
- Compared to London, Exeter’s cost of living (housing, food, local transport) is more moderate.
- Many students live in homestays or shared flats—Globe assists in placing them close to the school. Marshall Services+3LanguageCourse.Net+3StudyStay+3
- Because Globe runs social programmes and excursions, students can practise English in real settings and form friendships outside class.
What Makes Globe English Centre Stand Out
| Feature | Why It Benefits You | Compared to Other Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny class sizes (max 6) | More opportunity to speak, personal feedback | Many schools have 12–20 students per class |
| Family-run, long legacy | Consistency, personal care & continuity | Chains may feel impersonal |
| Dual premises (adults & juniors) | Tailored environments for different age groups | Other schools mix all ages in same buildings |
| Rich social / excursion programme | Extend learning beyond classrooms | Some schools offer minimal extracurriculars |
| British Council + IALC + English UK accreditation | High standards & trust | Some schools lack full accreditation |
| Garden, terraces & pleasant campus aura | Comfortable, relaxing spots for informal English | Many schools are purely functional |
These strengths make Globe a compelling option for those who want a balanced, quality, and community-minded language school in the UK.
Practical Details & Advice
- Address & Contacts
31 St. Davids Hill, Exeter, EX4 4DA StudyStay+3Mysite+3Edufind+3
Phone: +44 1392 547 552 Mysite+2StudyStay+2 - Hours / Opening
Typically open 08:30–17:30 (Monday–Friday) per directory listings. Chamber of Commerce UK - Course & Pricing Examples
From LanguageCourse.net:
• General English (15 lessons/week) from ~£418/week LanguageCourse.Net
• Professional Programme (10 lessons/week) from ~£338/week LanguageCourse.Net
• Junior Discovery (11–19 yrs, 20 lessons/week) from ~£615/week LanguageCourse.Net+1
• Private 1:1: from ~£1,045/week LanguageCourse.Net - Juniors & Adult Course Overlaps
Junior programmes include 5 afternoons + 1 evening activity per week + one full-day excursion in Discovery courses. Mysite
Absolute beginners are not accepted on Discovery courses (11–18) — they must have some prior base. Mysite - Accommodation & Transfers
Globe helps with flat finding for longer students. LanguageCourse.Net+1
Homestays are rated around 4.0 by students. LanguageCourse.Net - Accreditation & Exams
Globe is a recognized LanguageCert ESOL test centre. LanguageCert
It offers support and advice for university applications, exam alignment, and professional qualification pathways. Mysite+3StudyStay+3Marshall Services+3 - Class Duration & Timing
Lessons are 45 minutes each. LanguageCourse.Net
Starts: Every Monday (many courses) StudyStay+2LanguageCourse.Net+2 - Advice for Prospective Students
• Ask early for homestay preferences and proximity to school (buses can be irregular) LanguageCourse.Net
• Request your textbooks ahead to prepare at home LanguageCourse.Net
• Participate actively in social programmes—they add real value to your English experience
• For longer stays, consider combining exam prep + general English for best progress
Visualize Your Globe English Journey
Picture arriving in Exeter and walking through a garden courtyard to the Globe’s historic building. In your 4- or 6-student class, you debate news articles, hear diverse accents, and practise expressions in lively discussion. After class, you relax on the terrace, then join a BBQ or theater trip. On a weekend, you and classmates head to the Devon coast or explore Exeter Cathedral. Homestay evenings become speaking practice over dinner with your host. Over weeks, your daydreams turn into English thoughts—natural, confident.
SEO-Optimized Summary
If you want to learn English in the UK with small classes, strong teacher support, and a blend of academic and social learning, Globe English Centre, Exeter is a standout option. Accredited, family-run, with both adult and junior programmes, it offers a balanced, quality English learning experience in a historic, scenic city.
