PLAB it! – Your Dedicated Path to UK Medical Exams & English Proficiency
For international doctors aiming to work in the UK, PLAB it! could be the game-changer: mock exams, expert coaching, and OET work, all tailored to what the GMC expects — online or in person.
What We Know: Setup, Background & Reputation
- Name & Location
PLAB it! is based in Bentcliffe Ave, Moortown, Leeds LS17 6QJ, UK. The Codds - What They Offer
They provide specialized coaching/preparation for PLAB Part 1, PLAB Part 2, and OET (Occupational English Test). Options are both online and in-person. The Codds - Reputation / Visibility
Their profile is listed in directories (TheCodds, etc.), which lends legitimacy. However, I couldn’t find many publicly posted detailed student testimonials or independent ratings (at least not in a deeper search). That means you’ll want to ask for recent success stories. The Codds
Classes & Curriculum
Here’s what PLAB it! appears to deliver, plus what to verify:
- Course Types
- PLAB 1 prep (which is knowledge-based / MCQ).
- PLAB 2 prep (OSCE-style exam) — likely with clinical simulations, scenario role-plays, mock examinations.
- OET prep: focusing on English skills required for healthcare professionals (reading, writing, speaking, listening).
- Format
- Hybrid: both online and in-person sessions. That’s a big plus for flexibility. The Codds
- Probably includes mock exams or practice stations for PLAB 2. You’ll want to check how many mock stations, what equipment (SimMan/manikins) etc.
- Teaching Style
- Likely hands-on, scenario-based for PLAB 2. Role-plays, simulations, feedback on performance.
- For OET, expect language skill drills, speaking practise, writing corrections, etc.
- The “one-stop” label suggests they try to package all you need: theory, practice, language prep.
Student Experience & What Learners Say / What to Check
- Because I didn’t find many detailed public reviews, you should ask for:
- Success rate: How many students pass PLAB 1 / PLAB 2 / OET after going through their course?
- Quality of feedback: How often are mocks given, how much individualized feedback?
- Teachers’ backgrounds: Are the PLAB instructors practising or former examiners?
- Support systems: What extra help do they offer outside class? Recorded sessions? Study groups?
- You should also try to find students who have taken their courses and learn what they thought: pacing, difficulty, value for money.
Cultural & Lifestyle Aspects: Studying in Moortown, Leeds
- Location Advantages
- Leeds is a major UK city, cheaper than London (lower cost of living), well-connected by transport. Moortown is a fairly nice residential area.
- If in-person attendance is needed, commuting is realistic for many.
- Online Options Help
Because they offer online as well, you could live further away or even outside Leeds and still benefit. - Student Community
If you’re preparing for medical exams abroad or internationally, you’d likely meet peers in similar situation, which helps morale and networking.
What Makes PLAB it! Stand Out vs Other Prep Academies
Here are some of the standout features, and what to compare to decide if it’s right for you:
| Stand-out Features | Why They Matter | What Others May Lack / Offer Differently |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-one offering (PLAB 1 + PLAB 2 + OET) | You get both professional exam prep and English skills in one place. Saves time, integrates learning. | Some providers specialise in just PLAB 2 or just OET; may lack comprehensive packages. |
| Hybrid format (online + in-person) | Flexibility: if you prefer or need remote learning one week, or practical face-to-face training for OSCEs etc. | Some coaches or academies are exclusively online or exclusively in person, which might limit hands-on practice. |
| Location in Leeds | Lower travel / living costs compared to London; more accessible for doctors already in Northern England. | Schools based in London or other big cities may cost more or require relocation/travel. |
| Targeted focus on medical/health professional exams | Teachers likely know exactly what’s needed for PLAB / OET, clinical relevance, healthcare English. | Academic English schools may not provide as much clinical simulation or specialist coaching. |
Things to Confirm & Practical Details
To make sure your investment is worth it, you should verify:
- Pricing: What is the fee for PLAB 1, PLAB 2, and OET prep? Are there package discounts? Online vs in-person costs?
- Mock Exams & Practice Stations: How many mock PLAB 2 OSCE stations? What clinical skills labs or simulation tools are available (manikins, SimMan etc.)?
- Teacher Credentials: Are instructors medically qualified? Do they have experience in UK healthcare? Are they familiar with current GMC/UKMLA exam formats?
- Schedule & Flexibility: How many hours per week, is weekend/ evening option offered, is there online flexibility?
- Student Support: Do they provide feedback, supervised practice, recorded sessions, extra help?
- Exam Success & References: Can they share past student results or testimonials?
- Accommodation & Logistics (if coming from far): If you need to attend in person, is there guidance on nearby housing? Transport?
- Visa/International Student Support: If you’re not UK-based, does the academy assist with visa documentation or remote learning options so you don’t have to relocate?
Imagining Your Journey With PLAB it!
Picture this:
You register for PLAB it! and pick your prep path (say PLAB 2 + OET). Your first week is online theory sessions, covering clinical scenarios, exam format, guidance from experienced tutors. Then, you come in person to Moortown where you practice OSCE stations: patient communication, physical examination, history taking. You take mock exams under exam conditions, get detailed feedback on your clinical technique and your spoken English. You polish your pronunciation, clarify tricky grammar, do OET speaking drills. Outside class, you review recorded sessions, practise at home and maybe meet peers in Leeds for group practice. By exam day, you feel confident, well-prepared, aware of what the test judges want — not nervous.
