Speak, live, and breathe English in London’s welcoming south — welcome to The Burlington School of English, where study, residence, and community converge.
Since 1990, we have helped students from around the globe become more confident communicators in English, the Burlington School of English has made itsunique mark in the EFL industry as one of the leading independent language schools in London.We take the greatest pride in the reputation we have built over the years for excellence in our academicprogrammes for Adults and YoungLearners, personalised customer service support, and our family-oriented atmosphere – and we are delightedto announce, as a result of our growth and with the aim of providing an ever better student experience, that we have expanded to a brand-new school site to match.
School Snapshot & Legacy
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Name: The Burlington School of English (often “Burlington London”)
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Established: 1990 — over three decades of English teaching experience in London. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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Location: Lord Annaly House, 146A Bedford Hill, Balham, London SW12 9HW British Council+3englishuk.com+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3
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Accreditation & Inspection: Burlington is British Council accredited (November 2023 inspection) meeting standards in management, teaching, welfare, safeguarding, and more. British Council
Facilities & Student Support
Campus & Infrastructure
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In September 2019, Burlington moved to a new, multi-million pound residential centre in South London. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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The new centre includes interactive classroom technology, and over 80 on-site residential beds — meaning many students live and study in the same building. burlingtonschool.co.uk+1
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The school is designed as a community hub: you can eat, sleep, socialise and study — all under one roof. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2London Study English+2
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Classes are housed in a converted church-style building with a “rustic, homey ambience” while still being modern inside. Lingo Traveller
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Facilities include classrooms, study areas, social spaces, technology labs, common areas — typical of full-service residential language schools. British Council+3Lingo Traveller+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3
Support, Welfare & Safeguarding
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Burlington’s British Council inspection noted strengths in staff management, welfare, premises, student care, and leisure opportunities. British Council
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They have systems in place for safeguarding students under 18, as required under the British Council scheme. British Council
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The school runs an active social programme, with trips, after-class events, and themed excursions to help students use English outside the classroom. Lingo Traveller+2languageinternational.com+2
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Teachers are selected not only for qualifications but for personal qualities and experience. Edufind+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
Courses & Curriculum
Course Types & Levels
Burlington offers a diverse portfolio of English courses, suitable for different goals and ages:
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General English (standard, intensive) — covering reading, writing, speaking, listening. englishuk.com+4languageinternational.com+4burlingtonschool.co.uk+4
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Exam Preparation (FCE, CAE, IELTS etc.) — focused courses for those aiming to pass English exams. LanguageCourse.Net+4Lingo Traveller+4burlingtonschool.co.uk+4
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Business / Specialty English — tailored modules for professional and workplace English. Language Schools Reviews+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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Young Learners / Juniors programmes — residential or day options for younger students. Lingo Traveller+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3languageinternational.com+3
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Online / Blended Courses — Burlington also supports remote learning (especially when physical attendance is not possible). burlingtonschool.co.uk+1
Teaching & Learning Style
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Burlington uses a communicative approach, encouraging students to speak, interact, and use English in realistic contexts. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2London Study English+2
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Class sizes are capped (typically up to 15 students) to allow participation and personal attention. burlingtonschool.co.uk+3languageinternational.com+3LanguageCourse.Net+3
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Lessons are enriched with smartboards, interactive tech, field trips and homework via online platforms. languageinternational.com+3Lingo Traveller+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3
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Social and cultural immersion is part of the methodology — integrating students into London life through activities and local exploration. languageinternational.com+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3London Study English+3
Student Feedback & Reputation
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On LanguageCourse.net, Burlington holds an average rating of 4.6 / 5 from 41 student reviews. LanguageCourse.Net
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Its strengths by category include:
• City / Location: 4.8 / 5
• Quality of Teaching: 4.4 / 5
• Facilities: 4.5 / 5
• Value for Money: 4.3 / 5
• Social Activities: 4.3 / 5 LanguageCourse.Net -
On LanguageCourse.net and other platforms, students praise the friendly teaching staff, the social programme, and the integrated residential model. LanguageCourse.Net+2Lingo Traveller+2
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LingoTraveller’s review calls Burlington “affordable for a London all-inclusive package,” and highlights how teachers know students personally and make decisions for social activities in consultation with them. Lingo Traveller
Cultural & Lifestyle: Studying in London (Balham / South London)
Neighborhood & City Access
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Burlington is located in Balham, a vibrant residential area with good London connections — ~15 minutes into central London via train or Underground. burlingtonschool.co.uk+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3englishuk.com+3
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The local area offers cafés, parks, shops, and green spaces — a calm contrast to central London bustle. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2London Study English+2
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Living in the residential centre or nearby enables immersion: students can walk out for meals, local errands, or evening exploration.
Cost & Living
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London is among the more expensive cities in the UK — housing, transport, food, and leisure costs are higher.
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However, Burlington’s model of on-site accommodation + classes + social life helps contain costs, since many daily expenses become internalised. burlingtonschool.co.uk+1
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Many students choose homestay or shared flats in nearby areas as alternatives to the school residence. LanguageCourse.Net+3languageinternational.com+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3
Immersion & Diversity
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London’s multicultural fabric means students from many countries interact daily, expanding language exposure and cultural exchange.
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Students can visit museums, theatres, galleries, historical sites, cafés and the full array of London’s attractions — turning language learning into a living adventure.
What Makes Burlington School Stand Out
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Integrated residential + learning model: Many students live under the same roof as their classes, enhancing immersion, convenience, and community. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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New, purpose-built centre with on-site residential beds: The 2019 relocation upgraded facilities, accommodation, and technology. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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Small class sizes + personal care: Teachers know students well, and the social programme is partly student-influenced. languageinternational.com+3Lingo Traveller+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3
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Full service “all-in-one” campus: Eat, sleep, study, play in one building — rare among London language schools. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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Strong reputation & accreditation: British Council accreditation, long history, consistent student ratings. burlingtonschool.co.uk+3British Council+3englishuk.com+3
Compared to many London language schools, Burlington combines the energy and resources of the city with a campus-style experience that reduces commuting stress and promotes community.
Practical Details & Enrollment Info
Fees & Course Pricing
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According to LanguageCourse.net, sample General English Standard (20 lessons/week) starts at ~£275/week (for students 16+). LanguageCourse.Net
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More intensive courses (e.g. 30 lessons/week) cost more — i.e. approach £375/week in some terms. LanguageCourse.Net
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The all-inclusive residential / accommodation packages may cost more but bundle multiple services. Lingo Traveller+2LanguageCourse.Net+2
Accommodation Options
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On-site residential accommodation: Over 80 beds available in the school’s own residential centre. burlingtonschool.co.uk+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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Homestay / Shared flats: Alternatives for students who prefer external housing. languageinternational.com+2LanguageCourse.Net+2
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Location & distance: The residential centre is part of the school building, so many students are able to walk to classes. burlingtonschool.co.uk+1
Visa & International Student Support
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Burlington issues required documentation and letters for visa purposes for eligible students. British Council
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Because courses are accepted by the British Council, international students can rely on recognized credentials. British Council+2englishuk.com+2
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For under-18 students, the school meets safeguarding requirements and provides care during programmes and leisure activities. British Council
Entry & Course Logistics
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Minimum age: 16+ for most adult programmes; younger students may participate in junior programmes. LanguageCourse.Net+3British Council+3burlingtonschool.co.uk+3
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Start dates: Courses generally begin every Monday, with flexibility depending on programme type. LanguageCourse.Net+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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Placement test & induction: On arrival, students take a level test and orientation before classes. British Council+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
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Terms: Many students stay for 1–4 weeks, though some join longer programmes. British Council+2burlingtonschool.co.uk+2
Imagine Yourself at Burlington School
Picture stepping into the grand halls of a beautifully converted church-style building, walking through corridors where students gather before class in lounge areas. You live in your room just upstairs, steps away from your morning class. Your tutor greets you by name, and your class engages in lively discussion about London life, culture, and current events. After class, you join a trip to a museum or local market, practising English as you explore. Over dinner in the communal dining hall, you mingle with classmates from across the globe. In your downtime, you study in a quiet corner, perhaps revisit vocabulary on the online platform or chat with new friends in the common area. Week by week, your confidence grows — not just in your English, but in living, thinking, and exploring in London.
At Burlington School of English, you don’t just attend classes — you live your language.



