Learning English can serve very different goals depending on your age, experience and plans. A young child may be discovering the language for the first time, a teenager may want to become more confident or prepare for an exam, while an adult may need English for study, work, travel or personal goals.
At the British Council, we offer English courses for every stage of life, with programmes designed around learners’ age, level and objectives.
Our expert teachers support children, teenagers and adults as they develop their English skills, build confidence and use the language more effectively in real-life situations.
English for children and teenagers
Children and teenagers learn best when lessons are engaging, age-appropriate and give them regular opportunities to use English.
Our programmes can support learners at different stages, from their first experience of English to secondary school and exam preparation.
Depending on their age and needs, learners can:
- discover English through stories, games, songs and creative activities in Early Years;
- build confidence and communication skills in Primary English;
- develop greater fluency and independence in Secondary English;
- continue learning during the school holidays with intensive English programmes;
- strengthen their English through programmes for bilingual learners;
- prepare for international exams including Cambridge English, IGCSE and IELTS;
- use British Council learning materials designed for our English as a foreign language courses for young learners and adapted to their age and level.
Explore our English courses for children and teenagers
English for adults
Adults learn English for many different reasons, from career development and university studies to travel and personal projects.
Our courses help adult learners:
- improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills;
- become more confident using English in everyday and professional situations;
- develop the language skills needed for work or study;
- prepare for an English language exam where required;
- choose a course that reflects their level, goals and preferred way of learning.
Explore our English courses for adults
Learn with expert teachers
Our teachers are qualified and experienced professionals who teach English to children, teenagers and adults.
They take part in ongoing training and regular professional development opportunities to develop their teaching practice, share good practice and continue improving the learning experience they provide.
In class, they support learners according to their age, level and objectives. They also provide regular feedback to help learners understand their progress and identify the skills they need to develop further.
Meet our teachers for children and teenagers
Meet our teachers for adults
Learn English through communication
Learning a language is about being able to use it.
Our lessons give learners regular opportunities to listen, speak, read and write in English. Through discussion, collaborative tasks, projects and practical activities, learners develop the skills they need to communicate with greater confidence.
Teaching is adapted to the age, level and objectives of each group, so learners can apply what they learn in meaningful situations.
A positive and inclusive learning environment
We aim to create an environment where learners feel comfortable participating, asking questions and developing their skills.
Our teachers encourage active participation and support learners as they build confidence, take on new challenges and become more independent in their learning.
We are committed to making our courses as inclusive and accessible as possible for learners with different needs.
Programmes for different learning journeys
There is no single route to learning English.
We offer programmes for children, teenagers and adults at different levels, including:
- weekly English courses during the school year;
- holiday English programmes;
- face-to-face and online learning;
- courses for bilingual learners;
- preparation for international English exams;
- English training for professional and academic goals.
International expertise in English teaching
The British Council has extensive international experience in English language teaching, teacher development and assessment.
Our teaching draws on this expertise while being delivered locally by teachers who understand the needs of learners in France.
Safeguarding children and teenagers
The safety and wellbeing of children and teenagers are essential in our courses.
Our teams follow the British Council’s child safeguarding procedures and receive appropriate training to help provide a safe, supportive and respectful learning environment for every young learner.
Find out more about child safeguarding at the British Council
Find the English course that is right for you
Explore our English courses for children, teenagers and adults in Paris and online.