FAQ's
These are the questions most frequently asked by students.
Q: How do I apply to the Arch School of English?
If you live in Edinburgh, the easiest way to apply is to visit the school. If you live outside Edinburgh, please send us an e-mail (from the contact us page) or download an application form and post it or e-mail to us. Applications from Under-18's must be supported by a parent or guardian. Under-16's will not be accepted.
Q: What documents will I need to provide with the application form?
1. A photocopy of the front cover of your passport and the photo page.
2. A photocopy of any English qualifications you have.
A: Full-time students: The cost is £75.00 per week for 5 mornings of study Monday to Friday 9am - 12pm. All fees should be paid in advance. Our 1-year English Course is 36 weeks of study (£2,700.00). There is a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for those who pay for a 1-year course in advance. DISCOUNT RATE: £2,450.00. You can book a course for 1 week, or 1 month or 1 term. Part-time students: The cost is £45.00 for 3 mornings a week Monday to Friday 9am-12pm. A deposit must be paid in advance, followed by weekly or monthly payments.
| 1 day | 1 week | 1 month | 1 year | 1-year discount rate * |
| Full-time study (5 mornings) | £15.00 | £75.00 | £300.00 | £2,700.00 | £2,450.00 |
| Part-time study (3 mornings) | £15.00 | £45.00 | £180.00 | £1620.00 | - |
* A discount is awarded if you pay for one-year total school fees in advance.
ALL STUDY FEES MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE.
Q: How will I pay my school fees?
Students who would like to study full-time, must pay school fees in advance. Payment can be arranged directly to the school bank account, or through an international money transfer scheme, such as Western Union.
A: We provide courses for all levels of English Language study including preparation for those studying for Exams such as FCE. All courses will include study of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Each student sits a level test and follows a course book until ready for a higher level. Students will receive a School Certificate, and progress report on finishing their course. All Students must buy their own course book.
A: Students from the European Union do not need to apply for a student visa. For all other students, please contact your local UK Embassy or Consulate for more information. Further information about visas can be found at the UK Visas website (click here to go to their website).
A: Every new student must sit a level test. Tests are available between 9am-10.30am from Monday – Friday. An appointment is not always necessary. Tests take between one and two hours. Dictionaries must not be used during the test. Test results are treated with strict confidentiality. On your first day please bring your passport and a pen.
A: Currently we do not have an IELTS preparation course. But we do have a preparation course for FCE (e.g. First Certificate in English). Exams can be sat after appropriate preparation. These exams are taken at specified exam centre (not at the school) you can book an exam at Stevenson College or Basil Paterson three months in advance — students must check with their teacher BEFORE booking the exam.
A: Full-time courses are 15 hours per week in the mornings plus students will be expected to complete 6 hours private study (homework) per week. If you have a full-time Student Visa, you must attend every day, and complete and pay for your entire course of study - no refunds are available during the middle of your course. Part-time courses are 3 mornings a week (normally Monday-Wednesday). Students may study 1 or 2 days per week in special cases.
Q: Does Arch offer accommodation?
Unfortunately we do not arrange accommodation for students. Students must make their own arrangments for their visit to Edinburgh.
You can start as soon as your application has been processed (unless the school is on holiday). Term dates are similar to local school and college term times. Applications will take longer to process during school holidays (please allow 4 weeks for a school acceptance letter).
| | School Calendar 2010 - 2011 |
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| Spring Term 2010 | Monday 11th January to Friday 26th March 2010 |
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| Summer Term 2010 | Monday 19th April to Friday 2nd July 2010 |
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| Summer School 2010 | Monday 19th July to Friday 13th August 2010 |
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| Autumn Term 2010 | Monday 30th August to Friday 15th October 2010 |
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| Winter Term 2010 | Monday 1st November to Friday 17th December 2010 |
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| Spring Term 2011 | Monday 10th January to Friday 25th March 2011 |
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Q: When can I take holiday from school?
Unlike many other language schools, Arch has fixed holidays which give students time for travel, work or time to return home. Students on full-time visas should not take holiday in term-time.
Q: What are the classrooms like?
The school uses church halls and classrooms for lessons. Facilities are basic but adequate and we can keep study costs low.
Q: Is the Arch a Christian school?
Arch was started to help Christian missionaries learn English, however; even though many of the teachers and students are of the Christian faith, the school is open to students of all faiths, and backgrounds. There is no formal Christian teaching although students may participate in an optional Bible study.
(For more information about businesses, accomodation and living in the city of Edinburgh, please go to this web page: www.edinburghdirectory.info OR www.edinburghonline.co.uk ). The Arch School of English do not take any responsibility for the accommodation arrangements of students.