FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 40 weeks of study (£3,000.00). There is a SPECIAL DISCOUNT for those who pay for a 1-year course in advance. DISCOUNT RATE: £2,400.00. You can choose to study from one week to a full academic year. Check out our SPECIAL OFFERS section for other possible discounts*.
Part-time students: The cost is £45.00 for 3 mornings a week, Monday to Friday 9:30am-12:30pm. A deposit must be paid in advance, followed by weekly or monthly payments.
| 1 day | 1 week | 1 month | Autumn or Winter Term (both 7 weeks)* | Spring or Summer Term (both 11 weeks) * | 1 year (40 weeks) | 1-year (40 weeks) discount rate ** |
Full-time study (5 mornings) | £15.00 | £75.00 | £300.00 | £525,00 | £825.00 | £3,000.00 | £2,400.00 |
Part-time study (3 mornings) | £15.00 | £45.00 | £180.00 | £315.00 | £495.00 | £1404.00 | £1125.00 |
** A discount is awarded if you pay for one year, in one payment .
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 development of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Each student sits a placement test and follows a course book until ready for a higher level. If you are applying for a student visa you will have to complete an online test before you come to study. 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. We are able to accept applications for courses of up to 11 months from non-European students who wish to apply for a student visitor visa or for longer courses from students who are able to apply for full Student Visas.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 placement test. If you are already in Edinburgh, tests are available between 9a.m. and 10.30a.m. from Monday – Friday. An appointment is usually 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. Students applying for a student visa will be tested online.
A: Currently, we provide students with support for their IELTS exam through our special activities courses on Thursdays and Fridays. We also have a preparation course for the Cambridge FCE (i.e. First Certificate in English) exam from Monday to Wednesday each week. Preparation courses for CAE or CPE will be arranged when there are enough students interested. Students can sit exams after appropriate preparation. These exams are taken at specified exam centres in Edinburgh (not at The Arch School). You usually need to book FCE, CAE or CPE exams at least 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 of 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 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 stay in 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 2011 - 2012 |
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Spring Term 2011 (11 weeks) | Monday 10th January - Friday 25th March 2011 |
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| Easter Holiday (3 weeks) | Saturday 26th March - Sunday 17th April 2011 |
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Summer Term 2011 (11 weeks) | Monday 18th April - Friday 1st July 2011 |
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| Summer Holidays 2011 | Saturday 2nd July - Sunday 17th July and Saturday 13th August-Sunday 28th August 2011 |
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SUMMER COURSE 2011 (4 weeks) | Monday 18th July to Friday 12th August 2011 |
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| Autumn Term 2011 | Monday 29th August - Friday 14th October 2011 |
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| Winter term 2011 | 31st October - 16th December 2011 |
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| Spring term 2012 |
9th January - 24th March 2012 |
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Q: When can I take a 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 a 1930s church building with spacious halls and classrooms for lessons. Facilities are simple but well maintained and this means 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 some 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 from time to time participate in an optional Bible study.
(For more information about businesses, accommodation 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 does not take any responsibility for the accommodation arrangements of students.