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Online English courses for adults

Learn English online – with the world's English experts
As a parent, you may want to improve your own level of English so that you can help and support your child’s learning.
Whatever your motivation or level, our highly qualified English teachers are by your side and provide you with the right tools to help you interact confidently in the real world and achieve professional and personal success.
We help students all over the world to accomplish incredible achievements and we can help you to:
- improve your proficiency in English speaking
- increase your confidence in English grammar and vocabulary
- effectively communicate and collaborate with friends and colleagues
- gain the confidence to achieve your professional and personal ambitions.
Online English courses to suit your learning style
Whether you want to improve your English reading and writing skills, learn to speak English more fluently or simply develop your English vocabulary, we offer a range of flexible and personalised online courses to suit your unique style of learning.
Choose between self-study or teacher-led learning and discover a wide variety of exclusive learning materials to support your study of the English language. Experience live, online group classes, personalised learning pathways, detailed progress tracking and valuable feedback.
Choose how you want to study online
Learn at your pace with our self-study LearnEnglish Subscription
Improve your English for the workplace with our flexible self-study online courses. For only £5.99 a month, your subscription will give you unlimited access to all our online English courses, plus much more.
- English for work
From email writing to interview skills and lessons on a wide variety of topics
- Flexibility and choice
Learn online in your own time and at your own speed
- Community
Join our live online events and ask expert educators your questions
Live online classes with expert teachers
Boost your English skills and confidence. Join classmates from around the world in 100% online teacher-led classes and interactive lessons, customised and available 24/7.
- Plans and pricing to suit your budget and lifestyle
Free 7-day trials and flexible monthly subscriptions. Cancel any time.
- Customised study plan
Choose your schedule, set study goals and track your progress.
- Certified results
Achieve British Council certificates as you learn. English Online is aligned with the CEFR framework.
Personal online tutoring
Learn English online with one of our professional tutors. These one-to-one sessions will focus on a personal plan to help you maximise your potential and confidence when reading, writing and speaking English.
- High quality
Professional tutors with years of experience
- Personal learning plan
Each session designed around your needs, helping you reach your goal
- Try for $1
Book your first 30-minute session for just $1
IELTS test preparation
IELTS is the world's most popular English language test for higher education and global migration. These four courses will give you all the information and practice you require to achieve the band score you need.
- Join a free 7-day trial
Get free, full access to all four courses for a week to see if they are right for you.
- Keep learning for £36/€36 a month
Pay a monthly subscription fee of £36/€36 for as long as you need to get ready for your test.
- Earn digital certificates
Receive a certificate for every completed course and complete all four courses to earn a digital certificate that you can share on your CV and LinkedIn.
Join our community events
The British Council organises events on social media where you can ask questions to our expert educators. If you have any questions about our courses or about learning English in general, you’re welcome to join our live events on Facebook and YouTube. They’re free and you can join as many as you want.
Why learn English with the British Council?
We have over 80 years of expertise in English language education and reach over 80 million learners a year.
Designed by experts, our online English classes and courses provide a safe and inclusive learning community in which to grow and develop your English communication skills.
We are here to support your educational journey every step of the way.