To view the questions and answers please click on the headers below.
Q: How much is the deposit?
A: The minimum deposit to register for an English language course is £100. However, for university pathway programmes we require full payment of fees before registration can be processed.
Q: Do I have to pay a deposit to get a confirmation letter?
A: For language courses we require a course deposit from every student before we can issue any documentation confirming you have booked a course at the school. For university pathway programmes we can only issue documentation following full payment of all fees for the programme of study.
Q: How long does it take to get the letter?
A: We aim to process all new bookings within 24 hours, when payment has been received a confirmation letter is then issued and its arrival time depends on the method used to send it.
Q: When can I start my course?
A: General English Courses (including IELTS FOR LIFE, IELTS FOR STUDY and Business English) start every Monday except for public holidays and our annual Christmas holiday. Exam courses start at specific dates throughout the year, please ask for details.
Q: Can I change the start date after I've received the letter?
A: If you need to change your start date we are happy to issue a new confirmation letter. We reserve the right to apply a small administration fee to those who repeatedly change their arrival date and repeatedly request new confirmation letters.
Q: What is the minimum age required to study at Mayfair School?
A: The minimum age to study at Mayfair School is 16.
Q: What is the average age?
A: 22 years old. 16 is the minimum age and there is no maximum.
Q: Do you have library facilities at the school?
A: The school has a range of resources (text books, audio books, DVDs) that students can borrow after paying a deposit.
Q: Do you have Computers/ Internet access?
A: The school has 16 computers with free broadband access and there is a wireless network throughout the school if you wish to use your own laptop.
Q: Can I have a trial lesson before I book my course?
A: If you are already in the UK and would like to try our classes before deciding to book your course then just come into the school to take our placement test and we will arrange a trial lesson for you.
Q: Will my teacher be English?
A: All of our teachers are native speakers, with the majority coming from the United Kingdom.
We also have a small number of teachers from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
Q: What is the cost of living in the UK?
A: For many people the UK feels expensive, below is a guide to what you can expect to pay for certain basic items:
Approximate cost in GBP:
- Sandwiches : £3.00
- Green Salad: £3.50
- Tuna Pasta: £4.00
- Chicken Pasta: £3.75
- Hamburgers: £2.50
- Fruit Salad: £3.00
- Pizza - Slice: £2.00
- Tea / Coffee: £2.00
- Hot Chocolate: £2.00
- Fish and Chips: £5.50
- Spaghetti dish: £6.00
- Lasagne: £7.00
- Orange Juice: £2.00
Tickets
- Cinema: £8.00
- Bus: £2.00
- Underground per week: £30.00
Q: What nationalities do you have at the school?
A: After more than 20 years of operation we have received students from hundreds of different countries. Typically we receive a mix of students from Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.
Q: When is the school closed?
A: The school is open from Monday to Friday. We close for two weeks over Christmas and on public holidays.
Q: What qualifications do the teachers have?
A: All of our teachers possess an undergraduate university degree and a teaching qualification for teaching English to international learners, typically the RSA or Trinity, CELTA. In addition, currently 70% of our teachers already have, or are currently training towards, a higher level teaching qualification (DELTA/Licentiate Dilpoma in TESOL). A number of our teachers also possess a Masters degree. All qualifications are externally validated and checked and approved as part of our membership of the British Council Accreditation UK scheme. Please click on their logo in the right-hand menu to visit their site and learn more.
Q: What do I need to do to register with a GP?
A: If you call NHS Direct, 0845 4647, they will inform you of the GP nearest to your accommodation with spaces available. The school is also 2 minutes away from an NHS drop-in centre where anyone can seek medical attention and advice.
Q: Do I need to get a visa?
A: If you are coming to the UK from a European Union (EU) country or from Switzerland or Iceland you do not need a visa to study in the UK. If you are coming from another country then please check the UK Foreign Office web site to see if you need a visa to study in the UK. If you require a visa to enter the UK as a student you must study a minimum of 15 hours per week, excluding breaks. As of April 2009 there are two types of visas that students may apply for, a General Student Visa or a Student Visitor Visa. Please contact the school if you have specific questions regarding the UK visa system and the appropriate visa for your intended stay in the UK.
Q: What is the difference between a tourist visa, a student visa and a working visa?
A: The UK visa system changed in April 2009 when the UK Government introduced a Points Based System (PBS) to handle all visa applications after this date. For more information on which visa you should apply to before choosing a course of study please refer to the UKBA's (United Kingdom Border Authority) website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk. If you have specific questions related to your visa application and preferred course of study, please contact the school for more information: enquiries@mayfairschool.co.uk.
Q: How much time should I allow to get my visa?
A: You should allow 6 weeks.
Q: What happens if my visa gets refused?
A: If your visa is refused the school will return any accommodation and course fees you have paid minus your deposits. The school will need to see the original refusal letter to process any refund.
Q: Can I work if I am a student in the UK?
A: European Economic Area (EEA) Students
If you are from one of the countries below, married to an EEA citizen or the child of someone from the EEA you can work in the UK without any restrictions on the number of hours work that you do.
A: Non European Economic Area Students
If you have a General Student Visa you can work legally in the UK for up to 10 hours per week during term time and more during your holidays (Mayfair College students studying at Advanced Diploma/NQF Level 6 can work 20 hours). However, you should not be engaging in business, self-employment, or the provision of services as a professional sports person or entertainer. You must also not be filling a permanent full-time vacancy. If you have prohibitions on working stamped in your passport then you must not work under any circumstances. If you have a Student Visitor Visa, you are not allowed to work at all.
Q: What is National Insurance?
A: Everybody who works in the UK must pay National Insurance contributions. You need a National Insurance number when you start working. The school can tell you how to obtain a number if you need one.
Q: Will I pay tax on my earnings?
A: Most international students working part-time pay the same tax as any UK resident. At the end of the tax year (6th April - 5th April) you may be able to claim some tax back depending on how much you earned.
Q: Can I open a bank account in the UK?
A: If you are coming to the UK from a European Union (EU) country or from Switzerland or Iceland you need to get a confirmation letter from the school and you can open an account. If you are coming from another country then your visa must be valid for at least three months on the day you go to the bank to open the account and you need to be a student at Mayfair to get the confirmation letter. NB: The bank might charge you for the account.
Q: What if I need money in an emergency?
A: You can receive money from your country in 30 minutes by using Western Union (0800 833833) If a friend or relative sends you money through Western union you will need your passport to provide identification. There is a Western Union Office 10 minutes' walk from Mayfair School on Oxford Street.
Q: Is my money safe?
A: London is a big city so it is important to be careful. Do not carry large amounts of cash and always keep an eye on your bag in public places. Most students do not experience any problems in London. In our downloads section, please click on the link in the top menu, you will find a comprehensive safety guide for international students visiting the UK.
Q: Do I need insurance?
A: Mayfair School recommends that you have travel insurance for your trip to London. School fees are not refundable and any travel insurance should be comprehensive.
Q: Can I book accommodation with Mayfair School if I do not take one of the courses?
A: No, unfortunately it's not possible to book accommodation with Mayfair School if you're not a student at MSE.
Q: Do I have to stay in the accommodation provided by MSE?
A: No. You can choose where you want to stay when you study at the school. However, if the school does provide accommodation for you, you will be expected to follow our terms and conditions.
Q: If I would like to book a shared room but do not know anybody, can I still book that room?
A: Unfortunately you cannot book a shared room unless you know somebody to share it with.
Q: What time can I move into the accommodation and when do I have to move out?
A: You can move into the accommodation at any time as long as it has been agreed with the school. You need to leave all accommodation by 12.00pm on the day of departure.
Q: Will there be Internet access in the accommodation?
A: This depends on which accommodation option you choose. Please tell our Accommodation Officer if you require internet access.
Q: How can I find out the exact address of the accommodation?
A: The school will send you a confirmation email with the exact address once the booking is complete - i.e. you have paid the deposit and you have received your visa (should you need one).
Q: What is the minimum period I can book accommodation for?
A: Private Home = 1 week, Student Residence = 1week, Studio Apartments = 4 weeks
Q: Is it possible to extend or change my accommodation?
A: Yes, it is possible to extend or change you accommodation, however, it is subject to availability and a notice period.
Q: How much notice do I need to give if I want to leave earlier?
A: You need to give 2 weeks' notice for Private Home and Student Residence accommodation and 4 weeks' notice for the Studio Apartments.
Q: Do I have to pay for gas, electricity, council tax etc?
A: All utility bills are included in the price of your accommodation but students in private accommodation are required to pay council tax if they study for less than 21 hours per week.
Q: Will I be staying with an English family?
A: The families we use represent modern London. Many are English and some come from other cultures but all of our families speak English fluently.
Q: Can I see the accommodation before I make a booking?
A: If you are already in the UK this may be possible, please ask our Accommodation Officer for more information.
Q: Will I have my own bathroom?
A: This depends on which accommodation option you choose. Please tell our Accommodation Officer if you require a private bathroom.
Q: Can I use the kitchen?
A: This depends on which accommodation option you choose. Please tell our Accommodation Officer if you require use of the kitchen.
Q: How long does it take to travel from my accommodation to the school?
A: This depends on which accommodation option you choose. Our studio flats are a 20-minute walk to the school. Host families generally live outside of the centre and a journey time of between 45 minutes and 1 hour is completely normal.
Q: How many levels of General English are there?
A: There are seven different levels.
- Foundation
- Elementary
- Pre-Intermediate
- Intermediate
- Upper Intermediate
- Advanced
- Proficiency
Q: Do I need to have a certain level of English?
A: From 23 July students applying for a General Student Visa to study on an English language course will need to have achieved a level of B1 (Common European Framework Reference) or IELTS 4.0, which is equivalent to Intermediate level, in order to submit their application. Students applying for SSVs (Student Visitor Visas) and students from EEA countries may study at any level. We have students from Foundation level to Proficiency, if your level is too low or high for our regular classes we will offer an alternative solution.
Q: How much does a course book cost?
A: Every student must buy the coursebook for their class. They are available in reception for £21.00 or can be bought from local bookshops.
Q: How long will it take me to progress?
A: Typically, most students will complete a level after 8 to 16 weeks of study, with 12 weeks being the average, but it depends on what level you start at and how hard you work!
Q: Will I have an exam at the end?
A: Our exam preparation courses finish with an external exam but in our GE courses you will take weekly tests and reviews designed by our tutors which reflect what you have studied on your course and which reveal how much you have retained and what your level is. Your Certificate of Attendance will describe your level upon leaving the school.
Q: Will I have to do a test before I start the school?
A: Yes. To make sure we put everyone in the best possible class for them, we ask all of our students to complete a 30-minute placement test. This is not a pass/fail test but just some questions designed so we can discover your level when starting.
Q: Can I change my course after I've started?
A: Yes. If you want to try a different type of course or study for longer you just need to speak to reception and they will arrange everything for you.
Q: How many hours per week are the courses?
A: Standard courses contain 15 hours of direct tuition per week. Standard Plus courses contain 21 hours of direct tuition per week and Intensive courses contain 30 hours of tuition per week. Please note that all our courses are fully compliant with UKBA regulations for visa -national students as they all contain a minimum of 15 hours direct tuition per week.
Q: What is an Academic Year? What is the difference between General English (GE) and an Academic Year (AY)?
A: An Academic Year is a long-term course (27 or 36 weeks) You will study for 27 or 36 weeks in one calendar year (52 weeks). You will study in three terms and take holidays between your terms.
The difference to a General English course is that you are required to take holidays and the cost of the course is usually lower to reflect the fact that you are not studying continuously. General English courses are studied continuously and are therefore usually more expensive.
Q: Can I get a certificate?
A: When you finish your course you will receive a certificate of attendance which contains the dates of your course, the level of English you have achieved and a report from your tutor.
Q: How can I pay for my course?
A: You can pay by bank transfer, credit card, and cash or alternatively you can make a booking on this website under Book a Course. For more information on how to make a payment please visit our Downloads page and download the ‘Payment Details’
Q: Do I have to pay in pound sterling or can I pay in a foreign currency?
A: We operate in pound sterling only.
Q: Is it possible for somebody else to pay on my behalf?
A: Yes, but not when booking online, if the address on the credit/debit card is different to the postal address you provide in the application process then payment will not be accepted and no booking will be made.
Q: If I cancel my course, will you refund the money?
A: The school refunds course and accommodation fees, minus deposits, if you are unable to attend your course because you have not been given a visa. If you are unable to attend or continue your course due to bereavement or medical reasons we will refund course and accommodation fees following receipt of acceptable proof.
If you cancel your course for any other reason the school will not refund course fees. Accommodation fees can be refunded following a period of notice.
Q: If I cancel the accommodation, will you refund the money?
A: If you cancel the accommodation before a booking has been made, you will only lose the deposit of 150GBP.
Q: Are there any other payments to be made?
A: You are required to pay a registration fee. You are also required to pay for your course book. Students entering external exams need to pay their exam fees. Students wishing to change from one course to a more expensive course need to pay the difference in fees.
