ELC Chester (formerly English in Chester), established in 1976, is part of The English Language Centre educational charity, with a world-wide reputation for quality. We are a team of professional and caring people dedicated to providing a first class experience for every student.

With 14 points of strength in our 2019 BC inspection, we are a highly-ranked EL Gazette Centre of Excellence.

There is a wide range of courses to suit different age groups and the different needs and interests of our students. Our courses include:

General English (with a flexible range of afternoon pathways to match your needs and interests)
Examination Courses (our students obtain great results in Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced and IELTS)
The 25+ Course: (an intensive, highly practical, needs-driven course for professionals)
The 25+ Combination Course (combining small group classes with 1:1 lessons)
Summer Course for Teenagers (a fun summer programme for 13-16 year olds)
50+ Language Holiday (English language and culture with excursions and activities included)


We are located in Chester, a uniquely beautiful, historic English city. Chester is the perfect size for our students, big enough to be lively with lots to see and do, yet small enough to be welcoming, friendly and safe. Our students find Chester a fascinating and delightful place to study. This is a city where the most complete Roman amphitheatre in Britain is opposite one of the coolest nightclubs in the region. You can find many fashionable boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars in historic medieval buildings. It is busy and prosperous university city that welcomes and charms millions of tourists every year . We are very close to beautiful countryside (North Wales and The Lake District) as well as larger cities (Liverpool and Manchester). We are also just 2 hours by train from London.

Our Student Services team provide an excellent accommodation and welfare service (homestay and residence) as well as many opportunities for an interesting and active social life. Our excursions and activities are designed to enhance your learning of English while you learn about British life with new friends from all over the world.