British Council Accredited English Language school in Exeter.

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We aim to activate students’ knowledge of English and to present and practice new linguistic structures.
• We aim to provide students with a balance of skills, grammar and vocabulary development throughout their course.
• We aim to enable students to make the most of being in a British environment, of living in a British home and of visiting Exeter and the South west of England.
• We aim to achieve all of the above through a combination of engaging and dynamic classroom activities, dedicated and personalized teaching and multi-lingual classes.

In 2026, Isca School of English celebrates 60 years of teaching,-a stable presence in a sector that has changed so much since 1966. We are still based in our elegant buildings and in our third generation, still proudly family-run.
Students remember our welcoming school, beautiful gardens, and programme that combines classroom progress with activities, excursions, and friendships remembered years later. My grandparents would be proud of the legacy my parents have passed on to me.
British Council Accreditation, English UK and English UK South West membership and the community we share is one we can all be proud of.

Isca School of English

The Isca School of English is a long-established, family-run English language school based in Exeter, United Kingdom. Founded in 1966, it has over 60 years of experience delivering English language education to international students, particularly teenagers.

The school specialises in summer English courses for students aged 14-17, combining academic learning with cultural immersion and social activities.

History and Ownership

Isca School is notable for its three-generation family leadership. It was founded by Margery and Ronald Tomlinson, later run by their son Richard Tomlinson and his wife Jo Tomlinson, and is currently led by their granddaughter, Sarah Tomlinson.

This continuity has helped maintain a consistent ethos focused on personal care, community, and student wellbeing.

Location

The school is located in Exeter, a historic city in southwest England. The setting offers a safe and culturally rich environment, with access to coastal areas and major UK cities for excursions.

Courses and Academic Programme

Isca School provides General English summer courses designed specifically for teenagers. Key academic features include:

• 18 hours of tuition per week
• Small class sizes (maximum 12 students)
• Levels from A2 to C1
• Focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills
• Weekly progress assessments and individual feedback

The teaching approach emphasises communication skills, confidence-building, and practical language use.

Accreditation and Recognition

The school is accredited by the British Council and is a member of English UK.

It has received multiple recognitions, including:

• "Centre of Excellence" status by EL Gazette since 2010
• Recognition as one of the top English language schools in the UK
• Awards highlighting its quality as a family-run summer school

Student Experience

A key feature of Isca School is its holistic learning experience, which extends beyond the classroom:

Accommodation

• Students stay with carefully selected host families
• Full-board accommodation
• Daily opportunities to practise English in real-life settings

Activities and Excursions

• Weekly trips to locations such as Bath, Bristol, and the Devon coast
• Sports and social programmes (e.g., football, watersports, games nights)
• Cultural experiences designed to enhance language learning

Pastoral Care and Safety

The school places strong emphasis on student welfare, offering:

• 24/7 emergency support
• High staff-to-student ratios
• Safeguarding procedures and risk assessments
• Individual attention and support for under-18s

Teaching Philosophy

Isca School promotes the idea that learning English is not just academic but experiential. Its philosophy centres on:

• Immersive learning through real-life interaction
• Building confidence and independence
• Creating a supportive, family-like environment
• Encouraging cultural exchange and global friendships

Key Strengths

• Long-standing reputation (since 1966)
• Family-run with strong pastoral care
• Small class sizes and personalised teaching
• Accredited and highly ranked by inspection bodies
• Integrated programme of lessons, activities, and cultural immersion

The Isca School of English stands out as a well-established, high-quality summer language school for teenagers. Its combination of academic excellence, personal attention, and immersive cultural experiences makes it particularly appealing to international students seeking both language improvement and a meaningful UK experience.