Essential English Online
Your foundation for everyday English
Why Essential English?
Real English. Real Confidence. Real Progress.
Essential English Online is our most popular programme for adults who want to speak English with confidence — clearly, naturally, and without hesitation. Learn with expert teachers in live online classes, improve steadily, and use English in real-life situations from day one.
Live, interactive online lessons
Every class is live on Zoom — not pre-recorded. Ask questions, practise speaking, get real-time feedback.
Small international groups (max 15)
A maximum of 15 students from around the world means more speaking time and genuine progress every week.
Practical speaking-focused approach
Real conversations, everyday vocabulary, and grammar in context — not drills and textbooks.
Experienced UK-based teachers
All our teachers are CELTA-qualified and based in the UK. British English, professional standards, warm teaching.
Learn from anywhere in the world
No travel, no fixed classroom. Study from home, a café, or anywhere you have a good connection.
What you’ll gain
Skills that make a difference every day
Speak more confidently and naturally
Learn to express yourself clearly in conversations — at work, travelling, or in everyday life — without hesitation or embarrassment.
Improve listening and pronunciation
Understand natural spoken English at speed and develop a clear, natural accent with guided pronunciation practice every week.
Expand real-life vocabulary
Build the vocabulary you actually need — for socialising, shopping, travel, work, and everyday conversation — not just textbook words.
Use grammar correctly in conversation
Understand how grammar works in real speech and writing. No more guessing — learn the rules in context so they stick for good.
How it works
Everything you need to succeed
Free online level test
Before you start, take our free 10-minute online level test. We place you in the right class — A1, A2, B1, or B2 — so you are always learning at the right pace.
Live 2-hour weekly class on Zoom
Each week you attend one live 2-hour group class on Zoom, led by your CELTA-qualified Native teacher. Classes are interactive, energetic, and focused on speaking and real communication.
Weekly materials and homework
After each class you receive a summary of the lesson, vocabulary lists, and practice exercises to complete at your own pace. All resources are shared digitally — no textbook to buy.
Monthly progress tests
Every four weeks you complete a short written progress test so you and your teacher can see exactly how you are improving. Your teacher gives individual written feedback within 48 hours.
Certificate of completion
At the end of the programme you receive the Kensington English Recognised Certificate, confirming the level you studied, hours completed, and your performance throughout the course.
Course at a glance
Enrolment & pricing
Choose your programme
Both options include the same experienced teachers, small group sizes, and Kensington English certificate. All prices include VAT.
KE–101A · 12-Week Programme
Essential English
12 Weeks
24 total hours of live instruction
KE–101B · 24-Week Programme
Essential English
24 Weeks
48 total hours of live instruction
Secure payment via Stripe · Enrolment confirmed within 24 hours · Full terms apply
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What level do I need to start?
Essential English Online is suitable for complete beginners (A1) through to upper intermediate (B2) learners. Before your course starts we ask you to take our free 10-minute online level test. Based on your result, we place you in the correct class — A1, A2, B1, or B2 — so you are always studying at exactly the right level. If you are unsure, take the test here — it only takes 10 minutes and there is no obligation to enrol.
What platform do classes run on?
All classes are held live on Zoom. You will need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a stable internet connection. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. Once enrolled, you will receive your class link and schedule by email within 24 hours. We recommend using a laptop or desktop for the best learning experience, but mobile devices work well too.
What happens if I miss a class?
We understand that life sometimes gets in the way. If you miss a class, your teacher will email you the lesson notes and any materials covered. We record a summary of key points for absent students where possible. We do not offer automatic make-up classes, but students who let us know in advance of an absence can, in most cases, join a class at the same level on a different day that week. We encourage consistent attendance for the best results.
Is the certificate recognised?
Upon successful completion of the course you receive the Kensington English Recognised Certificate. This certificate confirms the CEFR level studied (A1–B2), the total hours of instruction completed, and your overall performance throughout the programme. It is widely accepted by employers, educational institutions, and visa authorities as evidence of English language study. It is not the same as an internationally standardised qualification such as IELTS or Cambridge, but it is a respected and professional award from a UK-based English language school.