Basil Paterson’s CELTA course is designed to give new English language teachers the skills and knowledge they need to step into the classroom with confidence. The course consists of 120 hours contact time with over 80 hours individual learning and six hours assessed teaching practice.

The course comprises the following core elements:

Instruction… Active participation in task-based workshops, lectures and practical activities focusing on learner awareness, language analysis, phonology, career development and methodology. In other words, how to teach.

Teaching Practice... Trainees teach classes of overseas students and gain genuine experience of the teaching and learning process.  Tutors provide help with lesson preparation and by the end of the course trainees will have taught at two levels, completing a total of six hours teaching (in compliance with Cambridge guidelines).

Observation… When not teaching, trainees usually observe their colleagues, contributing to group feedback with the tutor once the lessons are over.  In addition, trainees have the opportunity to observe and learn from qualified teachers at Basil Paterson.

Assessment… While there is no final examination, assessment is continuous and is carried out by the course tutors, with a visit from a Cambridge assessor who ensures that tutors work consistently and in accordance with guidelines. Teaching practice and assignments are assessed. Each trainee will have at least one private tutorial during the course where they can discuss their progress with the tutor.

Commitment… The CELTA course is very intensive and Cambridge requires that trainees attend every component of the course.  We advise that other commitments are kept to a minimum.  All trainees will be fully occupied with lesson preparation and writing assignments in the evenings and at weekends.

Professionalism… Trainees must demonstrate a professional attitude and work constructively with others.

Is CELTA the right course for you? 

If you would like to start your career teaching English language, or are already a teacher but want to gain an internationally recognised qualification in the field, CELTA may be the course for you.  The course is very practical and you will gain real classroom experience from day one. The morning input sessions and assignments help develop your language awareness and teaching skills. CELTA is a challenging but immensely rewarding course and you’re supported by experienced  tutors every step of the way.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to be an advanced speaker, with a minimum level of C1 or higher.

We interview all CELTA candidates before acceptance.  When we receive your application form, we will send you an interview task which you can complete in advance. During the interview, we will discuss your reasons for taking the course, your future plans and experience of language teaching/learning. We will then complete a series of tasks focusing on language, spelling and teaching techniques. If the interview is face-to-face, we will ask you to prepare and deliver a ‘mini-lesson’ on a topic of your choice. Finally, you will have the chance to ask any questions about the course and English language teaching more generally.

We want to ensure that all candidates on the CELTA have a rewarding experience with a good chance of passing the course. We will only offer you a place if we believe it is the right course for you!

Free Taster Evenings

If you’re undecided and want to know more, why not come along to one of our free taster evenings? You will learn about teaching opportunities overseas, the CELTA course and get a sense of what a typical day on the course is like.

Weekend Grammar Workshops

If you’re worried about gaps in your knowledge of English grammar and terminology, we also offer weekend grammar workshops for recently-qualified English language teachers or trainees planning to do the CELTA.

Celta FAQs

Course outcomes include the skills, knowledge and experience to plan and deliver effective English language lessons, and continue your professional development after the course.