The Bournemouth School of English takes the health, safety, and well-being of its students, staff, visitors, and homestay providers seriously.

This page was created in 2020 to tell you what we are doing to reduce the risk and prevent the spread of coronavirus, what the situation is like in England, and to give you links to important information online.

This page has been updated many times since the pandemic started, but we are now able to say that, here in the UK, we are living with the virus but without any restrictions or rules.

Professional guidance

As a limited company and registered business operating in the UK, we are legally bound by government guidance; we regularly monitor public health advice, and react appropriately. Our school is also accredited by the British Council and a member of English UK and the International Education Association; we also receive industry guidance from these bodies, and use this advice to inform our procedures.

We have a specific Covid-19 risk assessment in place, and a Coronavirus response plan which reflects government guidance.

It is, of course, impossible to remove all risk, or to make a guarantee that coronavirus will not affect anyone in the future.

Travelling to the UK

The latest guidance on travelling to the UK can be found here. We also recommend that you read the UK government's information pages on entering the UK before you travel.

If anything is not clear, please do ask us for more information.

Living in the UK

We are offering face-to-face lessons as normal; all classrooms are well-ventilated, with windows and doors being kept open as much as possible.

Hand sanitiser can be found in key areas, and everyone is encouraged to use it regularly.

Regular testing is no longer advised, and you will need to pay for tests if you want them.

People who have been in contact with someone who tests positive for Covid are no longer required to self-isolate or advised to take daily tests.

Wearing a face covering is no longer compulsory in schools, but students, staff, and visitors are welcome to wear one if they feel more comfortable doing so.

With life returning to normal in the UK, we are encouraging students and staff to be cautious but not afraid.

Symptoms and isolation

Although the UK has adopted a strategy of living with the virus, it is still important that we all work together to make sure we are minimising the risks and the spread.

If you develop any symptoms of the virus, you are advised and requested to stay at home.

Anyone who chooses to stay at home due to coronavirus can join their normal classes virtually.

Any person who does not follow the school's health advice, or deliberately risks spreading infection, will be subject to our normal disciplinary procedure.

And finally...

We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sympathies to those who have been affected by coronavirus.

We will regularly monitor government guidance, and make updates to our procedures and this page accordingly.

We are able to offer travel insurance to our students which includes cover for Covid-19 both before and after you arrive in the UK; please contact us if you would like more information about this.

Please ask if anything is unclear, and contact us immediately if you have any concerns about your health or the health of others.