Private English lessons or a language school – which is better?
Cost, effectiveness, socialising and consistency – what a student gains and loses with each option.
Book an introduction and level assessment →For most students, a small class at a language school is the most balanced choice: a structured programme, speaking practice with others and a lower cost per hour. Private lessons make sense for a specific gap that needs to be covered quickly, or when the student's schedule does not allow for a regular class.
The question usually comes up at the start of the school year or when marks begin to drop. One teacher for one student seems obviously more effective, but a language is not learnt through explanation alone. Below you will find a comparison of what really matters, so that you can decide based on the student's needs.
The comparison across six criteria
| Criterion | Small group class | Private lessons |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per hour | Usually lower, as the teacher's time is shared | Usually higher, as the time is devoted to one student |
| Personalisation | Teaching adapted to the class level, with individual attention when the class is small | Fully adapted to the student's pace and gaps |
| Speaking | Discussion, role play and pair work | Conversation with the teacher only |
| Socialising | Healthy competition, teamwork and a shared goal | Less pressure, but also less stimulation |
| Consistency | A fixed weekly timetable and a clear path through the levels | Depends on the availability of both sides |
| Certificate preparation | Organised, with past papers and mock tests under exam conditions | Depends on the teacher and their materials |
Neither option is good or bad in itself. The right answer depends on why you are considering a change: generally low performance, a specific gap, or a schedule that does not fit fixed hours.
What a student gains in a class
Speaks with others
Language is a tool for communication and is mastered through interaction, not just theory.
Learns from others too
Classmates' questions and mistakes become lessons for everyone.
Follows a plan
A syllabus organised by level, from the first year up to the certificate exam.
Keeps up the pace
A fixed timetable and a shared goal help keep motivation high all year round.
When private lessons make sense
Private English lessons work best as a targeted solution rather than a permanent replacement for a class. They make sense when:
- the student has a specific gap, for example in a grammar unit or in essay writing, that needs to be covered quickly
- an exam is approaching and the focus needs to be on exam techniques
- their schedule does not allow them to attend a regular class
A private lesson can help with grammar and exercise techniques. Confidence in using the language, however, is built when students speak and use it with others.
Small classes for every age
Classes for children, teenagers and adults, in person and online, from the very first steps to certificate preparation.
Get to know The English School →Our approach
At The English School we do not offer private lessons, because a language is truly mastered through communication with others. When a student is struggling, however, supplementary lessons are available so that they can better organise what they have learnt, practise the techniques they find difficult and keep up with their class without falling behind.
If a student has to miss a lesson, they can join it online from a computer, tablet or mobile phone, so that no material is missed.
How to decide
- Set the goalA certificate, school marks, communication or work. The goal shows what kind of programme is needed.
- Pinpoint the difficultyGenerally low performance calls for steady work throughout the year. A specific gap may need targeted support for a short time.
- Work out the total costThe cost of English lessons should be judged over the whole year: hours per week, months of lessons and materials, not just the price of one hour.
- Ask for a level assessmentIt shows where the student is starting from and which class suits them.
Read also
Frequently Asked Questions
Private English lessons or a language school – which is better?
Are private lessons more expensive than a language school?
Does a child learn faster with private lessons?
Can a student attend a language school and take private lessons at the same time?
Does The English School offer private lessons?
What happens if a student misses a lesson?
See what suits the student
Book a level assessment and together we will see which class suits the student and whether extra support is needed in any area.
Contact & Registrations →- 📍 Ethnomartiron 127, Orestiada 682 00
- 📞 2552 0 23096 / 697 693 4122
- 🕒 Monday - Friday 14:30-22:00, Saturday 10:00-12:30
Contact us
Fill in the form and we will arrange an introductory meeting and a level assessment.