Explore the Positively Languages Edinburgh Guide. Discover courses, accommodation options, student life, facilities, and everything you need to know about studying English in Edinburgh, UK. Start your international education journey with Positively Languages today.
EDINBURGH
Formerly known as Kaplan Languages Group
EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
CONTENT
NEXT STOP:
NEXT STOP: EDINBURGH About Edinburgh
04
Why Study in our Edinburgh School?
05
About Positively Languages Edinburgh
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Courses and Students
08
Accommodation in Edinburgh
10
Health and Safety
14
Edinburgh
Laws, Local Customs & Rules
15
Holiday Policy
16
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EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT EDINBURGH
WHY STUDY IN OUR EDINBURGH SCHOOL?
Scotland’s historic capital combines medieval streets, dramatic hills and a vibrant arts scene. Beautiful walks, lively festivals and sweeping views give Edinburgh a character all its own.
• Located in the heart of the city center, minutes away from stylish shops, restaurants and museums. • Take part in our fun, social program which includes Scottish dancing, Harry Potter tours and cozy cafes. • Enjoy trips to the Scottish Highlands, local castles and distilleries every weekend. • Learn IELTS and Trinity GESE with skilled teachers. • Accredited by the British Council.
LOCATION AND CONTACT INFO Address 26 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1AF Phone
WHY CHOOSE THIS CITY: • Rich cultural and historical experience • Vibrant student and academic community • World-famous festivals and events • Safe, welcoming, and walkable city • Access to natural beauty and outdoor adventures CITY PERSONALITY: Academic, artistic, historical, bookstores, cultural, fun, medieval, galleries, entertainment capital, iconic landmarks, museums, professional, university city, outward looking, cosmopolitan LANDMARKS: Edinburgh Castle, Dean Village, Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, National Museum of Scotland, Princes Street Gardens, Calton Hill, Scottish Parliament, Royal Yacht Britannia THINGS TO DO: Climb an extinct volcano in the city, play golf, learn ceilidh (Scottish) dancing, go sailing, go snowboarding, walk across the Forth Road bridge, ice skating, skiing or surfing, take a Harry Potter tour, go indoor rock climbing TRANSPORT OPTIONS: Buses, trams, trains NEARBY CITIES TO VISIT: • Glasgow - 1 hour away, £20 return ticket • St. Andrews - 90 minutes away, £20 return ticket
+44 (0)13 1220 4278 Emergency contact +44 (0)75 5726 2732
SCHOOL INFORMATION School Director Paul McLaughlan Total number of teachers
20+ (Full time teachers: 5–10) Languages spoken by staff French, Japanese, Russian, Spanish
ACCREDITATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Disclaimer: All the information on this school guide is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information
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EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
ABOUT POSITIVELY LANGUAGES EDINBURGH COURSES PROVIDED: General English,
LIVING COST (SAMPLE PRICES) Bottle of water £1.45 Coffee £3 Meal out for two £30 Sandwich £3 Takeaway pizza £10 Local bus ticket £2.20 (trip), £5.50 (day), £27.50 (week) SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Food Night Free Walking and museum tour of Scotland Free Scottish dancing £13 Ghost tour Approximately £21 Rugby game Approximately £50 Highland tour Approximately £60
Semi-Intensive English, Intensive English, Academic Year Abroad, Business English Supplementary, IELTS Exam Preparation, Trinity GESE Exam Preparation, Tailored Group Programs, Festival course in August which incorporates the Edinburgh International and Fringe Festival LEVELS OF ENGLISH OFFERED: Elementary, Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, Higher Intermediate, Advanced OTHER SERVICES: Airport transfer (see price list for details) Alternative transfer options: by tram, by coach SCHOOL FACILITIES: Self-study center, WiFi, interactive whiteboard, SIM cards, prayer room, student lounge with café, lift. At no extra cost. SCHOOL MATERIALS: P+ Course Books, P+ Learning Space for all students. P+ Extra for Semi-Intensive and Intensive students. FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL: You should plan to attend class and orientation on your first day. Please bring your passport (and visa information if required)
SAMPLE CLASS TIMETABLES
Language Foundation lessons
MORNING
AFTERNOON
08:30-10:00 14:15-15:45
CLASS BREAK CLASS
10:00-10:15 10:15-11:45
15:45-16:00 16:00-17:30
Specialist Skills lessons
MORNING (MON-THU)
AFTERNOON (MON-THU)
12:15 - 13:45
12:15 - 13:45
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE: Be sure to check your email the week before your start date for your class and orientation schedule! Also, don’t forget to complete the placement test and send in any required documents. NUMBER OF BUILDINGS: 1 NUMBER OF FLOORS: 5 NUMBER OF CLASSROOMS: 13 (0 without windows) WHEELCHAIR / DISABLED ACCESS: No
SCHOOL LOCATION AND TRANSPORT
SAMPLE SOCIAL SCHEDULE
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
DAYS
FIRST WEEK
SECOND WEEK Calton Hill
2 minutes 10 minutes 10 minutes 2 minutes 20 minutes 40 minutes
N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Old Town walking tour Ceilidh Scottish dance
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
MONDAY TUESDAY
Bowling
Food night
National Museum of Scotland
WEDNESDAY
Cinema
Edinburgh Castle
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THURSDAY
10 minutes 17 minutes
10 minutes 20 minutes
Ghost tour
Yoga
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
FRIDAY
Highland tour
Rugby
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
SATURDAY
1 minute
N/A
N/A
THE CITY CENTRE
Number of social activities per week: 8-10 (minimum 3 staff-led activities). These are a combination of staff-led and suggested independent activities
For the most up-to-date prices, please visit www.lothianbuses.com
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EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD Enhance your English in an immersive environment. Whether you want to upgrade your language fluency, prepare for university or gain career skills, you will have 6, 9 or 11 months to study the language, live like a local and make lifelong friendships. HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMME
Courses & STUDENTS
LANGUAGE AND CULTURE • Semi-Intensive • Intensive • Multi-Destination Year
UNIVERSITY PREPARATION • IELTS Exam Preparation
SEE THE AYA BROCHURE
“The course exceeded expectations. The teaching material is very good. The classes were excellent, interactive, and the teachers were kind. And the city is beautiful. It was a wonderful experience.” Leila from Argentina
TOP 10 STUDENT NATIONALITIES: Saudi Arabia, Italy, Oman, France, Switzerland, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, Japan, Germany STUDENTS PER CLASS: 11–15 (Maximum: 17) MINIMUM AGE: 16 years old AVERAGE AGE: 18-24 years old STUDENTS PER AGE GROUP: • Under 18: 13%
• 18-24: 49% • 25-29: 14% • 30-49: 19% • Over 50: 5%
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EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN EDINBURGH
ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD RESIDENCE
ARRAN HOUSE
COMMON AREA
LIVING ROOM
COMMON AREA
SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE? No, outside in the designated smoking area only NOISE RESTRICTIONS? Yes, after 23:00 24-HOUR SECURITY? Yes, an out-of-hours team is available on site ROOM CLEANING: Room will be cleaned on arrival only. Communal areas will receive a weekly light clean, which consists of the cleaning of the floors and worktops in the kitchen area. This does not include tidying up, taking out rubbish / bins, washing the dishes, cleaning the fridge or oven. The overall cleanliness of the kitchen is the responsibility of the students LINEN CHANGING: On arrival only MINIMUM AGE: Over 18s only AVAILABILITY: From 30/08/2025 to 29/08/2026 MINIMUM NUMBER OF WEEKS: One week CHECK-IN: From 15:00 on Saturdays and anytime on Sundays. CHECK-OUT: On Saturdays by 10:00 ROOM DEPOSIT? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
ADDRESS: 5 Drysdale Rd, Edinburgh EH11 1AB ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, shared kitchen and shared communal living area. Rooms will be in flats of 4 to 6 Positively Languages students, mixed nationalities and mixed genders BEDROOM: Small double bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, mirror, lamp, storage and ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. All bedding and towels are included in the price. Hairdryers are not provided KITCHEN: Oven / hob / microwave, fridge, freezer and all crockery and utensils provided SERVICES: Wi-Fi, laundry room (£3.20 per wash and £1.70 per dry) FACILITIES: Common room, gaming room, study areas, communal kitchen for group events, meeting room, outdoor courtyard, coin-operated laundry facilities, bike room. All included in the weekly price LANDMARKS NEARBY: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill VISITORS OR GUESTS ALLOWED? Yes, 2 nights maximum. All visitors must sign in and out at reception daily
HOMESTAY INFORMATION
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Only students aged 18 and over can go into private accommodation. If you are 16 or 17 years old you will be housed in a homestay and should be home by 23:00 each night. SOME TIPS TO FIND YOUR OWN APARTMENT OR SHARE A HOUSE WITH FRIENDS: • The Regional Accommodation Coordinator can provide a list of local letting agencies • Check whether the accommodation you are going to see is in a safe area • Take a friend with you when you go to view any accommodation • If you are sharing an apartment or house find out who has access to it • Make sure to ask the landlord to see a copy of the gas safety certificate, to check that all cookers and electric fires are safe, and that smoke alarms are fitted. • Make sure your room is secure and that you have insurance for your laptop, camera, TV and other valuable items • If you rent your own accommodation you will be expected to pay Council Tax. • Letting agencies will ask for a UK guarantor or 6 months rental payment upfront
THINGS YOU NEED TO BRING: Toiletries, personal items to make your room feel like home, prescription medication SERVICES INCLUDED: Bed linen, towels, laundry once a week (free of charge) MEALS PROVIDED: Yes Breakfast: Usually a light meal consisting of cereal, fruit, toast, juice, or coffee. Hosts will usually ask you to prepare your own breakfast Lunch: You will be responsible for buying your own lunch at school, from a local restaurant, or the local shops Dinner: You will usually eat dinner with your host, or occasionally you may prepare your own meal with food supplied by your host WHERE ARE THE HOMESTAYS LOCATED? All over Edinburgh; many hosts live at the seaside in Portobello WILL THE HOMESTAY ARRANGE TO PICK YOU UP FROM THE AIRPORT? No DISTANCE TO SCHOOL: Homestays are approximately 20 to 45 minutes by bus. The maximum travel time from all homestay options is 60 minutes TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL: Your host will help you to find your way to and from school on your first day and will show you how to use public transport
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
35 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
THE SCHOOL
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT
THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET
THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
N/A
30 minutes
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
2 minutes
N/A
THE CITY CENTRE
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ACCOMMODATION IN EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
ACCOMMODATION IN EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
VITA IONA RESIDENCE
HAYMARKET
BEDROOM
ROOM
GYM
KITCHEN
BATHROOM
BEDROOM
SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE? No, outside in the designated smoking area only NOISE RESTRICTIONS? Yes, after 23:00 24-HOUR SECURITY? No, an out-of-hours team can be called for students due to check in or any issues ROOM CLEANING: On arrival only LINEN CHANGING: On arrival only MINIMUM AGE: Over 18s only AVAILABILITY: From 06/09/2025 to 29/08/2026 MINIMUM NUMBER OF WEEKS: One week CHECK-IN: Saturdays and Sundays from 16:00 CHECK-OUT: On Saturdays by 10:00 ROOM DEPOSIT? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
LANDMARKS NEARBY: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill VISITORS OR GUESTS ALLOWED? Yes, 2 nights maximum. All visitors must sign in and out at reception daily SMOKING ALLOWED IN THE RESIDENCE? No, outside in
ADDRESS: 48-50 Iona Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8SW ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Private studio rooms with kitchenette and ensuite bathroom BEDROOM: Small double bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, storage and ensuite bathroom. All bedding is provided and included in the price. Towels and hairdryers are not provided KITCHEN: Microwave oven and hob, fridge, freezer. All crockery and utensils included SERVICES: Wi-Fi, laundry room (£4.50 per wash and £2.80 per dry) FACILITIES: Gym, games room, study room, dance studio and private dining room. All included in the weekly price LANDMARKS NEARBY: Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill VISITORS OR GUESTS ALLOWED? Yes, 2 nights per week. All visitors must sign in and out at reception daily
ADDRESS: 5 West Park Place, Edinburgh, EH11 2EE ACCOMMODATION TYPE: Single rooms with ensuite bathroom, shared kitchen and shared communal living area. Rooms will be in flats of 4 to 6 Positively Languages students, mixed nationalities and mixed genders. BEDROOM: Small double bed, wardrobe, desk, chair, mirror, lamp, storage and ensuite bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. All bedding is provided and included in the price. Towels and hairdryers are provided KITCHEN: Oven / hob / microwave, fridge, freezer and all crockery and utensils provided SERVICES: Wi-Fi, laundry room (£3.20 per wash and £1.70 per dry) FACILITIES: Communal lounge with gaming area, on-site gym and bike storage. All included in the weekly price
the designated smoking area only NOISE RESTRICTIONS? Yes, after 23:00 24-HOUR SECURITY? On arrival only ROOM CLEANING: On arrival only LINEN CHANGING: On arrival only AVAILABILITY: Until 28/08/2027 MINIMUM NUMBER OF WEEKS: One week
CHECK-IN: Saturdays from 13:00 CHECK-OUT: On Saturdays by 10:00 ROOM DEPOSIT? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
TIME TO...
ON FOOT
BY BIKE
BY BUS
27 minutes 4 minutes 7 minutes 12 minutes 5 minutes 4 minutes 55 minutes 30 minutes
9 minutes 1 minute 2 minutes 4 minutes 2 minutes 1 minute 18 minutes 10 minutes
19 minutes
32 minutes 1 minute 3 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 11 minutes 39 minutes 33 minutes
9 minutes 1 minute 2 minutes 1 minute 1 minute 4 minutes 12 minutes 15 minutes
18 minutes
THE SCHOOL
THE SCHOOL
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT
THE NEAREST CAFÉ / RESTAURANT
5 minutes 9 minutes
THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET
THE NEAREST SUPERMARKET
THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
THE NEAREST POST OFFICE
N/A N/A
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THE NEAREST ATM / BANK
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
THE NEAREST SPORTS CENTRE
31 minutes 18 minutes
24 minutes 14 minutes
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
THE NEAREST HOSPITAL
THE CITY CENTRE
THE CITY CENTRE
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EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
HEALTH & SAFETY MEDICAL INSURANCE: All students must have
LAWS
• No one under the age of 18 in the UK may buy or consume tobacco or alcohol, including beer and wine. It is against the law to buy tobacco or alcohol for someone you know is under the age of 18 • Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime and police make regular random checks • You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g.passport, ID card, driving licence) • Buying, selling and using drugs is illegal
within the UK legal framework and criteria of our educational oversight and accrediting bodies. We endeavor to ensure a safe, positive and pleasant study and home environment for all students. We show an additional duty of care towards our students who are legally minors, monitoring them more closely than other students and requesting all parents or legal guardians of Under 18s to sign a Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form. • All Positively Languages staff and hosts adhere to our Safeguarding Policy, which includes training and regular guidance • All staff and hosts in regular contact with Under 18s are subject to rigorous recruitment procedures and necessary police checks • Each Positively school has a named contact person for Under 18s who meets the students on a regular basis, explains the legal status of Under 18s, monitors any accommodation issues and liaises with the homestay and students’ parents if necessary • We ensure there are activities in the school which are suitable for Under 18s to participate in and inform Under 18s about learning and socializing outside of the classroom
medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the UK. You need to organize your own medical insurance before you travel. Positively Languages does not offer travel and medical insurance in the UK, but you can either use the link on the Positively Languages website to book travel and medical insurance directly with an insurance provider, or can choose your own. IF YOU GET SICK: If you fall ill while in the UK you should visit a doctor. You can ask the Student Services Manager or your host where the nearest doctor is. If you have a minor illness you can ask staff at a local pharmacy for advice. Remember to bring any relevant insurance or medical documentation with you. You may need to register with a local doctor. PROTECTING YOUR BELONGINGS: We strongly recommend you take out insurance for your personal belongings, especially cameras, mobile phones and laptops. Personal items cannot be covered by Positively Languages homestay or residence insurance. UNDER 18 STATEMENT: Positively Languages recognizes its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of students aged under 18,
LOCAL CUSTOMS
• In the UK, everyone, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or background, is treated equally and with respect. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all students feel welcome, valued, and supported • Always stand in line and wait your turn when buying tickets, at a bank or post office, or waiting for a bus. Keep to the right when standing on escalators • Chatting to strangers in public areas is a great way to practice English, but caution should be taken. You should not give out your address and telephone number, or accept inappropriate invitations. Although most people are friendly, some may be reluctant to speak with strangers • “Please” and “Thank you” are widely used in the UK. Always use them if you ask someone to do something for you, or if they help you or give you information
POSITIVELY RULES
MEDICAL COSTS Medical costs are at the discretion of your local doctor or hospital. Minimum medical costs are as follows: CONSULTATION WITH A DOCTOR: £40 PRESCRIPTIONS AT A CHEMIST: £9.35 per item DENTAL TREATMENT: from £50 EYE TEST OR NEW GLASSES: from £50
EMERGENCY SERVICES Call 999 in case of fire, medical emergency or if you need the police Call 111 for non urgent medical advice
• If you leave your Positively Languages course, the government may revoke your student visa and advise you to return home • You must attend all classes. If you do not attend your classes your representative will be informed. If a student is under 18, parents will be informed. If you do not then improve your attendance you will be sent home and no refund will be given • Be on time for all your lessons • Always tell Positively Languages if you are going to be absent from school for any reason and tell your host if you are going away overnight • If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined, you will be sent home and no refund will be given. We will also inform the immigration authorities
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EDINBURGH
SCHOOL GUIDE
HOLIDAY POLICY
UK PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
1st January 2026 3rd April 2026 6th April 2026 4th May 2026 25th May 2026 31st August 2026
NEW YEAR
GOOD FRIDAY
EASTER MONDAY
EARLY MAY BANK HOLIDAY SPRING MAY BANK HOLIDAY SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY
25th December 2026 28th December 2026
CHRISTMAS DAY
BOXING DAY
CONTACT US
SCHOOL CLOSURES: The school will be closed from 21st December 2026 to 28th December 2026 with an additional closure for New Year’s Day on 1st January 2027. ACADEMIC YEAR ABROAD STUDENTS: There are preset session breaks for all Academic Year Abroad students. These dates depend on your start date and cannot be changed. Please check with the school if you are not sure when these are. 1st January 2027 These dates are observed as holidays in the year. If you arrive on a week where the Monday is a holiday, your first day of school will be a Tuesday NEW YEAR
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