Explore the Kaplan International Torquay Guide. Discover courses, accommodation options, student life, facilities, and everything you need to know about studying English in Torquay, UK. Start your international education journey with Kaplan today.
Torquay
School Guide Kaplan International Languages has been sold to Inspirit Capital. Kaplan Inc. and its subsidiaries disclaim all content and material appearing herein. Use of the KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES brand is under a transitional license from Kaplan, Inc.
| School Guide
1
Content
Click on the page numbers to navigate to each page
03 About Torquay 04 Why Choose to Study in our Torquay School? 05 About the School 07 Courses & Students 09 Accommodation in Torquay 11 Academic Year Abroad 12 Why Choose an Academic Year Abroad? 13 Programs & Timeline 16 Language & Culture 18 Accommodation Options
19 Health & Safety 19 Laws 20 Local Customs 20 Kaplan International Languages Rules 20 Holiday Policy
| School Guide
2
About Torquay
Name of location: Torquay Famous landmarks: Kents Cavern, Thatcher Rock, Dartmoor National Park Cuisines within a 20-minute walk: An extensive selection of international cuisines Transport within a 10-minute walk: Buses Top 5 reasons to choose this city: World famous for hospitality and a warm welcome; surrounded by outstanding natural beauty; rich in history and folklore; lively harbourside lifestyle; first- rate visitor provisions and services What makes this city unique? Situated in the UK’s only UNESCO listed urban geo park; perfect location for access to the natural beauty of Cornwall and the South coast Alternative things to do: Embark on a breathtaking hike around South Devon and Dartmoor; enjoy seaside watersports; discover a wealth of local literary history; visit the UK’s only UNESCO geo park City personality: Active nightlife; charming, eco-friendly, foodie scene; friendly; hiking; historical; laid-back; natural landscape; ocean views; picturesque
Examples of nearby cities to visit: Exeter (Travel time: 25 minutes, price of return ticket: £10); London (Travel time: 2.5/3 hours, price of return ticket: £105)
| School Guide
3
Torquay
Why choose to study in our Torquay school? • Located 3 minutes from the town center with easy access to all major cities. • Ideal base for exploring the nearby natural beauty of the Devon coast and Dartmoor National Park. • Benefit from an on-site swimming pool perfect for the summer.
Address 30 Ash Hill Road, Torquay, TQ1 3HZ Phone +44 (0)18 0321 0940 Emergency contact +44 (0)78 1266 0824 At this address since 1995 Providing English courses since 1992 Location and contact information
School information
School Director Mark Lloyd Total numer of teachers 11–16 (Full time teachers: 3) Languages spoken by staff Arabic, Spanish, Hungarian
Disclaimer: All the information on this school guide is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information
Accreditations and memberships
| School Guide
4
• Number of buildings: 1 • Number of floors: 2 • Total number of classrooms: 10 (Classrooms without windows: 0) • School facilities: Air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, interactive whiteboards, library, self study center, cafeteria (hot meals available), vending machines, garden, sun terrace/ patio, swimming pool (free), parking facilities, prayer room, student lounge, school minibus • Wheelchair / disabled access: Yes, but limited About the School
• Materials provided for all students: K+ Course Books, K+ Learning Space • Extras provided for Semi-Intensive and Intensive students: Language in Action workshops, K+ Extra School materials • Extra cost of facilities: No • Other services provided: Visa support, travel support, airport transfer, UPS (University Placement Service) • Extra cost of other services: Airport transfer (please see price list for details) Alternative transfer options: by coach, by train • Levels of English offered: Beginner, Elementary, Lower Intermediate, Intermediate, Higher Intermediate, Advanced, Proficiency • First day of school: Students should plan to attend class and orientation their first day. 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 before you arrive. Please bring your passport (and visa information if required), pen and paper.
Samples
Class timetable
Morning
Afternoon
Class Break Class
09:15 - 10:45 10:45 - 11:15 11:15 - 12:45
13:45 - 15:15 15:15 - 15:30 15:30 - 17:00
Specialist skills class timetable Morning class (Monday to Thursday) Afternoon class (Monday to Thursday) N/A 13:45 - 15:15
School location and transport
Time to...
By foot
By bike
By bus
By subway/train
The nearest café / restaurant The nearest supermarket The nearest post office The nearest ATM / bank The nearest sports center
3 minutes
N/A
N/A
N/A
5 minutes
2 minutes
N/A
N/A
5 minutes
2 minutes
N/A
N/A
5 minutes
N/A
N/A
N/A
10 minutes
5 minutes
N/A
N/A
The nearest hospital
25 minutes
15 minutes
10 minutes
10 minutes
The city center
3 minutes
1 minute
N/A
1 minute
For the most up-to-date transport prices, please visit stagecoach
| School Guide
5
National Marine Aquarium In Plymouth: £25 - £40 Water Sports: £10 - £35 Dartmoor National Park: £30 - £40 Bowling: £7 Cornwall Trip: £30 - £40 Boat Trip Around Torbay: £10 - £35 Agatha Christie Tour: £20-30 Regular social activities
Bottle of water: £1.30 Coffee: £3.20 Can of Coke: £1.20 Meal out for two: £28 Takeaway pizza: £6 Sandwich: £3 Local bus ticket: £33/week Cinema ticket: £9 Living cost (sample prices for items in this city)
Typical 2-week social schedule
Days
First week
Second week
Monday
Orientation tour
Boat trip across the Bay
Tuesday
Bowling
Boat trip across the Bay
Wednesday
Torre Abbey
Kents Cavern
Thursday
-
-
Friday
Half-day excursion*
Half-day excursion*
Saturday
Full-day excursion*
Full-day excursion*
Number of social activities per week: 3-4 *Excursions might be school-led or student-led
| School Guide
6
• Courses provided at this school: General English, Semi-Intensive English, Intensive English, Academic Year Abroad, Business Supplementary, IELTS Exam Preparation, 50+ Languages Abroad • Special / extra courses provided: Tailored Group Programs and Teacher Training • Average number of students per class: 11–15 (Maximum class size: 17) Courses & Students
• Minimum age of students: 16 • Average age of students: 22–25 • Students per age group: Under 18: 20% / 25-29: 11% / 30-49: 13% / Over 50: 8% • Top 10 student nationalities: Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Germany, Brazil, Columbia, Spain, Chile, Italy
| School Guide
7
Highlighted Programs Professional Immersion Experience
The Professional Immersion Experience is designed for students aged 18 and above who want to enhance their language skills while gaining practical, real-world experience. This program combines classroom learning with an immersive placement at a local business, giving students valuable insight into professional life abroad. Program features:
• Language classes in English • A guaranteed volunteer placement (1– 4 hours per week) aligned with the student’s interests and skills • A wide range of opportunities in areas such as charity work, including senior support, animal care, food banks, community outreach, environmental conservation, fundraising, and event assistance
• Full academic and administrative support before and during placement • Self-study sessions on career essentials • A letter of recommendation provided at the end of the program • Placement test and completion certificate • Opportunities to build communication, cultural, and career skills in real-world settings
Students can start any Monday throughout the year and enroll for a minimum of 12 weeks. The structure includes four weeks of language preparation followed by an eight-week volunteer placement, allowing participants to apply their classroom learning in a professional and socially impactful context.
| School Guide
8
Accommodation in Torquay
Homestay information
Private accommodation
• Things students need to bring: Toiletries, prescription medication, mobile phone and computer • Services included: Bed linen, towels, laundry once a week (free of charge), telephone use for emergencies • Extra cost of services: No • Meals provided: Yes (depends on booking type) Breakfast: Breakfast is 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 • Will the homestay arrange to pick up the student from the airport? No but all homestays will pick up students from the train or coach station as they arrive in Torquay • 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 • Where are the homestays located? All hosts are located in central Torquay • Additional information: Homestays are approximately 15 to 35 minutes by walking. The maximum travel time from all homestay options is 60 minutes
Only students aged 18 and over are permitted to 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. If you are over 18 here are some tips if you want 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. If you are a student you will receive a 10% discount but be aware that it could be up to £1,200 per year.
| School Guide
9
This is an Academic Year Abroad Residence
Accommodation in Torquay St Michael’s
• Address: 36 Ash Hill Road TQ1 3JD • Website: St Michaels Disclaimer: All the information on this residence file is for reference. Please contact your advisor for the latest information • Accommodation type: Single and double ensuite rooms - own bathroom, shared kitchen, and shared communal living area • Service available: Washing is free and £1.00 per 20 mins for drying • Bedroom: Single / 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 not provided • Kitchen: Oven / hob / microwave, fridge, freezer and all crockery and utensils provided • Facilities: Outdoor space, picnic area, laundry facilites, bike room • Extra cost of facilities: No • Famous landmarks nearby: Geopark walk and Agatha Christie Mile, Kents Cavern and
Torre Abbey • Visitors or guests allowed? Yes, must be pre-approved by the residence • Noise restrictions? Yes, after 23:00 • Smoking allowed in the residence? No, outside in the designated smoking area only • 24-hour security? Yes, an out-of-hours team is available on site • Residence cleaning: Room will be cleaned on arrival only • Linen changing: On arrival only • Availability: Over 18s only • Minimum number of weeks: One week • Check-in and check-out times: Check in is from 16:00 on a Saturday and anytime on a Sunday. All check outs must be on a Saturday morning by 10:00 • Room deposit? No, but all students must sign a Code of Conduct on their first day
Time to... The school
By foot
By bike
By bus
2 minutes 1 minute
N/A N/A
The nearest café / restaurant The nearest supermarket The nearest post office The nearest ATM / bank: The nearest sports center
2 minutes
N/A
5 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes 5 minutes 2 minutes 2 minutes
The nearest hospital
The city center
For the most up-to-date transport prices, please visit Stagecoach
| School Guide
10
| School Guide
11
Torquay Torquay
Why choose an Academic Year Abroad in Torquay with Kaplan? Academic Year Abroad students have access to exclusive benefits.
8. Keep learning beyond the classroom with 12 months of access to K+ Learning Space after your course ends. 9. Feel at home abroad with total support from our team: personalized academic guidance from day one, accommodation services tailored to your preferences , and a lively social calendar. 10. Get to know the city from day one with a warm welcome and guided tour. 11. Join a global community of over 1.2 million learners who choose Kaplan each year. 12. Upgrade your academic and professional CV by investing in a trusted institution since 1938. Kaplan is widely known worldwide for educational excellence and student success.
1. Achieve the fastest English progression with Kaplan’s exclusive Guaranteed Progression, while mastering fluency across reading, writing, listening, and especially speaking, with personalized academic guidance every step of the way. 2. Internationally recognized curriculum aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference. 3. Study for 6, 9, or 11 months and experience life in one of the world’s most vibrant English-speaking cities. 4. Receive a free IELTS exam to boost your academic or career prospects worldwide. 5. Engage with online guest experts at exclusive online seminars hosted for Academic Year Abroad students. 6. Start strong and finish proud with a bespoke orientation and graduation ceremony. 7. Enjoy direct and free access to morning classes.
| School Guide
12
What programs are available in Kaplan Torquay?
• Intensive • Semi-Intensive • Multi-Destination Year Language & Culture
Your course timeline
End dates
Start dates
6 months
9 months
11 months
19th June 2026
20th November 2026
5th January 2026
11th September 2026
4th December 2026 12th February 2027
30th March 2026
11th September 2026
4th December 2026 26th February 2027
7th May 2027
22nd June 2026
5th March 2027
28th May 2027
6th August 2027
21st September 2026
23rd April 2027
16th July 2027
24th September 2027
9th November 2026
Start dates
1st Holiday Start (All courses)
2nd Holiday Start (9 month courses)
2nd Holiday Start (11 month courses)
30th March 2026
8th June 2026
14th September 2026
5th January 2026
8th June 2026
14th September 2026 21st December 2026
30th March 2026
14th September 2026 21st December 2026 21st December 2026
22nd June 2026
21st December 2026
29th March 2027
24th May 2027
21st September 2026
21st December 2026
29th March 2027
24th May 2027
9th November 2026
| School Guide
13
How do we help you learn English quickly? We are proud to offer English programs built on a solid, research- based methodology designed to help you improve your English confidently and quickly. With our carefully structured syllabus, you can join at any point and continue progressing smoothly, with teaching materials tailored to your level and learning style. Each Academic Year Abroad program is structured with carefully designed lessons aimed at achieving your specific objectives: Language Foundation (20 lessons, 15 hours) Build your core English skills with 15 hours of General English per week, using our spiral, blended curriculum aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference. Lessons are topic-based and communicative, designed to boost fluency, confidence, and real-world language use. Language in Action Workshops (4 lessons, 3 hours) Take your English beyond the classroom with interactive workshops each week focused on communication, collaboration, and real-life tasks. These sessions help you practice spoken English in creative, practical contexts. Specialist Skills (8 lessons, 6 hours) Enhance your learning with focused classes, tailored to your needs and objectives. Ideal for students looking to improve in targeted areas, these sessions focus on specific skills like pronunciation, writing, exam preparation or Business English. K+ Extra (3 lessons, 2.25 hours) Students enhance their fluency with K+ Extra online resources supporting personalized language learning.
| School Guide
14
Learn about every program
| School Guide
15
Language Culture &
Discover the joy of learning English abroad like never before. Transform your language skills as you embark on a program designed to immerse you in one (or more) exciting destinations around the world. This is more than just a course. During this enriching year, we blend expert language training with cultural immersion, global friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
Intensive 35 lessons per week = 26.25 hours
Want to master every aspect of English? This course sharpens your skills in speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, and pronunciation, while also expanding your vocabulary for effective communication in real-world settings.
Total Hours
Number of Lessons
Lessons
Language Foundation
20 lessons
15 hours
Language in Action Workshops
4 lessons
3 hours
Specialist Skills K+ Extra Online
8 lessons
6 hours
3 sessions
2.25 hours
Semi-Intensive 27 lessons per week = 20.25 hours
Strengthen your foundational English skills while enjoying plenty of free time to explore your new city and have fun with friends! Join our social activities, dive into local culture, and make the most of every moment on this unforgettable adventure.
Total Hours
Number of Lessons
Lessons
Language Foundation
20 lessons
15 hours
Language in Action Workshops
4 lessons
3 hours
K+ Extra Online
3 sessions
2.25 hours
| School Guide
16
Kaplan Multi-Destination Year 12 weeks Torquay, 12 weeks Dublin, 12 weeks Liverpool, 12 weeks London.
Study English in a 6, 9, or 11-month program spanning your choice of school locations. Students travel the globe to create their own dream Academic Year Abroad by combining two, three or four locations, each destination with a minimum of twelve weeks. In each location, students are immersed in comprehensive language development focusing on improving all language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking, while living the language through a variety of cultural immersion activities. Visa regulations permitting, students can opt to build their own vacation breaks between 12-week quarters to experience even more of what the destination has to offer. Example Multi-Destination Year itinerary: Eleven-month Ireland and Britain circuit. Spend a year becoming fluent in English while experiencing the tremendous cultural richness and variety found in Britain and Ireland, and trying on several accents along the way.
Key facts
• Minimum Age: 16 • Class Size: 17 • Entry Level: Elementary
| School Guide
17
Accommodation Options This program offers special accommodation packages. Get in touch with our team to get a personalized quote depending on your preferences, whether you choose a residence apartment to live with other Kaplan international students, or hosts, making the most of integrating into the lives of our local families in the city.
Follow the hearts and explore our previous accommodation section for more details.
“I have had a wonderful time with Kaplan in Torquay. I have met many lovely people from different cultures.” - Pilar A G, Kaplan Torquay student from Chile.
| School Guide
18
Medical insurance | All students must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in UK. They can either book medical insurance offered by Kaplan International or they can choose their 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 Kaplan homestay or residence insurance. Prescription medication | Kaplan recognizes its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of students aged under 18, within the UK legal framework and criteria of our educational oversight and accrediting Health & Safety 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: £9.90 per item • Dental treatment: £50 • Eye test or new glasses: £30 Medical costs
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 of Under 18s to sign a Parent/guardian Consent Form. • All Kaplan 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 KI 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 students under 18 to participate in and inform Under 18s about learning and socializing outside of the classroom
Call 999 in case of fire, medical emergency or if you need the police. Call 111 for non urgent medical advice. Emergency services
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
| School Guide
19
• 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. Local Customs
• 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. • If a student is under 18, parents will be informed. If you do not then improve your attandence you will be sent home and no refund will be given • Aim to be on time for all your lessons • Always tell Kaplan International 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
Kaplan International Languages Rules
• If you leave your Kaplan International 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.
UK public holidays
New Year
1-Jan-26
Good Friday
3-Apr-26
Easter Monday
6-April-26
Early May Bank Holiday
4-May-26
Spring May Bank Holiday
25-May-26
Summer Bank Holiday
31-Aug-26
Christmas Day
25-Dec-26
Boxing Day
28-Dec-26
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
1-Jan-27
Holiday Policy
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. School closures | The school will be closed from December 21st 2026 to December 28th 2026 with an additional closure for New Years on January 1st 2027.
| School Guide
20
Take the leap. Expand your horizons. Become a global citizen. Start your journey today.
Contact us
| School Guide
21
Follow us on Instagram @kaplaninternational
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker