Founded in 1991, our school is a leading language school based in the town of Reading, United Kingdom. The school has a vibrant and multicultural student community and offer a wide variety of EFL classes for students from over 70 nationalities. The school also has a centre in Kazakhstan where they teach English to over 500 students every week.
Our school is accredited by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). They are also a registered University of Cambridge ESOL and Trinity Examination Centre and a Trinity College London validated provider of the Trinity CertTESOL course.

Trainee teachers have access to a well-stocked resource room with computer, printing and photocopying facilities. In addition, our school has Wi-Fi access in all classrooms and office areas which trainee teachers will be able to use.

The 4-week intensive Trinity CertTESOL Course at this school includes:

- over 90 hours of supervised input in the classroom
- a minimum of six hours of observed and assessed teaching practice
- a minimum of four hours of guided observation of classes given by experienced teachers with genuine English language learners
- the balance of the time timetabled for preparation and private study
- dedicated placement services and job search guidance/ assistance

The Course is designed around five mandatory units, as follows:

1. Teaching skills: including the development of appropriate methodology, a minimum amount (6hrs) of teaching practice, the keeping of a related journal, guided observation of experienced teachers and the keeping of a related journal, coursebook and materials evaluation, and methods of assessment and testing in the classroom

2. Language Awareness (including grammar, vocabulary, phonology)

3. A Learner Profile: to carry out a student needs analysis via written, oral, listening and reading tasks, to conduct a 1:1 remedial lesson to try to meet some of those needs and to create a study plan for the future

4. A Materials assignment: a compilation of two pieces of material and accompanying tasks, which you have used in Teaching Practice along with a written rationale for your choice of materials and the way you developed them plus an evaluation of their effectiveness

5. Unknown Language: a journal reflecting your experience on being taught in an unknown language during the first week of the course

The Course is designed for those with little or no experience of teaching English. It will equip you with the basic skills and knowledge needed to take up a first post as an ESOL teacher and will give you a firm foundation for self-evaluation and further professional development.

Student Accommodation

The halls of residences offer a range of en suite rooms in shared flats for 3, 4, 5 and 6 people as well as a range of studios, so you can choose to share or live independently. Wi-Fi access included. Prices start at £125 per week Self-Catering. Prices may vary in peak season.

9 am - 5.30 pm, Monday - Friday

Typical day:
9am - 1pm Input sessions
1pm - 2pm Lunch
2pm - 3pm Feedback and lesson prep
3pm - 5pm Teaching practice or lesson prep

"The TESOL course was everything I had hoped it would be. I had a wonderful first experience teaching; the pupils were lovely, and I was guided every step of the way. Guy and Lawrence were so helpful and are full of knowledge when it comes to teaching English as a foreign language."

Lauren Beech - Trinity CertTESOL August 2013

"When I was looking to do a TESOL course, I came across this school while searching on the internet. The website was very professional and provided all the details I wanted. They provided me an option to attend a one-day foundation course, which I did enthusiastically, and it was worth it! Lawrence's unknown language sessions helped us to know the problems of learning English as a second/foreign language. He was perfect in teaching using Realia! Guy's input sessions gave us a realistic picture about what TESOL is all about. The feedback sessions from both the tutors helped us to progress throughout the course. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Gaurav and Aditi's session about future prospects was informative and useful. Finally it was a great learning experience and I would highly recommend this course!"

Cynthia Govada - Trinity CertTESOL June 2013

"A good course, whether new to teaching ESL or wishing to consolidate previous knowledge and experience. Definitely intensive and does require commitment but still a great way to gain knowledge quickly.
Friendly, helpful staff, tutors that provide support and encouragement and a good opportunity to teach English learners with a range of abilities. I found it an excellent opportunity to both confirm and re-evaluate previously learnt skills whilst also focusing on areas that needed development.
The experience was made even better by the group I studied with. We were an eclectic bunch who remained supportive and helpful throughout and this really aided the learning experience."

Diane Bracken - Trinity CertTESOL June 2013
"Once I decided to do a TESOL course I found myself in the daunting position of having to pick a great school from all the possible providers. The two most important elements I was looking for as a potential student were the teachers and the facilities. This school exceeded my expectations on both fronts. All of my tutors had a minimum of ten years experience and some had many more than that. The facilities at the school are superb, there are plenty of quiet areas to hide away, you can use the free wifi or to dip in to the ample supply of reference books from the library. I have no hesitation in recommending this school. I had a wonderful experience on my course; my tutors and classmates brought humour and support to all the proceedings and made it one of the most worthwhile things I have ever done."

Lewis Cooper - Trinity CertTESOL June 2013

"I would highly recommend the Trinity TESOL course. The course provides an ideal platform for teaching opportunities across the world and the chance to live an exciting and fulfilling life. I was warned before the course started that it was a lot of work and study and indeed that's the case but upon completion I was filled with great satisfaction and pride. If you're serious about becoming an EFL teacher then this is the perfect course for you."

Martin Ward - Trinity CertTESOL August 2013

"I did a Trinity CertTESOL course with this school in Reading in April/May 2013. I was in between jobs and it was a great opportunity for me to get an English teaching qualification. The four-week course is tightly packed with lots of interesting stuff and has a strong focus on hands-on experience. If you have a "can do" attitude and you like getting active immediately, it's the right thing for you. You'll get direct feedback for every practice lesson you give and the school's staff is a great help in general. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would do it again."

Ulrich Mayer - Trinity CertTESOL May 2013

At our school in reading, newly qualified teachers can take advantage of our job placement services.

- We assist our students in finding a vetted prospective employer - matched with their requirements .
- With a partnership network of language schools across the world and our own schools in UK and Kazhakstan, we offer our students unique access to opportunities. We constantly communicate these job openings to our students and arrange for interviews in person or over phone/ Skype.
- We arrange for a dedicated session providing tips on and preparation for successful interviews.
- A placement brochure for every batch is prepared and circulated to prospective employers.
- We provide a reference service to each student and are prompt and enthusiastic in responding to queries.

1. Choose the start date which interests you. If you’re still unsure, please choose an approximate date for now - you will be able to specify later.
2. Register your details with Cactus TEFL (1 minute) to help us track your application.
3. Download the application form and save it on your computer.
4. Complete it offline in your own time
5. Go back to www.cactustefl.com, sign in and submit your completed form.

You can also submit an application by email. We will explain how to do this on the application form. Please contact us if you have any problems with the application procedure.