International House Manchester
More than just an English language school
We don’t just teach English language to adult students (18 years +) all year round, we build social confidence and improve employability. And we do it by using the wonderful city of Manchester as an extended classroom. Our students get a unique English language learning experience, rooted in the real English used when exploring, making friends with and getting to know the people that bring our city alive.
In short, we are more than just a school.
IH Manchester has been a member of IHWO since 2014. We operate a dedicated & separate 40+ Summer Vacation Centre and in collaboration with DC Teacher Training, run a Cambridge CELTA teacher training centre.
The school has 9 classrooms, a student kitchen, common room and meeting room and is conveniently located in city centre Manchester, just a 5-minute walk from all transport hubs.
We help agent partners to grow their businesses and increase their word-of-mouth referrals by ensuring their students get the best outcomes and study travel experience possible. Meaning not only referrals for partners, but also repeat business. Our partners get fewer emails of complaint from disappointed clients!
Highlights
- A family run school where the directors are involved in day to day operations
- A hard-working and attentive staff team, making each and every student feel “at home”
- Innovative approaches to learning that use the vibrant and exciting city of Manchester as an extended classroom
- Not just improving English language skills, but giving our adult students the confidence they need to succeed in their career and in life
Programmes Offered
International House Manchester provides a wide range of English language courses designed for learners with different goals, levels and durations. At the core are General English classes, available year-round for adult learners (18+) at all proficiency levels. These courses focus on building confidence in everyday English through communicative, learner-centred lessons that develop speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, with small class sizes and a structured syllabus that helps you progress steadily.
For learners with specific objectives, the school offers exam preparation programmes such as IELTS Preparation, helping students to master all test components and achieve the scores they need for university entry, work or visa requirements. There are also courses that integrate exam skills into broader language study.
Students seeking more targeted language skills can enrol in Professional & Business English classes, tailored to workplace communication, presentations and industry vocabulary — ideal for career advancement. Alongside group courses, 1-to-1 private lessons provide personalised tuition to suit individual needs and schedules.
During the summer, specialised 40+ packages combine General English with social activities, excursions and cultural experiences, making learning more engaging and immersive. The school also supports online English lessons for those who prefer remote study.
Across all programmes, the emphasis is on practical communication, real-life language use, and helping students reach their personal, academic or professional English goals.
Contact
International House Manchester helps students find a variety of comfortable places to stay while studying in the city. One popular choice is homestay accommodation, where students live with carefully selected local host families. Options include standard homestay with a single bedroom and shared bathroom, and executive homestay with a private bathroom — both include breakfast and dinner with hosts and are available for students aged 18+ who take at least 15 hours of lessons per week. Homestays offer a warm, supportive environment where students can practise English daily and learn about British culture.
For more independent living, the school can arrange student residence accommodation (self-catering) at nearby properties in Manchester. These residences typically offer private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, shared kitchen and lounge areas, and facilities such as Wi-Fi, communal spaces and laundry. Residences are usually self-catered, giving students flexibility and the chance to live with other international learners. Availability depends on the season and minimum stays often apply.
IH Manchester supports students in booking their chosen accommodation and provides guidance to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.
- Homestay
- Residence
- Studio
International House Manchester is in the heart of Manchester city centre, just a couple of minutes’ walk from Piccadilly Gardens, the city’s major transport hub for buses, trams and nearby train stations, making it very easy to get around the city and beyond. The area buzzes with urban energy, a mix of modern business streets, student life and cultural spaces typical of a large European city centre.
You’ll be surrounded by shops, cafés, restaurants, and nightlife, with easy access to popular parts of the city such as the Northern Quarter — known for its independent boutiques, street art and creative vibe — and main retail streets. Manchester combines classic architecture with a lively modern scene, giving a cosmopolitan feel that appeals to international students and visitors alike.
In terms of lifestyle, the centre is lively and convenient at all hours, feeling busy and varied.
Overall, studying here means you’re in a well-connected, vibrant, and culturally rich part of Manchester, with cafés, galleries, museums, green spaces and nightlife all within walking distance, offering a dynamic lifestyle alongside your language studies.
Exams
International House Manchester offers targeted exam preparation support, especially for IELTS, which many students take to meet university, work or visa entry requirements. Our dedicated Exams Officer helps students understand the format and goals of the exam, creates personalised study plans, and provides extra resources tailored to improve performance in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Regular IELTS Clubs and drop-in sessions give focused practice, while weekly writing tasks with detailed feedback help you build confidence and track progress. The school also supports students with exam registration and booking when they’re ready to sit the test.
Beyond exam-specific help, IH Manchester’s teaching teams offer extra academic support through optional tutorials and self-study materials designed to reinforce classroom learning. This includes guidance on strategies and techniques for exams, personalised feedback from teachers, and tools to help you become an independent learner — valuable whether you’re preparing for IELTS or improving overall language skills. These supports are part of the school’s broader commitment to helping students reach their goals with encouragement and practical advice throughout their studies.
More Features
International House Manchester runs a weekly social activities programme alongside classes so students can meet others, practise English in real-life settings and enjoy Manchester’s culture. Activities vary but typically include casual meetups like conversation clubs, games nights, bowling, cinema trips, pub or café evenings and city walks — offering something for different interests and helping build confidence in speaking outside the classroom. These are organised by the school and often announced each week on the student noticeboard.
At weekends there’s usually at least one full-day excursion in the Manchester area or beyond. Many of these trips are arranged with Smile Adventures, taking students to explore cities, attractions or scenic surroundings, with time to discover places independently in small groups. These excursions are a great chance to see more of the UK, practise English socially and make new friends.
Together, the mix of weekday events and weekend trips enriches the student experience, blending culture, fun and language use outside class while exploring Manchester’s lively social scene and nearby destinations.
