The Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the year have been released and both of the top two institutions, University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge University, are in the UK. This was the first time in the 14 year history of the rankings that the two top spots were taken by UK universities, edging out the California Institute of Technology to third place.

At the same time, the Higher Education Statistical Agency has released figures showing that the UK is a growing home to 442 000 non-UK students in higher education with 6% from the rest of the EU and 13% coming from elsewhere in the world. The total number has grown over the past five years, showing that the UK still welcomes higher education students from across the world.

The number of Chinese students studying at universities in the UK now exceeds any other population group, edging out EU countries as the leading countries from which students originate. “These are very encouraging statistics and certainly show what we have been seeing at Loxdale English Centre,” says Zoe Smith, Marketing Officer for Loxdale English Centre in Brighton.

The Brighton English school has seen numbers grow over the past few years with increasing numbers of students from a wide range of European as well as Asian countries. Statistics also show that students are arriving at a younger age. “We've had much demand for our courses for young people, particular teenagers, as they look at international higher education options,” says Smith.

Loxdale English Centre has proven one is never too young – or too old – to learn to speak English fluently and with confidence. To this end, they have developed tailored English courses for students from as young as 8 years old to over 40 years old. They have also developed Summer Family Courses to get the whole family involved in learning and improving their English.

“The Summer Family Course at Loxdale English Centre is the ideal opportunity for an educational holiday to suit the whole family,” says Smith. “It is a fantastic way for children to meet other international young learners while enabling you to spend time with your children and also follow your own interests.”

Loxdale English Centre recognises that every family is different and can offer courses which are tailored to specific needs, from learning General English to improving conversation skills about relevant topics. “On your first day at Loxdale, you will have a meeting with our principal, Anna Thatcher, to talk about the options for you and your family during your study holiday.”

By far the most popular choice for students coming to Loxdale, particularly for the first time, is the General English Course.

“This is a lively programme focusing on speaking, reading, writing, listening, pronunciation and grammar to help you communicate confidently and fluently in everyday English. After you complete your course in general English at Loxdale you will have the skills needed to hold a general conversation in your new language with confidence,” says Smith.

The General English Course also allows students to personalise their learning experience, including learning English through a subject of choice twice a week. Students can choose from subjects such as exam preparation, history, film, art appreciation, business English, music appreciation and writing a children's book.

To make study time as enlightening and stimulating as possible, the General English Course also includes a lecture series focusing on different aspects of British life, such as British History, Things to do in London, the Brighton music scene, London Architecture, Street Art, Acupuncture and Nutrition.

“Learning about Britain is an important aspect of learning English here at Loxdale,” says Smith. “Not only do we offer students and families an immersive English learning experience but we also cover important topics that help students fit in should they choose to pursue life and higher education studies in the UK. Our Britain Today series covers all aspects of living in the UK today.”

Brighton is the ideal venue for an English learning holiday. It is an exciting and extraordinary seaside city in Britain with a welcoming, cosmopolitan population. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops, a busy nightlife and a graceful mix of modern and ancient buildings. It has excellent transport to and from all over the UK and EU.

There is certainly plenty to learn and plenty to do in the beautiful city of Brighton. Get the English language journey going and expand options for higher education by pursuing a Loxdale English Centre General English Course.

Loxdale English Centre was founded in 1968 and has run high quality English courses for thousands of students for the past 50 years. Most Loxdale English Centre language teachers have several years of experience in teaching English as a foreign language. The School is accredited by the British Council for teaching English and is a member of English UK. Loxdale English Centre welcomes international adult students all year round and has special programmes during January and February and during the summer for young learners. Closed courses for adults and young learners are also accepted at any time out of the summer period. Loxdale actively encourages critical study while nurturing tolerance and respect for all people, cultures and ideas. Whilst always maintaining the highest academic standards, Loxdale courses are competitively priced and represent excellent value for money. For more information, please visit: www.loxdale.com.