Flexible Online English Course

Explore our platform for free and learn English online

  • See our 24/7 timetable.
  • Learn more about our themes and classes.
  • Meet our expert teachers.
  • Access Extra study video materials, and activities.
Explore our online platform
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  • Topics designed around your needs
  • Live classes available 24/7
  • British Council badges and certificates

Discover our Online English learning platform

24/7 Timetable access

  • Group and private classes available around the clock.
  • Flexible scheduling to fit your busy life.
  • choose your preferred monthly plan and start your learning journey.

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Expert teachers and tailored classes

  • Meet experienced teachers dedicated to your success.
  • Explore diverse themes and specialised classes.
  • Plan your English learning journey.

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Free access to Extra study

  • Comprehensive video materials to improve your learning.
  • Interactive activities and exercises to enhance your skills.
  • Regularly updated content to keep learning fresh and engaging.

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What is English Online?

Start your 7-day free trial now

Check for yourself why we are the world´s English experts

Check how the free trial works

Our students love learning with us because...

Martin (Flexible English online course student)

“I’m Martin Bocek from the Czech Republic and I’m a happy English Online student. I’m very happy, because I have had a great experience studying with English Online. You have great teachers! I’m blind and I’m using a screen reader and Braille display and I’m very happy with this. British Council’s English Online platform is great for me and I think, for all your students.”

Raffaella (Flexible English online course student)

“I came to the British Council’s English Online course because I realised that it was better for me to study from home and face a different teacher and classmates in each class. You helped me get back to learning English after a forced stop that risked me losing my learnings- but you managed to engage me! Both the course and payment options were flexible, with the ability to stop when I wanted. This course gave me the consistency in learning that I had lacked in recent years.”

Miguel (Flexible English online course student)

“I had never taken English classes or any other language online, and I was pleasantly surprised by the course’s pedagogical quality, technical platform, organisation, and effectiveness. It is both a well-structured and enriching course. The classes are delightful and understandable, in a friendly and comfortable environment. I have enjoyed every class, especially the ‘breakout room’ discussions and the ‘feedback moment’ from teachers at the end of every class. The teachers are kind and supportive, and they share a lot of practical and helpful knowledge beyond the English textbook delivery. If you doubt it, you should try it!”

How does it work?

What is English Online?

English Online is the British Council’s portfolio of online courses. Students can improve their English skills by using our easily accessible interactive platform, exploring our flexible timetable options and joining live online classes whenever it suits them – all from the comfort of their own homes.

With group classes, they can join students from around the world in live online classes suited to their specific skill level. With small and effective class sizes of up to 15 students, they can get the individual attention they need to truly enhance their English proficiency.

In a private class, they get one-on-one tuition from one of our teachers. The teachers for our private classes have been specifically trained in one-on-one tuition and can focus on individual needs.

English Online offers proven quality teaching and content that delivers real results.

What happens in a live class?

Join online classes with students from around the world for real-time speaking, listening and reading practice with an expert British Council teacher. We encourage you to interact with the materials, your teacher and your fellow students. Towards the end of class, the teacher will recap, share all the learning materials and ensure everybody has understood the lesson.

How can I receive a British Council certificate?

Every time you complete 1 theme (all the online exercises included in the 6 lessons of that theme), you will be rewarded with a digital badge, which you can download or share with your network via LinkedIn, Whatsapp, Facebook or Twitter. Badges are a great way to track your progress and collect milestones on your English learning journey!

To view your badges, log in to your English Online Self-Study account and go to ‘Home.’ On the left side of your dashboard, you will see the section ‘Achievements.’ Click on the link below ‘Achievements.’

What technology do I need to join the flexible English online course?

To access your student portal and join live online classes, you will need:

  • A desktop or laptop computer (preferred) or a mobile device (tablet or smartphone)
  • A reliable internet connection
  • A headset or headphones with a built-in microphone
  • A working webcam

Before your first class, please note:

  • Our live classes take place on Zoom, a free and secure video platform. Please download Zoom to your device before your class begins.
  • For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Some features may not work properly on other browsers.
  • Your Zoom display name must match the name on your British Council English online account. If not, your teacher may not allow you to join the class.

To make sure everyone has a great learning experience:

  • All students must follow our virtual classroom rules.
  • You’re expected to take part actively, with your microphone and webcam on throughout the class—just like in a face-to-face classroom.

Before you subscribe, please review the British Council English online Student Code of Conduct - English Online.