Before the Course

Q: What is the maximum number of students that you can take in one group?
A: Subject to availability, we can accept groups from as small as 5 up to larger groups of up to 100.

Q: Can I send a group of thirty 15 year olds on their own without group leaders?
A: No, students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, i.e. group leader, teacher, parent or guardian.

Q: Do you offer insurance to students?
A: Yes we do but it’s better to arrange this in your own country prior to departure.

Q; Are you accredited by the British Council?
A: Yes, we passed our first inspection with flying colours and were awarded several points of excellence. We are also full members of English UK.

Q: Your school is in Edinburgh but can we fly to Prestwick or Glasgow Airport?
A: Yes, you can fly to any airport you wish but bear in mind the journey times. We can provide transfers to / from any airport and will be happy to provide you with estimated journey times and costs if you like.

Q: One of my students has a good passive knowledge of English but just will not speak. Will he get more confident after doing a course with Mackenzie School?
A: We cannot say for sure one way or another but generally we try to get students to lose their inhibitions and give them the confidence to speak up. Students can go through amazing changes even over the course of a one week programme. Often the students who arrive shy, are the ones who won’t keep quiet by the end of their stay.

Q: My son has never been away from home and doesn’t use buses in our country. Will he be safe?
A: Edinburgh’s bus service is great and most reliable. Our hosts accompany the students on the bus on the first day and show them how to get around. Edinburgh is generally a very safe place and has international visitors all year-round. After a day or so of travelling to school by bus, he’ll be hopping on and off like a local.

During the Course

Q: How do you ensure the safety of students at your school and out and about on activities?
A: We subscribe to the Natwest Mentor Services who take care of Health & Safety and keep us up-to-date with latest legislation. We are fully compliant in all areas of Health & Safety and carry out regular risk assessments.

Q: I don’t mind using buses during the day but i’m not keen on using them at night. Do I have to go out at night if I don’t want to?
A: No you don’t have to go out if you don’t want to but you will miss out on some great activities. Don’t worry, you only need to take a bus in the early evening after dinner to meet for the activity but we arrange taxis to take everybody home afterwards. Edinburgh is generally very safe at all times of night and day.

Q: You say that your maximum class size is 12 students but is this really the case? I have been to a few language schools that claimed to run small classes in their publicity but in reality, classes were much larger.
A: Yes, we will not exceed 12 students per class. We do not believe in large classes and our rooms, although big enough, have only enough seats for 12 students!

Q: Do your teachers speak other languages other than English in class?
A: No, this is a cardinal sin! Our teachers use the most up-to-date techniques and methods to teach students and do so ONLY in English.

Q: My daughter has a special diet. Can you accommodate special dietary requirements?
A: Yes, as long as we are informed early on at the point of providing us with student details.

After the Course

Q: Will my students receive a certificate at the end of the course?
A: Yes, all students receive a certificate and written report at the end of the course.

Q: Will I have long-lasting, positive memories of my trip to the Mackenzie School?
A: Yes, with no doubt.