about

The Isca School is the longest running English language school in Exeter. It is well known for its very friendly atmosphere, excellent teaching and the personal attention given to all our students.

Isca was founded in 1966 by the parents of the present Principal, Richard Tomlinson. Richard and his wife Jo, who is the accommodation and welfare officer at Isca, live at the school and are here to help you enjoy your stay in Exeter. The school is their life’s work and it is a job they enjoy!

We have two Georgian houses with a small classroom building standing between them. The school has large gardens for you to enjoy and is in a quiet residential area, just 10 minutes’ walk from Exeter city centre.

Isca is open from June to October with classes at all levels from elementary to advanced.

We offer summer courses for Juniors and Young Adults with an average of 8 students in each class group and sometimes fewer than this. The maximum class size is 12.

The Isca School of English is accredited by the British Council, who carry out regular inspections of the school. This accreditation is your guarantee of the high standard of our school. It means that the Isca School is a reliable and permanent school, with an excellent programme of English language studies, first-class teaching, an interesting and varied programme of social activities, and that we show proper concern and care for your accommodation and welfare.

What does “Isca” mean? The city of Exeter was founded by the Romans and their name for their new town was: Isca Dumnoniorum. The “Isca” part of the name was the Celtic name for our river (now called the river Exe). Over a thousand years or so, the Roman name for our city changed from Isca to Excester to Exeter.