Family-run English Language School since 1966 in Exeter

Sarah and Javi with Jack at the gates of the Isca School of English
Richard and Jo Tomlinson with Sarah Tomlinson in their sitting room at the Isca School. There is a grandfather clock and an open window behind them
Tomlinson family and first Isca School students in black and white

A family run school

Sarah is the third generation of the Tomlinson family to welcome students to the Isca School since her grandparents founded the school in 1966. At this family-run school, we offer new and returning students an English learning experience to remember for life.

A professional, British Council accredited school

For us at Isca, “family-run” also means aiming to achieve the highest standards in everything that we do.

The British Council recognised this in our latest full British Council inspection in 2017 when the inspectors awarded us 14 strengths in areas such as: the teaching we provide, course design, the school premises and facilities, the learning resources available, the homestay accommodation we provide for you, how we care for under 18s and the leisure activities and sports we provide. We underwent our compliance inspection successfully in 2022.

The English Language Gazette has named us a Centre of Excellence every year since 2010 and also as the best family-run English language school in the UK 2017-now. These rankings are based on the British Council Inspection reports. You can read more about this here.

Email Testimonials from Parents

Giacomo is home now, he was so happy in Exeter. He loved so much Exeter, you, your school, the family, your food too!! He told me that he had liked to stay more! And it is incredible because he was so afraid before to leave… Thank you to you and to all the Isca staff! It was a completely positive experience that he wants to repeat it next year!

Giacomo's mother Mrs J from Italy, Giacomo's mother
I would like to thank you for three wonderful weeks our son spent in your school. He says that everything was great: lessons, sports, excursions, students etc etc. he dreams about coming back to Exeter next year. Special thanks for the home family you found for him. He really felt at home with them. Thank you for your great job.
Mrs K, Switzerland

We’d like to say many thanks to you and your family for the perfect organisation! My daughter Isabella was back in Italy yesterday very enthusiastic. A perfect mix of study, sports, leisure, tours and stay with friend, old and new. It was a perfect experience; Isabella will remember it with joy.

Emanuela e Stefano P

We look forward to welcoming you here too!

large group of waving students sitting and standing with their teachers in the front garden of the Isca School of English in Exeter. The school is a white georgian building and is behind the students

Global Learning Community

Isca School of English

Courses designed to meet the learning needs of Teenagers!

Experienced Dynamic Teachers

Our teachers and our Director of Studies work together to create the best course possible for you!

5 Star Google Rating

Student’s satisfaction on final feedback Summer 2024 = 99%

Family-Run since 1966

A warm, friendly school where students are treated like family!

Maximum Class Size

Ensuring every student received individual support and focused learning

British Council Accredited English Language School

The Isca School of English is accredited by the British Council, ensuring we meet the highest standards of English language teaching. This accreditation guarantees a top-quality learning experience for all our student. We are also members of English UK and English Uk South West associations of accredited language schools whose members are some of the best schools in the UK. Based on the results of our British Council inspection the EL Gazette began ranking schools in 2008. We have been named us as one of the best schools in the UK since 2008 and the best family-run Summer school since 2017!

14 British Council Strengths
We are very proud to have received strengths in the following areas : staff management, student administration, quality assurance, premises and facilities, learning resources, academic management, course design, learner management, teaching, care of students, accommodation, leisure opportunities, and care of under 18s.

Which English Course is the best choice for you?

We offer three courses at Isca this summer. Our popular General English course for students aged 14-17 designed to improve your English or you can also join one of our Cambridge Preparation courses. Please click on the links below for more information

THE ISCA DIFFERENCE

We believe no two students are the same and everyone deserves the very best. We take the time to get to know you so you can enjoy the perfect English Language Course with us!