FAQ

Questions, answered properly

The things prospective students most often ask.

What is Barbers Academy of English?
Barbers Academy of English is a private English tuition service based in London, England. It offers one-to-one British English lessons online worldwide, small group conversation classes, and in-person lessons in London. All lessons are taught by founder Eddie Barber, a CELTA-certified English teacher educated at Repton School.
Who is Eddie Barber?
Eddie Barber is the founder and principal tutor of Barbers Academy of English. He is a CELTA-certified English teacher, educated at Repton School, one of England's oldest public schools, and holds a degree from the London School of Economics (LSE). He teaches British English, pronunciation, business English and British etiquette to adult professionals, families and international students from London and around the world. He is also a qualified personal trainer, and brings a coach's discipline and encouragement to language learning.
Are lessons available online?
Yes. Private one-to-one lessons and small group conversation classes are taught online by video call, with students in all time zones including China, Hong Kong, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In-person lessons are also available in central London.
What is the CELTA qualification?
CELTA is the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, awarded by Cambridge. It is one of the most widely recognised English teaching qualifications in the world, and it means Eddie Barber is a formally trained and assessed English teacher, not simply a native speaker.
Do you teach British etiquette as well as English?
Yes. British etiquette, manners and social confidence are woven into lessons alongside the language itself — introductions, small talk, dining etiquette and the courtesies of English social and business life. In-person London lessons can include practical etiquette such as afternoon tea.
Who are the lessons for?
Lessons suit adult professionals polishing their business English, families relocating to or visiting the United Kingdom, and any learner who wants to speak proper British English with confidence. Many students come from China, Hong Kong and the Gulf. All levels from intermediate upwards are welcome.
Do you teach Received Pronunciation (RP)?
Yes. Eddie Barber teaches British pronunciation and Received Pronunciation (RP) one-to-one, online and in London, covering the sounds of British English, word stress, rhythm and intonation. Lessons can aim at general spoken clarity and accent softening, or full RP, depending on the student's goals. Eddie speaks RP natively, having been educated at Repton School.
Do you offer business English lessons?
Yes. Barbers Academy of English offers private business English tuition for executives and professionals, covering meetings, presentations, negotiation, professional emails and letters, and business small talk and client entertaining. Lessons are one-to-one, scheduled across all time zones, and taught by Eddie Barber, an LSE graduate and CELTA-certified teacher.
What is the Pre-Boarding Polish Programme?
The Pre-Boarding Polish Programme is Barbers Academy of English's preparation programme for children joining British boarding schools. It is twenty hours of one-to-one tuition with Eddie Barber, online or in London, covering spoken English, interview manner, table and social etiquette, and daily life at a British school. It concludes with a written report for the family and their education adviser.
Can Eddie travel to teach in person?
Yes. Through the Academy's Residency programme, Eddie Barber can be engaged to teach at a client's home, office, or holiday location anywhere in the world, for engagements from a few days to several weeks. Residencies are arranged individually by enquiry.
Do you work with education consultants and guardianship agencies?
Yes. Barbers Academy of English works with education consultants, guardianship agencies and family advisers who place international students in British schools. Advisers receive a written report on each student and referral terms are agreed individually. Enquiries marked "Advisers" go directly to Eddie Barber.
Does Eddie teach children as well as adults?
Yes. Eddie Barber teaches adult professionals and, through the Pre-Boarding Polish Programme, young people preparing for British boarding schools. Lessons for under-18s are arranged with and reported to parents or the family's adviser.
How much do English lessons cost?
Fees depend on the lesson format — private one-to-one, small group, or in-person in London — and how often you wish to study. Send an enquiry through the website or email eddie@barbersacademyofenglish.com and Eddie will reply personally with a recommendation and fees, usually within a day.
How do I book a lesson with Barbers Academy of English?
Send an enquiry through the contact form at barbersacademyofenglish.com or email eddie@barbersacademyofenglish.com. Eddie replies personally, usually within a day, and arranges a relaxed introductory conversation — online or in London — before lessons begin. There is no test and no obligation.

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