There is a Chinese proverb that says "Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere". What’s a better treasure than a language that allows you to connect with others? Learning a new language, other than your own, opens every door along your way. It gives you a deeper understanding of people’s culture, their traditions, where they come from.

Learning a language is also sometimes required to obtain a visa to certain countries or continue your studies abroad.

If you want to study at a University in the UK you will probably be asked to take the IELTS Academic and submit as part of your application to university.  IELTS is accepted by most Australian, Canadian, European, Irish and New Zealand academic institutions. It’s also accepted by over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and by various professional organisations across the world. Furthermore, Immigration and visa forms to some countries will require you to demonstrate your English levelthrough recent IELTS test results as well.

What Should I Expect from the IELTS Test?

The IELTS test consists of four parts:

• Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes' transfer time).

• Reading: 60 minutes.

• Writing: 60 minutes.

• Speaking: 11–14 minutes.

Listening, Reading and Writing are completed in one sitting. The Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.

All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests, while the Reading and Writing tests differ depending on whether the test taker is taking the Academic or General Training versions of the test.

IELTS results are designed to be simple and easy to understand. They are reported on a 9-band scale as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).

IELTS Preparation Centres

The outcome of the IELTS exam result is very important for most candidates. You will not want to leave being admitted to the university of your choice or being able to migrate to chance. Proper training and preparation can make a significant difference. 

Of course, you can study and prepare on your own. You can check our blog on the Tips to Prepare for IELTS to know the best way to study and increase your chances of passing the test.

You can also seek professional help. Many centres offer preparation programmes and courses to help students and candidates get ready for the exam. These programmes are designed to maximise your success on test day and for those who are looking to improve their academic performance on the IELTS test.

The centres help you focus on the exam strategies you need in order to be successful on the IELTS test. They make you familiar with the test format and teach you how to approach different sections of the test.

Top IELTS Preparation Centres in Manchester

Here is a list of the best IELTS preparation centres in Manchester.

1. Britannia English School

One of the best independent English schools in Manchester, United Kingdom. It offers small classes with a maximum of 10 students, native English teachers and a friendly environment. The school provides a British Council accredited introduction course to the IELTS Exam

2. Communicate School

Opened in 2010, this family-run school has been inspected and accredited by the British Council and is a member of English UK. Accreditation gives students a guarantee that the school has good quality teaching, premises, accommodation and student welfare.

3. MC Academy

Perfect if you’re targeting a specific score, the Academy offers courses in 3 levels.

• Introduction Level:  Students wishing to take this course must be of Pre-Intermediate level (IELTS level 4/4.5).

• Foundation Level:  Students wishing to take this course must be of Intermediate level (IELTS level 5).

• Higher Level: Students wishing to take this course must be of Upper-Intermediate level (IELTS level 5+).

4. International House Manchester

This centre offers different online lessons, face to face lessons with a maximum of 15 students per class, and private 1 to 1 lessons. All lessons cover an introduction to IELTS presentation, including exam description and study advises, an IELTS level assessment, and additional writing homework set and corrected by experienced IELTS professionals.

5. Kaplan English School In Manchester

The course which is highly focused on IELTS exam preparation will teach you about the different exam sections, the ways to maximize your exam time and the types of questions you will face on the exam. You will also practice reading, writing, listening and speaking, and improve your grammar and vocabulary.

6. Berlitz

The centre’s programme focuses on exam strategies and techniques. The lessons also include speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

There is also a Masterclass course that contains all components of IELTS preparation plus an additional 5 hours of Guided Learning.

Make sure you’re fully prepared for the test. Study, read, listen, participate, and study more. When you feel ready and up for it, you can register here to take your test at the University of Manchester. We wish you the best of luck! Don’t forget that you can book your Manchester student accommodation with Casita; you can also find student accommodation near the University of Manchester through our website.