Frequently Asked Questions — Online Language Lessons UK

All lessons take place live on Zoom. Your teacher shares materials directly in the call, and you will speak from your very first lesson. No passive listening, no boring textbooks — just real conversations and targeted practice built around your goals. The Zoom link is shared via the OLL platform before each lesson. All lessons are recorded and shared on the platform after each session, so you can catch up if you miss one.

No. You do not need a Zoom account. We send you a link before each lesson and you simply click to join as a guest. A desktop or laptop gives you the best experience, though a tablet also works well. We recommend using a headset to reduce background noise and get the clearest audio.

You need a computer, tablet, or laptop with a working webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. A headset is recommended for the best audio quality. No special software is required beyond the Zoom app, which is free to use. We will send you all the details to join before your course begins.

For individual lessons, we offer an optional trial lesson (50 minutes) so you can meet your teacher and get a feel for our approach before buying a bundle. For group courses, we occasionally run trial/taster sessions — contact us to find out what is currently available. Take our free English level test first so we can recommend the right course for you.

We offer several course types to suit different goals. All Skills and English Mornings cover all language areas — vocabulary, grammar, speaking, pronunciation, listening, reading, and writing — with conversation as the main activity. Conversation Skills courses focus exclusively on spoken English: expressing opinions, debates, presentations, handling difficult situations. Conversation & Grammar courses combine speaking practice with grammar sessions at the teacher's discretion. Business English focuses on formal and professional language in a dynamic, speaking-centred way. Essential Skills is oral-focused with a native speaker teacher, following thematic 4-lesson blocks. Pronunciation & Phonetics courses are exclusively focused on phonetics — learning English sounds and how they differ from Italian. We also offer exam preparation courses and courses for Kids.

These courses are exclusively focused on the phonetic aspects of English — teaching you to recognise and reproduce English vowel sounds, understand similarities and differences with Italian, and dramatically improve your pronunciation. They are useful for any level, from B1 to C2, and everyone starts at Level 1. We offer group courses (max 12 students, €250 for 10 lessons), an on-demand video course (€150 for 6 months' access), private lessons (€50/h, minimum 4 lessons), and in-person Workshops (see our dedicated page for dates and location of our next one). A minimum English level of B1 is required.

Yes. We prepare students for all Cambridge exams. We also run IELTS preparation group courses in collaboration with the British Council. The course covers exam techniques, and students benefit from online preparation resources, a discounted exam registration fee (€15 instead of the standard price), an optional orientation webinar on IELTS, and the possibility of written and speaking feedback from a British Council expert. A minimum English level of B1 is required. Note: unlike Cambridge exams, IELTS is scored on a band scale and is suitable for multiple levels in the same class.

Yes. We offer dedicated group courses for children aged 8–10 and 11–13. KIDS courses are game-based and focus on core vocabulary, correct pronunciation, and an introduction to grammar — immersing children in English in a fun and engaging way, including complete beginners. Classes are held once a week on Zoom (max 10 students). All materials are provided by us. We do not offer courses for children under 8. Reviews are normally excellent and kids have an amazing time with us.

We teach all levels. Our most popular courses are B1 (Intermediate) and B2/C1 (Upper-Intermediate to Advanced). Not sure of your level? Take our free English level test, once you share your result with us, we will recommend the most suitable course.

Our primary focus is English, but we also offer courses in Italian, French, and Spanish. All languages are taught by qualified, experienced teachers. Contact us if you are interested in a specific language and we will let you know what is currently available.

We offer the option to move to a different course if the level does not feel right. Our level test is a helpful guide, but it is not always perfectly precise — what matters is that you feel comfortable and challenged in the right way. Just let us or your teacher know and we will find the best solution.

Individual lessons are one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes, fully tailored to your goals. You can choose between an Italian-speaking teacher or a native English speaker (or UK-based teacher). Before matching you with a teacher, we ask about your level, objectives, schedule, and whether you prefer lessons in English only or with some Italian support. You can also opt for an initial trial lesson before committing to a bundle.

Prices vary depending on the teacher type. We recommend checking our dedicated page for the most up-to-date costs:

Customised lessons are tailor-made for you by the teacher, based on your main needs: business English, grammar, exam preparation, and so on. Free Talking sessions are slots of free conversation where the only purpose is to get speaking practice. We will give you feedback and teach you some extra vocabulary, but we will not provide a specific learning programme. This package is perfect for people who have very little time but still want to practise in a fun, no-stress way. If you need structured learning progress, we recommend Customised lessons instead.

Yes. We offer a dedicated Interview Preparation programme: 2 targeted sessions designed to build your confidence, refine your vocabulary, and practise real scenarios. This service is currently available exclusively with Arianna or Michele, at €40/50 min (total €80 for both sessions). For broader professional English support, we also recommend individual lessons or our Business English courses.

A bundle of 4 lessons is valid for 3 months from the date of your first lesson. A bundle of 10 lessons is valid for 6 months from the date of your first lesson. We recommend planning your lessons from the start, so you make the most of your package within the validity period.

Group sizes are intentionally small — a maximum of 10 students for standard courses, and up to 12 for Pronunciation & Phonetics courses. This guarantees high interaction, personalised attention, and a genuinely engaging learning environment.

Good news — all group classes are recorded and shared on the OLL platform after each session, so you can watch them at any time. For individual lessons, if you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify your teacher at least 24 hours in advance — otherwise the lesson will be counted as used.

Group courses follow a set weekly timetable published at the start of each term. Individual lessons are scheduled by agreement with your teacher, within the window of 09:30 to 17:30 UK time, Monday to Friday. Lunchtime slots are also available for those with busy working schedules.

Yes — you can enrol at any time, as long as places are still available. We operate on a quarterly basis (autumn, winter, spring, and summer terms). If a course is fully booked, we can add you to the waiting list and notify you when a space opens or when a new equivalent course is launched.

No. All teaching materials are prepared and provided by your teacher — you do not need to buy any textbooks. The only exception are the exam preparation courses, where the teacher may recommend purchasing a practice book for self-study exercises.

Most students notice a meaningful improvement within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent lessons, particularly in spoken confidence and fluency. With two or more sessions per week, progress is significantly faster. Results depend on your starting level, your attendance, and how much you practise between lessons — your teacher will give you honest feedback and guidance throughout.

Yes. A Certificate of Attendance is available at the end of every course and can be downloaded directly from the OLL platform. Please note that courses are removed from the platform after two weeks from the end date, so make sure you download your certificate in time. Individual lesson students should request it from us directly.

Yes. We offer exam preparation courses for Cambridge English (including First and Advanced) and IELTS in collaboration with the British Council. Speak to us and we can advise on the best preparation route for your target qualification.

Start by taking our free English level test at the link below. Then contact us by email at info@onlinelanguagelessons.uk or via WhatsApp on +44 7874212432. Send us a screenshot of your test result and tell us your goals. We will reply within one working day with our recommendations and all the details to enrol.

You can pay directly on our website by debit or credit card, or by bank transfer — we will send you the payment details once you confirm your interest. Please note that we are based abroad and unfortunately cannot accept the Carta del Docente (Italian teacher payment card).

Yes! Gift vouchers are a lovely way tohe give someone the gift of language learning. You can purchase a voucher with or without a level test for the recipient. Vouchers can be bought for any amount (minimum €25) at and are valid for 12 months. The recipient will need to contact us as soon as possible after receiving the voucher to complete a level test and confirm their enrolment before courses fill up.

For specific cancellation and refund terms, please contact us at the time of booking — conditions may vary by course type. For individual lessons, the lesson is counted as used if you do not notify your teacher of a cancellation by the evening of the day before. You can find more information at