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Welcome to our school: we are passionate about giving you the best possible experience of England and the English language

Our school has been teaching students from all over the world since 1994. We are passionate about giving our students the best possible experience of England. Our teachers are committed to helping students improve their English. Our friendly staff are always happy to help make your time in England a success. We have been accredited by The British Council since July 2003. At our most recent inspection, strengths were noted in the areas of staff management, student administration, quality assurance, premises and facilities, learning resources, course design and implementation, care of students, leisure opportunities and care of under 18s. Read more. Our school is in the centre of Norwich, less than 5 minutes’ walk from the main shopping area and 2 minutes from most bus stops. Between lessons, students can relax in the Student Area and adults that accompany groups can wait for their students in the comfortable Group Leaders Area.

The English Experience welcomes students from different countries, cultures and backgrounds; all students are 18 years of age or under (young learners). Our school is committed to safeguarding and believes that all young learners, without exception, are entitled to protection from harm, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or belief. The school therefore recognises its duty of care to these young learners throughout their stay and has in place policies and procedures to assure their wellbeing. A summary of our Safeguarding Policy can be downloaded here.

Meet our Senior Team:

  • Carol Syder - Director

    I am the director of The English Experience. I started organising groups of foreign students visiting Norwich for a study holiday course in 1989 and officially founded The English Experience in 1994. The school has gone from strength to strength and we became British Council accredited in 2003. Our market is constantly changing and we are now welcoming students from all over the world, as well as developing our English Camps courses abroad.

    Please contact Carol if you wish to make any general enquiry about The English Experience.

    Email:[email protected]

  • Sylvia Davies - Welfare Officer and PA to the Director

    Welfare Officer

    I am the Personal Assistant to the Director. I started working for The English Experience in 1995 as the Host Family Organiser, and for the last five years I have been involved in student welfare and the running of the social progamme. The best thing about this role is helping students to have an unforgettable experience here, and leave with lasting memories. I enjoy the opportunities my work gives me to meet young learners and leaders from all over the world.

    Please speak to Sylvia for more information or about booking a course.

    Email:[email protected]

  • Samuel Hemingway - Manager of Overseas Courses CELTA, BA in Journalism

    I have been working in language schools for 11 years and have been lucky enough to experience living in some fantastic places such as Warsaw, Bologna, Sicily and Norwich! I am keen to use the knowledge and experience I have acquired to deliver wonderful English camp experiences for our young learners overseas.

    Please contact Sam if you are interested in English Camps and overseas courses.

    Email: [email protected]

  • Tom Chettleburgh - Assistant Manager of Overseas Courses

    I have been involved in the wonderful world of TEFL since 2010 and joined The English Experience in early 2023. Having taught in a number of locations overseas, it is a pleasure to be back living and working in my hometown of sunny Norwich! Sam and I are committed to providing fun and engaging English camps for our young learners in Europe.

    Email: [email protected]

  • Karen Dack - Accommodation Officer

    I have been a homestay host for many years and have hosted students from all over the world.  I am now Accommodation Officer and On-Call Coordinator and my role is to ensure your stay with your homestay host is an enjoyable experience and that you take home many happy memories.
    Please contact Karen for any hosting information.
    Email: [email protected]

  • Lauren Higginson - Head of Teaching CELTA, BSc

    I’ve been a member of the team since 2022, where I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with bright young minds from across the globe. I am passionate about travel and languages, and I love learning about our students’ cultures, as well as sharing my own. Ensuring that every visitor to Norwich enjoys a fulfilling and educational experience is my top priority, and I’m always available to provide insights into our courses.
    Please contact Lauren for any information about courses and studying at The English Experience.
    Email: [email protected]

  • Anoushka Roberts - Core Teacher CELTA, BA

    Anoushka joined the team in March 2024 and is our in-house Core Teacher. She has over 10 years teaching experience and has worked in the UK and abroad. Anoushka is an avid traveller and enjoys pottery-making in her free time.

  • Helen Cowles - Teacher CELTA, BA

    Helen joined the team in 2016, and she has helped many young learners prepare for international exams, such as IELTS.

  • Ellen Dowson - Teacher CELTA

    Ellen has worked with The English Experience for 14 years. In addition to being a teacher in Norwich and overseas with English Camps, she can also be found guiding students around the city and leading activities.

  • Adrienne Schuter - Teacher BA, CELTA

    Adrienne has been a teacher with The English Experience since 2011. She has a passion for screenwriting, film, and media.

  • Sophie Fauvel - Teacher CELTA

    Sophie joined the English Experience in 2022 and she has since worked as a teacher both in Norwich and abroad for English Camps. Sophie loves to travel and has a flair for fashion and drama.

  • Stephen Harris - Teacher CELTA, BA, MA.

    Stephen has been working with the English Experience for 5 years, and he has over 20 years’ of teaching experience in the UK and overseas. He enjoys playing tennis doubles, trekking in the mountains, and exploring Norfolk by bicycle and boat.

  • Hannah Barrah - Teacher CELTA, DELTA, BA

    Hannah has worked with The English Experience for 12 years. She is our resident IELTS expert and has helped many groups prepare for international exams.

  • Kate Ambler - Teacher CELTA, BA

    Kate has worked with the English Experience since 2017 and enjoys sharing her knowledge of British Culture and education.

Click to see our gallery of pictures of our school