LILA, English school in Liverpool, England
LILA has been teaching English in Liverpool since 2004, in a school that has remained independent, right in the city centre. Here is who they are, how they teach, what sets them apart, and the centre we offer.
Who is LILA?
LILA — written LILA* on its official website — is an independent language school founded in 2004 in Liverpool by two sisters, Leanne Linacre and Victoria Bligh, who are still co-owners. It is now part of the UKLC Education Group, through a strategic partnership.
On its website, the school announces more than 15,000 students welcomed, of more than 100 nationalities. It also offers, outside our catalogue, college programmes (A Levels, BTEC), programmes for young people and teacher training.
We offer its Liverpool centre, at New Barratt House (North John Street).
How they teach
The General English course is a full-time course of 15 hours per week, Monday to Friday, at three hours per day. In our catalogue, it has 20 lessons of 45 minutes per week; the “Plus” option has 28.
Classes have a maximum of 15 students, with an announced average of 10 to 12. Levels range from A1 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. Course fees include a LILA* level test, a welcome pack and an end-of-course certificate.
Courses start every Monday, for a free duration from one week. According to the school, the English teachers hold at least the CELTA (level 5).
What sets LILA apart
- An independent school, in the city centre. Founded by two sisters who still co-run it, located near the Cavern Club and Albert Dock.
- Recent recognition. According to the school, the 2026 ISI inspection gave it the “Exceeds Expectations” rating; it received a PIEoneer Award for language provider of the year in 2023.
- A regular social programme. Regular walking tours with a local guide, English club, “coffee and conversation”, weekend excursions (Wales, Lake District, York, Chester, Manchester) and group trips to London and Edinburgh. Activities are paid, from £8; weekend excursions, from £60.
- An English and football course. Fifteen hours of General English plus seven hours of football training per week, with a Liverpool football college, for ages 16-24, from September to June.
Its programmes, and for whom
In our catalogue: General English (20 lessons per week), General English Plus (28 lessons), Cambridge FCE and CAE preparation (20 lessons), General English Plus IELTS (28 lessons) and English + football (20 lessons, from 4 to 52 weeks). The other courses last from 1 to 52 weeks.
All are English courses for students and adults. Outside our catalogue, the school also offers part-time IELTS, private lessons, programmes for young people and college courses: they are not presented here.
The centre, in detail
LILA — Liverpool
England
New Barratt House, 47 North John Street, in the centre of Liverpool; according to the school, the Cavern Club on Mathew Street is about five minutes’ walk away. The residences are also in the centre, 15-20 minutes’ walk from the school; host families are 20-45 minutes away by public transport.
Sources: LILA official website (lilalovetolearn.com), consulted on 7 November 2026; catalogue and prices: Synergee.