School Information
English Only Policy
Nelson English Centre operates an ENGLISH ONLY policy at all times within the boundaries of the school.
How to enrol
Nelson English Centre (NEC) is for students, aged 14 or older.
You can:
Use an NEC educational consultant*
Send an email to admin@english-school.ac.nz
Use the online application form
* Contact Nelson English Centre if you need the name of a consultant near you.
Student Visa
If you plan to study for more than 12 weeks, you will need a student visa. For more information, speak to your educational consultant or NZIS office. www.immigration.govt.nz
Airport/Bus Station Transfer
An airport/bus station pick up is $60. ($75 for U18) Most students fly to Nelson and the most convenient connection is Auckland-Nelson or Christchurch-Nelson. If you would like to book a flight it can be done at
Homestay
Please see our price list for up to date homestay costs
Homestay includes:
Breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday
3 meals Saturday and Sunday
Own room and study area with internet
Over Christmas the homestay price includes 3 meals and extra festive season food or holiday accommodation. Please look at the Nelson English Centre A to Z.
Bank Details
Payment is required 4 weeks before study (or earlier if a student visa is required). We have now changed our student fee protection to NZ Public Trust – please deposit fees into the Public Trust bank account number below and use the PTE Ref number below as the reference.
Bank Name: Bank of New Zealand
Branch Name: North End Branch
Bank Address: 100 Lambton Quay, Wellington
Account Name: Public Trust Nelson English Centre
Bank account: 020536030586501
Swift Code: BKNZNZ22
PTE Ref. C L I 0 0 5 4 8 0 9 0
Christmas and New Year
NEC will be closed for two weeks over the Christmas / New Year break. The last day of school will be Friday 20th December 2024. NEC will re-open on Monday 6th January 2025. Please remember the Christmas break when making any bookings.
Insurance and Refunds
NEC has a ‘No Refund’ policy other than the specific exemptions required by New Zealand law (see Conditions of Enrolment). We recommend insurance that covers early cancellation of the course. Also, you must have medical insurance; the school will verify this on the first day. This is a NZ government requirement.
Tuition refunds
If tuition is cancelled before the start date there is no cancellation fee
If a student is denied a visa before the start of their course, NEC will provide a full refund of tuition fees received less any bank charges.
Full time study cannot be substituted to Part time study.
If a student takes a holiday from school, any tuition weeks that cannot be used will not be refunded.
Tuition weeks cannot be transferred to other students.
If the course that was advertised cannot be offered then a full refund will be provided
NEC has a NO REFUND policy, other than the specific exemptions required by NZ law
Courses of more than three months. (Courses of at least 13 weeks plus 1 day) - Students withdrawing within the first 10 working days of the course will be refunded in full less a deduction for costs incurred by the Nelson English Centre, up to a max of 25% of the total fee paid.
Courses of more than 5 weeks, but less than three months. (Courses of 13 weeks or less) - Where a student withdraws within the first 5 days of the course, tuition fees are refundable less 25%.
Courses of 5 weeks and less - Where a student withdraws within the first two days of the course, tuition fees are refundable less 50%.
2024 Public Holidays
First day of school in 2024 is Monday 6th January 2024
Nelson Anniversary Day – Monday 29th January 2024
Waitangi Day – Tuesday 6th February 2024
Good Friday – Friday 29th March 2024
Easter Monday – Monday 1st April 2024
Anzac Day – Thursday 25th April 2024
King’s Birthday – Monday 3rd June 2024
Matariki - Friday 28th June 2024
Labour Day – Monday 28th October 2024
Course Information
General English (max 14 per class)
Students of all ability levels and aged 14 years or over may enrol. After a placement test, students will be put into a class at the appropriate level, with one teacher for the morning and another for the afternoon. The syllabus systematically guides students in developing their use of English for effective communication. Progress is carefully monitored in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Morning classes aim to introduce and consolidate new language items, with particular attention to vocabulary and grammar. Afternoon work boosts fluency, building confidence in a wide range of speaking, writing, reading and listening activities.
Cambridge Examination Preparation Courses (max 12 per class)
Students are expected to have a reasonable chance of success in the examination for which they are preparing. The academic director may request a special entry test for FCE and CAE classes. Where proficiency requirements are not met, students may continue to study in the General English programme at the appropriate level. Daily homework is required to review material covered in class.
IELTS Preparation (max 14 per class)
For candidates registered to take the IELTS test, intensive afternoon preparation classes replace the General English afternoon programme before the test. Expert guidance is provided for both General Module and Academic Module candidates.
Timetable:
A breakdown of Teacher- Student contact hours at Nelson English Centre.
Our teachers are paid for 23 student contact hours per week. Therefore, a fulltime student at Nelson English Centre receives 23 hours of English tuition. 20.75 of these hours are face-to-face classroom lessons with their teacher. Also, students receive up to 75 minutes of writing feedback from their teacher weekly. Diary/Journal writing is encouraged in the school. Teachers mark students’ diaries and give individual feedback as required. So, in order to receive regular feedback and support from their teacher, students need to regularly write a diary. In addition, at the end of each morning and afternoon class, ‘Question & Answer’ sessions provide students with additional support in their learning. Students can ask their teachers to clarify grammar and language points, request extra help with pronunciation and vocabulary, or practise their speaking and listening in conversation with their teacher. Students on average receive an extra 45 minutes a week after morning classes, and 20 minutes a week after afternoon classes. Therefore, the face to-face classroom hours, combined with the formal diary writing and the informal question and answer times, gives each student 23 hours per week of English tuition. What’s more, there is a free activity after school each day where students have the opportunity to continue using English in a more social setting. Every Friday we also have a short graduation ceremony. This provides another chance for students to improve their listening skills, as well as giving leaving students the experience of preparing and delivering a speech in front of a large group of people. N.B. The extra 2.33 hours additional student support from teachers is a conservative figure. Many of our teachers give more of their time and support on top of this.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. What year was the school established ?
A. 1995
Q. Total number of classrooms?
A. 12
Q. Total number of students?
A. Please click on this link to our nationality mix as the number varies
Q. Capacity of students in peak season?
A. 140, but we often get 110 on average
Q. What is the minimum age limit?
A. 14 years
Q. When is your high season?
A. September to March
Q. What is the special focus of courses?
A. In the morning the focus is on grammar – using communicative methodology. In the afternoon the focus is on skills – speaking, reading, listening and writing.
Q. What is the education of teachers?
A. Minimum Cambridge RSA CELTA
Q. The ratio of teachers / students?
A. Student / teacher ratio = 7.5
Q. Maximum number students in class?
A. 14 (12 in our Cambridge classes)
Q. Free Internet access facility?
A. Yes
Q. Free Wireless internet access?
A. Yes
Q. What day can I start my General English Course?
A. Any Monday
Q. How do I enrol?
A. Click here