Frequently Asked Questions

Interactive classes, specialised activities, excursions and social events. Language tuition, full board onsite accommodation, 3 meals each day-plus snacks, an exciting social programme of activities, return airport transfers (scheduled dates), insurance, one full day excursion per week, special events e.g. barbecues, shows etc.

Bookings open in October for the following summer. CLAC is popular with returning students and the mother tongue quota for some nationalities fills up quickly so early booking is advisable. We also recommend securing flights as early as possible and allowing time for visa applications if necessary. The CLAC administrator is always available for questions.

You can book a course at CLAC by completing our booking form here. You will then be asked to pay a deposit to secure your booking. If your child is accepted, the administrator will contact you with payment confirmation.

Port Regis School
Motcombe Park
Shaftesbury
SP7 9QA
United Kingdom
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CLAC
Old Buckenham Hall
Brettenham Park
Ipswich, Suffolk,
IP7 7PH
United Kingdom

All European Union citizens require an ESTA visa to enter the UK. We advise all applicants and parents to check the relevant UKBA website https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa 

Yes. A CLAC priority is to enrol students of as many different nationalities as possible. CLAC limits as much as possible the number of students who share the same mother tongue so that students are motivated to form international friendships.

CLAC does not recommend that students arrive or depart outside the scheduled course dates as it would lead to disruption of both CLAC administrative procedures and the students studies during their stay. The courses are designed to begin with a placement test and end with an Awards Ceremony with no interruption.

Yes. Transfers are included in the fees for arrivals and departures on scheduled course start and finish dates. The safety of students and peace of mind of parents are CLAC’s top priority on arrival and departure days. CLAC provides a personal care service at STANSTED and HEATHROW airports.

Several children who attend CLAC may be almost bi-lingual, have one or both parents who are English, have had an English au pair or been to school in England etc. The ‘Top Group’ at CLAC is always of a good Advanced Level and these students can work together on improving fluency, writing, vocabulary, idioms etc.

Yes. Parents can freely contact their children during the day outside classes and activities. The CLAC office can also update you on your child via email and there are regular blog posts during the course. 

The main purpose of a CLAC course is language learning, fun and friendships. Lifelong international friendships are made in the shared bedrooms, where students talk together and bond in a shared experience. None of the bedrooms at CLAC are ensuite, but separate bathroom and shower facilities for boys and girls are ample.

We place students in bedrooms according to same age and aim to mix nationalities to maximise language exchange and making new friends. Our priority, however, is for students to be happy so requests for sharing are met wherever possible.

Yes. Our staff live on-site and their bedrooms are well positioned for close supervision and 24 hour on-call care at the school. The safety of students and peace of mind of parents are CLAC’s top priority. CLAC has an experienced residential Housemother who oversees the welfare of the students.

Yes. Visitors are welcome provided the Centre Manager has been informed beforehand and has confirmed that it is convenient. If you wish to see a particular staff member, an appointment must be made. All visitors are required to sign in at the CLAC office and wear a visitor’s badge to distinguish who they are.

Yes. The food at CLAC is cooked on site. There are usually at least two hot choices available for lunch and dinner – one of them is always vegetarian- and there is always a salad bar with bread and fresh fruit available. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated – please inform the CLAC office team before the course begins.

CLAC has a special scheme for past students when they reach 18 years of age. They can become ‘Student Leaders’ and earn a ‘Certificate of Leadership’ at the end of the course by having been a role model during the course, helping with classes, activities, in the office and other small tasks. They are still ‘students’ and pay half-price fees which include full=board and separate accommodation from regular students. All details and Application through the Director Anne George anne@clac.org.uk

Many, many students return to CLAC each summer. This high return rate makes CLAC especially friendly and homely. CLAC students invented our motto: “CLAC Friends are Friend Forever”.

Yes. money, return tickets, passports and I.D. cards are handed in to the Centre Manager’s office on arrival for safe keeping. There is a secure system for keeping and recording pocket money. Students may access the ”CLAC Bank” to check their balance, withdraw and give back money during certain times displayed in the office.

No. Everything at the school is already paid for – classes, learning materials, activities, food etc. Pocket money is only needed for our on-campus Tuck Shop and for any off-campus shopping trips and optional extra visits or activities we may organise. A ‘CLAC Bank’ in the school office keeps student pocket money and credit cards safe until they need it.

CLAC provides free Wifi access during scheduled times for students. This time is restricted so that students make the most of their opportunity to enjoy time mixing and making friends. Each student has a personal mobile phone box in the CLAC office to keep their phone during night-time, classes and programmed activities.