IELTS opens doors to universities, work visas and professional registration. Our Academic IELTS courses focus on the real exam skills: targeted practice, timing, and feedback you can act on. You will learn how the test is marked, what examiners want to see, and how to improve your score effectively without relying on “tricks”.
We cover all four papers – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking – with special attention to common question types, exam technique and band improvement. Lessons include guided practice, teacher feedback and clear follow-up tasks.
Castleforbes College offers Academic IELTS Preparation in two formats:
This is a focused 1-hour per day Academic IELTS preparation class for learners who already have a strong level of English and want targeted support for the exam.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 12:30–13:30
Minimum entry level: B2
This course is suitable for learners who want a short, focused Academic IELTS preparation option and, where appropriate, it may also be taken alongside a General English timetable.
This option is for learners booking the 25-week programme and selecting Academic IELTS as their exit exam.
Learners must have a minimum B1 level on entry, based on placement testing.
For the first 20 weeks, learners attend General English (15 hours per week) in either the morning or afternoon timetable. For the final 5 weeks, learners move into a 15-hour-per-week Academic IELTS preparation class, based on timetable.
During these final 5 weeks, learners attend the Academic IELTS preparation class instead of their General English class.
The expectation for this pathway is that learners progress from minimum B1 on entry towards B2 level before beginning the final 5-week Academic IELTS preparation block.
The standalone 1-hour Academic IELTS Preparation course is a separate course and is not the same as the 25-week General English with Academic IELTS exit exam pathway.
Standalone Academic IELTS Preparation
25-Week General English with Academic IELTS Exit Exam
We’ll map your current level to the band descriptors and set a realistic plan to reach your goal.
Students are required to do a placement test before they attend their first day at the college. The function of this test is to begin a personalised learning path for each student. It is important that students complete this test without any help, either online, or from other people, so that they are placed in the correct level.
Both. We’ll confirm your target and tailor tasks and practice materials accordingly.
From B1+. We’ll do a quick check and suggest the best pathway to your target band.
Yes. We’ll guide you through choosing a date and completing registration with an authorised test centre.
It depends on your starting level and target. As a rough guide, moving ½ band can take 6–8 weeks of steady study. We’ll assess you and set a realistic plan.
Absolutely. Many students take General English AM/PM for core language and add the 12:30–13:30 IELTS class for targeted exam prep.
