Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions for Students

We closed our school building when the government advised us to do so but we didn’t stop teaching: all our courses moved online and are still available online. LSI/IH Portsmouth’s Exam Centre reopened in April 2021.

Yes! All of our courses are available either face-to-face or online so even if you have to quarantine when you in arrive in the UK, you will still be able to join your class online

We want to give you peace of mind for your upcoming study plans, so we have revised our T&Cs to make them more flexible, so you can Book with Confidence. Full details can be found here.

To ensure the safety of all our students, staff and visitors, we have carried out an extensive risk assessment which you can read here.

The desks in our classrooms have been spaced far enough apart to socially distance in line with government guidelines. We have introduced special cleaning and hygiene regimes. Break times have been staggered depending on which course you are doing, so there will be fewer students in the corridor and stairs at the same time. Sanitation stations have been set up around the school and in every classroom.

Although you don’t have to wear a mask when you are in your bubble (with your classmates and in your host family), you will need to wear a mask while in communal areas and moving around the school.

Yes! Our Exam Centre is open and running all exams as scheduled, including OET , IELTS and Cambridge exams.

Depending on what country you are travelling from, you may have to quarantine on arrival to the UK. You can check whether or not you have to quarantine by checking the UK government website. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-amber-and-green-list-rules-for-entering-england)

We offer a ‘Quarantine Package’ with one of our hand-picked homestay families, who will look after you during your quarantine period. Whilst in quarantine, your family will provide your three meals a day, and you will be able to do your course online until you are able to come to the School.

You will receive pastoral and welfare support from our Welfare Team who will ensure you have everything you need whilst quarantining.

The UK government are constantly reviewing the quarantining guidelines and we understand it can be confusing! If you have any questions about quarantining or travelling to the UK, our Student Services team are more than happy to help – just send us an email ([email protected]).

We will send you a handy pre-arrival guide a few weeks before your due to start your course with us. It contains all the information you will need before leaving your country, as well as a checklist of all the things you need to bring with you on your first day. For the pre-arrival guide, please click here.

Current UK Government advice is that everyone should walk to cycle to work/school where this is possible and only to use public transport if it is absolutely necessary. We will endeavor to place you in a homestay that is within walking distance of the school; however, please note that the walk time may be up to 30 minutes. If you are staying in our self-catering accommodation, the school is only a two minutes’ walk away!

Our classrooms have all been laid out so that you will have your own desk and be socially distanced from other students and the teacher.

There will be social distancing in place; all equipment and furniture will be wiped down before and after class and you will have your own desk. However, you will still be able to communicate and interact with your classmates and teacher – and make the most out of your learning experience.

As a member of a homestay family, you become part of their “household bubble” which means you live, eat and socialise together. However, hosts will maintain a high degree of cleanliness and will endeavor to follow all government guidelines on social distancing, where appropriate. Our hosts will provide support and help with food and other items if you need to self-isolate at any point during your stay. Please note, you will not be able to change homestay during your quarantine/ self-isolation period.

We recommend you book for our private airport transfer, as this is the safest and most convenient way to travel to your accommodation. We can only arrange single transfers unless you are travelling with people you know. If you’d prefer to take public transport, you can find further information here.

Yes! Following the success of our online social programme, we will continue to run online activities as well as face-to-face ones too. The exact activities will be dependent on UK Government guidelines in place at the time. From May 17th, we there will be a welcome drink on Monday afternoons, an activity on Friday afternoons, plus plenty more online. Of course, when the weather allows it, our social programme will include lots of outdoor activities. Each activity will be risk assessed thoroughly before going ahead to ensure that any potential risk to students and staff is managed.

A copy of our monthly social programme can be found on this page.

LSI/IH Portsmouth has a café on the ground floor. 113 Café will be serving hot drinks, fresh juices, breakfast and lunch. There are also shops and cafes nearby where you will be able to buy food and drink.

Should the school be forced to close by the UK Government, your course will be moved online. You will be able to stay in your accommodation or you may choose to return home. Please consult our full Terms and Conditions for more information.

You need to let us know straight away if you feel unwell either by calling the school, emailing and contacting any staff or calling the emergency number outside opening hours. If you feel unwell, please do NOT come to school.
A COVID-19 test will need to be requested as soon as possible; you do not need to pay for a test in the UK. You can get help to request a test from our friendly Student Services Team.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 then you must self-isolate for at least 10 days. In addition, if you are with a homestay, they will also need to self-isolate. Our staff will keep in regular contact with you to ensure that you have everything you need and that you are well. If you need to consult a medical professional you can call 111. We can help you with this if you need to.

Yes, we are still running of our online courses while the school is open for face-to-face classes. However, if you are feeling unsafe, please talk to us. We want to make sure we are doing everything we can so you feel safe and comfortable during your time with us.

You can continue your course online! But remember, if you have been in contact with someone who has Covid-19, it is very important that you do not come to school!

Please get in contact with us – we are happy to help!