About Us
Select English Cambridge

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About Us

English Courses in Cambridge

Select English was established in Cambridge 1991; we are committed to providing high quality, personalised teaching that helps our students achieve their learning goals.  

We treat all of our students as individuals and offer a friendly, stimulating, inclusive and supportive environment to help our students at every stage of their time with us.  

We believe studying English courses in Cambridge with us is a unique experience. Cambridge is an exceptional place to study and is rich with culture, beautiful architecture and independent shops. 

We offer a range summer courses for students aged from 10 upwards as well as tailor-made group courses for school groups throughout the year. 

Why choose a summer course at Select English Cambridge?

Quality Tuition

At Select English, we pride ourselves in the quality of our language classes. Our teachers are qualified, experienced and passionate about helping our students to improve their English.   

Small Classes

Students are taught in small groups where the maximum class size is 14, and groups are normally even smaller than that.  

International experience

Students from all over the world to study at Select English – from as far away as Brazil or Indonesia to just a short hop across the Channel from France. 

Young learner courses

Select English offers a range of summer courses for young students, including the popular Cambridge Junior course for students aged 13-17 and our courses at Culford school for students aged 10*-13 and 13-16. 

*students aged 8 will be accepted on Culford Young Learners course if accompanied by a group leader

Beautiful locations

Our permanent school building is in central Cambridge, close to the magnificent University of Cambridge Botanical Garden and the historic colleges of the university. Our courses at Culford school take place in one of the most beautiful boarding schools in England. 

Engaging activity programmes

Our activity programmes allow students to visit University of Cambridge colleges, try punting on the River Cam or join excursions to get to know other UK cities such as London. 

Study in a University of Cambridge College

During July and August, we offer the opportunity to live and study at Magdalene College, which sits right on banks of the River Cam and is one of the loveliest of all the colleges in Cambridge. 

Good Quality Accommodation

Stay in our comfortable, conveniently located residential accommodation – or in one of our carefully chosen and inspected homestays in Cambridge. 

Individual care

We have an Accommodation Officer, a Welfare Officer responsible for student welfare, and a 24-hour emergency phone number so that students can always contact a senior member of the school management team should the need arise.  

Free airport transfers

On our summer courses we offer free airport transfers for most students – view the transfer details on each course page for more information. 

Academic team

Nadine Kaminska – Director of Studies

I love meeting students from different countries and cultures and this is one of the key reason I enjoy my work at Select English.


Over the years students from more than 50 different countries have studied with us, all with different learning goals. Whether you’re studying to pass an exam, such as IELTS, need to improve your English for your career, or are simply looking to get better at expressing yourself, our team of dedicated teachers will be there to help you reach your goals.


What our students most like about our school is our teaching team, busy social programme and the importance we give to students’ progress. We conduct regular, one-to-one tutorials because we care about making your time with us productive and enjoyable. Our small class sizes ensure we can give you the attention you need.


Cambridge is a fantastic place to study and stay. It’s student-friendly, safe, and, above all, beautiful goals. 

Our teaching team is enthusiastic, fun, friendly and motivated.

Here is a little information about some of our teachers:

Kate O’toole – academic manager

I’ve worked in English language teaching for over 20 years, teaching children, teenagers and adults in Hong Kong, London, Madrid and Cambridge. I first started working at Select summer school in 2006 and moved to Cambridge in 2010 to take up a full-time position at the school. I have an MSc in TESOL and Trinity Diploma in TESOL. In the past, I’ve worked as a Cambridge examiner and DELTA tutor.
I enjoy meeting students from all over the world and helping them to achieve their study goals. 

Ben archer

I have a degree in German and French and have taught English in Poland. I have worked at Select since 2007 and am DELTA qualified.

In my spare time I love to cook and study languages, I am currently trying to perfect my German and Turkish. I really enjoy the professional atmosphere in the Select English staff room and I am always happy to share my experiences with colleagues and students.

David Newstead

I’ve taught English for over 10 years. The majority of that experience has been teaching in language centres, but I also have experience in managerial roles, academies and tutoring young adults with learning difficulties. I’ve taught in England, Spain, Norway, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In 2022 I completed a Trinity Diploma in TESOL. I love being in the classroom and meeting students from around the world. 

Filiz Aydinlioglu

My teaching career began overseas in 1998, teaching young learners English as a foreign & second language. I moved back to the UK in 2000 and have been teaching adults in Cambridge since then. I completed my DELTA in 2007 and joined the Select English team in 2022.

I enjoy teaching General English and Exam preparation classes and sharing creative ideas with other colleagues. I love meeting students from all over the world and helping them to reach their goals and feel that I learn a lot from them about their cultures too.

About us

Sam Gross – Executive Manager

I’ve worked my whole adult life in English teaching.  After taking a CELTA in 1995 I taught in Mexico for 7 years and China for 2 before returning to the UK and starting work for Select English as Marketing and Operations Manager in 2004.  In 2014 I became Executive Manager and have been a co-owner of Select English since 2021.

I like the fact that most of our team have experience living and working overseas, which I think helps us all empathise with international students and understand their needs and the challenges they face in the UK.

Though I focus more on the business side of the school these days and it’s been a while since I dug out my CELTA certificate, I enjoy the atmosphere my colleagues, the students and all our group leaders from around the world create here. 

Alex Howlett – school Director

I started with Select English in 2011 as a Social Organiser, I then trained to be a teacher, before being offered a job in the Operations team, I later took on a position in the Marketing department before being promoted to Senior Marketing Manager. In 2021 I became one of the three owners.

I have a degree in Russian History and a Master’s in Education. I believe I am driven, personable, trustworthy, and diligent, these character traits have been invaluable while working in the international education industry.

Rob Hesketh – school Director

I grew up in Cambridge, and love the city; I love passing on the benefit of this experience to our students and group leaders – suggesting an excursion or visit that a student or group might otherwise have missed out on. A little local knowledge can help to turn a good trip into an unforgettable experience.   

I have been part of the Select English team since 2002; over the twenty years many of our partners around the world have become friends. I relish the chance to work with them to bring new students to visit our school in Cambridge. 

dan JONES – sales and marketing manager

I have worked at Select English for several years, starting as an Activity leader and working as a Teacher, Course Director and now Sales and Marketing Manager.

Outside of work, I enjoy everything football, playing the guitar and long-distance cycling. I enjoy working at Select because of the friendly atmosphere and opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and from all around the world!

Aline Terra Felix – Business Development and operations Manager

After joining Select English as Administrative Assistant in February 2023, I am now responsible for our clients and growth in the LATAM region.

I have a degree in Tourism and MBA and masters degree in Strategic Management Information. I am half Brazilian and half Uruguayan, which is where I grew up and studied. I love travelling, discovering new places and cultures and spending time with friends. I also really enjoy reading.

I like meeting new people and communicating, and the environment here at Select is wonderful for that.

Olivia Hodson – Student services manager

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About Cambridge

Cambridge is globally recognised as a hub of international education and English language learning, making it a great place for students to study. 

It’s a small city of just over 100,000 people so it’s quick and convenient to move around; it’s very safe and has a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.  

Thanks to the great number of cultural and historical points of interest, in Cambridge you will never have a dull moment. You can take tours around the university buildings or enjoy some time in a cafe. If you like to shop, head to the Grand Arcade or walk around the charming streets that surround it. Try punting on the River Cam for a real Cambridge experience. There are also plenty of green areas where you can play sports or just relax. 

Cambridge is close to other major cities and sights. London is only a short 45 minute train journey away. Heathrow and Stansted airport are just 1.5 hours and 30 minutes from Cambridge respectively. 

Top 5 things to do in Cambridge

1. Visit King’s College

King’s, founded in 1441 by Henry VI, lies on the River Cam and has its own imposing Gothic chapel. It boasts many famous alumni from scientists like Alan Turing, to novelists such as EM Forster.

2. Go punting

Loved by staff and students alike, a relaxing punt along the Cam under a blue, sunny sky is the perfect way to spend your afternoon after class.

3. Take Tea at Grantchester Orchards

Get a taste of the British countryside by walking to Grantchester and taking tea and scones in the Orchard Tea Gardens. Follow in the footsteps of Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, EM Forster and John Maynard Keynes. 

4. Visit one of the many great museums

There are many famous museums, including the Fitzwilliam, which always provides an interesting excursion for our students.

5. Quality shopping

Ted Baker, Apple, Fossil, John Lewis, Tag Heuer, Levis, L.K Bennet London – these are just some of the fashion and technology outlets that can be found in the centre of Cambridge, not to mention the ever popular Primark.

How to contact us

To book or enquire about a course

Contact Kea: info@selectenglish.co.uk

To get a quote, enquire about bringing a group, or visit the school

Contact Sam: 0044 (0) 1223 313211 or email sam.gross@selectenglish.co.uk

To discuss your accommodation or become a homestay

Contact the Accommodation Team: 0044 (0) 1223 364735 or email accommodation@selectenglish.co.uk

To discuss paying course fees

Contact Accounts: 0044 (0) 1223 364735

For information about lessons, syllabus, IELTS preparation or if you want to teach with us

Contact Nadine: 0044 (0) 1223 315359 or email nadine.kaminska@selectenglish.co.uk

If you want to make a complaint

Contact Sam: 0044 (0) 1223 364735 or email sam.gross@selectenglish.co.uk

What our students are saying