You do not need previous teaching experience to take CELTA. Whether you feel stuck in your current job, have just finished university, or already work in education, CELTA helps you develop practical skills and gives you clear support. It also provides a qualification that is recognised worldwide.
Our CELTA students come from many different backgrounds. Some are recent graduates, some are changing careers, and others are online teachers or planning to move abroad. What they have in common is the decision to try something new and the wish to feel confident when teaching a class.
IH Manchester students.
IH Manchester student.
 | Course type: | - Face to Face in Manchester - Full time and part time |
 | Course Location: | 5th Floor, Arthur House. Chortlon Street, Manchester, M1 3FH |
 | Hours per week: | Full time course: 30 hours per week Part time course: 10 hours per week |
 | Class size: | Maximum 12 students per class |
 | Minimum English Level required: | C1 |
| Full time course dates and prices: | 4 weeks Monday to Friday, 1:15 pm – 8:45 pm 11 May – 5 Jun 2026 13 Jul – 7 Aug 2026 10 Aug – 4 Sep 2026 14 Sep – 9 Oct 2026 23 Nov – 18 Dec 2026 | Early bird price: £1450.00 (pay in full 21 days before the course begins) Regular price: £1550.00 |
| Part time course dates: | 12 weeks Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm AND Saturdays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm 5 Sep – 28 Nov 2026 | Early bird price: £1450.00 (pay in full 21 days before the course begins) Regular price: £1550.00 |
On a full-time CELTA, weekdays are structured around tutor input, guided lesson planning, live teaching practice, and detailed feedback. While the precise timing can vary slightly, the overall pattern is consistent.
Input Sessions
In the early afternoons, you take part in input sessions. During these, tutors explain important topics such as teaching methods, understanding language, planning lessons, and managing the classroom. These sessions are practical and connected closely to your teaching practice, with a strong focus on how ideas from theory can be used in real classroom situations.
Assisted Lesson Planning
Later in the day, there is usually a session for assisted lesson planning, often held the day before you teach. During these sessions, your tutor works closely with your teaching practice group to help with lesson goals, materials, lesson structure, and possible difficulties learners might have. This support helps you prepare well for your upcoming lessons.
Teaching Practice
Teaching practice usually takes place most afternoons. On a full-time course, each session lasts about two hours, with several trainees taking turns to teach. When it is your turn, you will normally teach a lesson of around 40–45 minutes. During the course, you will usually teach two to three times a week, working with real English language learners.
Feedback Session
Immediately after teaching practice, you take part in a feedback session with your tutor. This is an important part of the CELTA course and looks in detail at what happened in your lesson, how learners responded, and how your teaching meets the CELTA assessment criteria.
Independent Study
Alongside the daily sessions, there is also a lot of independent work. This includes preparing lessons, doing background reading, and completing written assignments. On a full-time course, you usually complete one written assignment each week, working through all four CELTA assignments during the course. Many trainees spend several hours in the evenings preparing for the next day.
Each week on the part-time CELTA course includes a block of input sessions held on Saturdays. These sessions cover teaching methods, language awareness, and lesson planning, giving both the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for the week’s teaching.
During the week, you also attend evening sessions twice a week focused on teaching practice. On teaching days, you usually start with assisted lesson planning, then teach a lesson with real learners, and finish with tutor-led feedback. This cycle helps you plan, teach, reflect, and improve regularly.
On the part-time course, you can expect to teach one lesson each week. Written assignments are spread out, with one due approximately every three weeks.
In addition to the scheduled sessions, there is a lot of independent work. This includes preparing lessons, reading, and writing assignments. Overall, alongside the in-person sessions, you should expect to spend about 6 to 8 hours per week on independent study and preparation.
No. CELTA is designed as an initial teacher training qualification. Many candidates have no formal teaching experience when they start the course.
No. You should have finished secondary schooling and be ready for university-level study, but you do not need a degree to do the course.
You need a strong command of English, typically equivalent to high C1 (advanced) or above. You do not need to present certificates to prove your level. Your level is assessed as part of the application and interview process.
Assessment is continuous and based on a combination of 6 hours of observed teaching practice and 4 written assignments completed during the course.
No. CELTA does not have a final written exam. You are assessed continuously through teaching practice and assignments.
You will plan and teach lessons to real adult learners of English, which DC Teacher Training organise. There will be about 8 to 14 students in the classes you teach. You will receive support from your tutors when planning and you will be provided with teaching materials. Each teaching practice session is observed by a CELTA tutor, followed by detailed oral and written feedback to help you improve.
CELTA is recognised by employers worldwide. We provide guidance, support and resources on next steps and job-hunting after the course. All graduates will have the opportunity for one-to-one meetings with our team after the course to help them find work.
IH Manchester students.
IH Manchester teacher.
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