Southbourne School of English

Haruno, one of our lovely Japanese students, has been having a wonderful time at the school. In a test essay she wrote about her experience so far, and we’d like to share it with you:

“In Southbourne, everything is new for me. I found a lot of differences between Japan and here. First of all, the willingness of the students for lessons are better than in Japan. In Japan few people want to say something in front of people, but it wasn’t here. I felt that [it] is very nice and we have to be like them.

Second, the atmosphere of the town and people is totally different. People in here are very friendly. When I say “hello”, everyone smiles at me and says it back. I’m very happy with that.

Third, there are a lot of differences in my daily life. The foods are totally different here. In Japan, we basically eat rice, but they don’t here. It is not a surprising thing, but I enjoy the difference. Also the ingredients are different. Miso and soy sauce is not common here, I think.

10 days have passed since I came to Southbourne, and I enjoy many of differences from Japan and here. I want to continue learning something new.” 🇯🇵🇬🇧❤️

Now I know what you’re thinking: “Wow, Paul looks very good for his age!” 👴🏻 But no, it’s actually Southbourne School of English’s 60th Birthday! 🎉🥳🎂

From 1966 to 2026, we’ve welcomed many students to the school, offering English programmes to students of levels from beginner to advanced.

We would love to hear from anyone who has studied with us in the past, whether it was a month ago or 60+ years ago!

Please tell us about your life at the school, what you did with your English, what you have achieved, and what you are up to now… or simply just comment when you studied with us! ❤️

SUN-sational Southbourne ☀️🫶 our summer English courses have been filled with sun and smily students! So far so good - 3 weeks left 📅

Summer has ARRIVED! ☀️ We’re excited for this season of activities combined with high-quality international English classes at our school in sunny Southbourne! 🇬🇧

We still have places available for summer courses from 1 week until 23rd August 2026! Send us a message ✉️

Ready for a summer of fun in the sun? ☀️ Enrol on our junior summer programme for students aged 9-15, from 28th June until 23rd August 2026! 🙌

Send us a direct message or enquiry on our website for more information 📧

Today is Abdullah’s last day! 🌟 He’s been with us since September 2025, and his English has improved from Beginner to Pre-Intermediate/Intermediate 📈🚀

Thanks for studying with us Abdullah! 👋

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Italo Gallina, beloved husband, father, businessman, and director of Southbourne School of English since 1974, who passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Sunday 17th May.

For several decades, Italo dedicated his life to his work, running the school in its very early years when the EFL industry was very new. Building not only an English school, but a warm and welcoming community that touched the lives of countless students, families, and teachers over the years.

Beyond his work, he was a devoted husband to his wife, Gail, a loving father to his two children, Paul and Natalie, and a proud grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren -
Leonardo, Tabitha, Samuel, and Ella - who brought him immense joy and pride.

His legacy lives on through the many lives he influenced, the school he built with care and dedication, and the family who stood beside him throughout his life.

He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered always. 🕊️

Happy Easter from the entire team at Southbourne School of English! 🐣☀️🏝️

Our school will be closed for the Easter holiday from Friday 3rd April, and we will reopen at 8:30am on Tuesday 7th April.