Frequently asked questions:

Q: What guarantees do I have as a client?

The stay in the UK is guaranteed by an organisation that has successfully delivered intercultural programmes to prestigious Hong Kong schools since 1991 (incorporated in 1994).

Q: Is the Excel Academy a registered company?

Yes, it is registered with Companies House UK, number 2941066 under the name of Excel Academy Language Programmes Limited.

Q: Is the Excel Academy a member of a professional organisation?

Yes, it is accredited by the British Council. Yes, it is accredited by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

Q: Is the Excel Academy inspected by an external quality auditor?

Yes, it is inspected annually by ISO and has been certified for Quality Management Systems every year since 1998. It is also inspected by the British Council.

Q: When should I complete the enrolment form?

Places on the Excel Academy are strictly limited so parents are advised to complete and return the enrolment form as soon as possible.

Q: Will Excel Academy organise my child’s travel to/from the UK?

No, as the Excel Academy is an educational organisation, students have to arrange their own travel schedule. The cost for this is not included in the course fees.

Q: When should I arrange for my child to arrive in the UK?

Students must arrive in the morning of the first programmed day at either Gatwick or Heathrow Airports between 05:00 – 19:00.

Please do not book your travel until you have received confirmation of your enrolment.

Q: Will my child be met on arrival?

Yes, students will be met in the arrivals hall at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport by a member of the Excel Academy staff, who can be identified by a board displaying the Excel Academy logo. Students will be transferred to the boarding school by shuttle bus, which runs every 3 hours, or taxi.

Please note this complimentary meet and greet service is only applicable to arrivals at Gatwick or Heathrow between 05:00 – 19:00.
Please contact us if you are unable to arrange your travel on the first programmed day or between 05:00 – 19:00.

Q: When should I arrange for my child to depart the UK?

Students must arrange their departure on the last programmed day from either Gatwick or Heathrow Airports between 10:00 – 21:00.

Please do not book your travel until you have received confirmation of your enrolment.

Q: Will my child be accompanied on departure?

Yes, students will be taken to the airport by a member of the Excel Academy staff, who will assist in with the check-in. Students will be transferred to the boarding school by shuttle bus, which runs every 3 hours, or taxi.

Please note this complimentary meet and greet service is only applicable to arrivals at Gatwick or Heathrow between 10:00 – 21:00.
Please contact us if you are unable to arrange your travel on the last programmed day or between 10:00 – 21:00.

Q: Does my child need travel insurance?

Yes, students are required to purchase their own travel insurance. It is strongly advised that the policy has “no excess”.

Q: What happens if my child becomes ill during their stay in the UK?

Most travel insurances will cover medical costs incurred in the UK; please confirm this in your insurance policy provided by your travel agent. A member of the Excel Academy staff will take your child to a local doctor or an Accident and Emergency department at a hospital depending on the circumstances.

Q: Do students have to pay for damage or medical bills?

Yes, students and/or their parents/guardians must pay for all expenses such as damage to property, medical or other, as required. Students are advised to keep receipts to make a claim against their insurance policy where possible.

The Excel Academy is able to assist students in making such payments but it is the responsibility of the student and/or parents/guardians to make payments promptly and as required.

Q: What happens when students arrive at the boarding school?

Students are welcomed at the Registrations area upon arrival. Passports and tickets will be collected from students upon arrival for safe-keeping. Staff will organise a tour around the campus and take the students to their boarding houses and rooms. Students will have time to unpack, to take a shower or rest. Snacks and refreshments will be provided throughout the day in addition to hot meals at dinner time. SIM cards will be provided to all students and students are encouraged to call home on the arrival day to let parents/guardians know they have arrived safely.
A short placement test will be organised the day after arrival, which is used for allocation to the appropriate class.

Q: Where will my child be living and sleeping and will it be safe?

Students will be placed in a single, double, triple or quad room. Boys and girls are accommodated separately and there are members of the Excel Academy staff present in the boarding houses, supervising and assisting students in the evening and at night. Staff are on-call throughout the night in case of emergency and the boarding houses are locked and only those with a key code have access.

Q: Can I share a room with a friend?

Yes, but you must indicate the name of the friend and agree with them and their parents before completing the enrolment form. Please note that the Excel Academy cannot guarantee that this requirement will be met.

Q: What will my child eat during the programme?

The boarding schools, which the Excel Academy cooperates with, pride themselves on high quality, nutritional and well-balanced meals suitable for growing children.

Q: What about pocket money?

There are no optional extras to pay for an Excel Academy programme. Parents are strongly advised to purchase a prepaid travel money card (e.g. Travelex Mastercard) for their child for souvenirs.

Please note the Excel Academy cannot be held responsible for any money lost during the programme.

Q: What clothes should I bring and how often is laundry done?

Students’ personal clothing is washed once a week. Excel Academy cannot be held liable for any damage or loss.

Q: Is it safe for my child to visit central London?

Excel Academy staff carry out a risk assessment prior to all excursions. If there is any cause for concern, the trip will not go ahead and a contingency plan is put in place for an alternative activity.

Q: How can my child contact me?

Students will be given a SIM card, which they can use to phone home during their stay. Please note that mobile phones must be switched off during lessons and scheduled events and activities. Students will also have access to computers to email home at various times during their stay.

Q: Are students allowed out with a family member or friend on Sundays?

Students are NOT ALLOWED out unsupervised, i.e. without the presence of a teacher or authorised adult. The Excel Academy does not accept responsibility for unauthorised outings of any kind.

Q: Can I follow my normal religious practices while I am on the course?

Yes. Please tell us at the time of application if you want to attend a place of worship.

Q: Can I cancel?

Yes, but this will incur the following charges:

The deposit is non-refundable
Up to 8 weeks before Hong Kong departure – deposit + 10% of total cost
8 weeks to 11 days before Hong Kong departure – deposit + 50% of total cost
10 days and non-arrival – total cost payable

Q: Can I contact the Excel Academy team directly in the UK?

Yes, by phone on (+44) 208 466 7070 or email to info@excelacademy.london