Centre of English Studies (CES)

Centre of English Studies
📍 Dublin City Centre Est. 1979 ACELS Accredited British Council Recognised IELTS Test Centre

CES has been teaching English since 1979. That's over 45 years in the business, which puts it among the most established language schools in Ireland. The Dublin campus sits directly opposite Trinity College — a central location that makes it easy to get around the city and find part-time work if that's part of your plan.

The school runs across four buildings with more than 50 classrooms. All teachers hold a university degree plus an ACELS-recognised teaching qualification, and many carry additional specialist EFL credentials like DELTA. CES is an official IELTS and PEARSON test centre, so you can sit your exam on-site without travelling elsewhere.

CES is accredited by both the Irish Department of Education (ACELS) and the British Council, and is a founding member of Marketing English in Ireland (MEI). In 2007 it was named Star English Language School in Europe, and was shortlisted for the same award five consecutive years after that.

CES Dublin campus

Why students choose CES

01

Location opposite Trinity College

The school is in the historic heart of Dublin, steps from Trinity, Dublin Castle, and Temple Bar. For students who want to combine classes with part-time work, there's no better starting point in the city.

02

Over 45 years teaching English

CES opened in 1979 and has run continuously since. The things that trip people up at newer schools — placement testing, enrolment paperwork, finding accommodation — tend to work smoothly here. That comes from running courses for thousands of students over four decades.

03

On-site IELTS and PEARSON testing

CES Dublin is an official test centre for both IELTS and PEARSON. You can sit your exam at the same school where you prepared — no separate registration at an external venue.

04

Qualified, experienced teaching staff

Every teacher holds a university degree plus an ACELS-recognised qualification. Many also hold DELTA or other specialist EFL credentials — not a given at all language schools in Dublin.

05

Dual national accreditation

Accredited by the Irish Department of Education (ACELS) and recognised by the British Council. The school is also a founding MEI member, meaning it meets Irish government quality standards for English language teaching.

06

Private student residences year-round

CES runs two private self-catering residences exclusively for its own students, available all year. This is unusual — most schools rely on shared third-party accommodation. It means less hassle finding a place when you enrol.

Course options

General English All levels, morning and afternoon options
Academic English University pathway preparation
Business English Professional and workplace communication
Exam Preparation IELTS, Cambridge, and other recognised exams
Teacher Development ACELS-recognised EFL training
Junior Summer School Programmes for students under 18

Facilities

3 centrally located teaching centres with 50+ classrooms
Computer room and free Wi-Fi throughout
On-site café
2 rooftop gardens
CES online learning platform — before, during, and after your course
24-hour emergency helpline

Accommodation options

Homestay

Stay with an Irish host family. Good for students who want daily English conversation outside the classroom and a more immersive experience. CES manages the placements directly.

Auburn & Crestfield residences

Private self-catering residences for CES students only, available year-round. Located 4–5 km from the school. Single and shared rooms, all with private bathrooms. Minimum 2-week stay, 18+.

Heyday (city centre)

Self-catering residence 14 minutes' walk from the school. All single en-suite rooms. City centre location makes it practical for students who want to be close to work or social life. 18+, minimum 2 weeks.

Shanowen (summer only)

Self-catering summer residence available July and August. Located 4–5 km from school and city centre. 18+, minimum 2 weeks. Availability is limited. Book early.

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