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Who We Are

British Learning Academy (BLA) originated from Brockhurst and Marlston House Schools, a well-known preparatory school with a hundred years of history.

Established in 2011, BLA provides residential English language and activity programmes for groups of students aged primarily 11-17.

Our courses also include project-based and business-oriented programmes for individuals, groups, and companies.

BLA is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK, and a member of English UK.

The British Learning Academy TEAM

Our Team at BLA

Giancarlo Calderini

The principal of the British Learning Academy and Non-Executive Director of Brockhurst & Marlston House Schools, Giancarlo is an electronics engineer who graduated at Oxford Brooks. Of Italian and English descent he is a serial entrepreneur having being involved in a number of technology and educational companies for the past 30 years.

James

James Washbourne

James is our Director of Studies and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). He has been teaching since University, where he studied and researched Education and gained his teaching qualification. He describes himself as a farmer and a teacher. Having worked with BLA since 2014, James has taught and designed a range of courses from Business English to the YEP Programme.

Katya copy

Katya Parkinson

Katya started teaching English as a foreign language in 1993 when she went to China to work with students studying for degrees in business and economics. Since then has taught for language schools in Brighton and Chichester and hosted intensive homestay English courses. She currently teaches English at Chichester college and British Learning Academy.

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paola genovese

Co-founder of BLA, Centre Manager, Welfare Manager, and Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP), Paola has been working in the education industry since 2008. She collaborates closely with teachers and team leaders to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the school, with a strong focus on student welfare. Paola also oversees prospective students and engages with agencies from around the world.

Andy

andy ayres

Andy started his career in education over ten years ago teaching English to individuals and small groups. After completing his undergraduate studies in Romance philology, he undertook a postgraduate course to become a qualified teacher. He has taught in Spain helping to create bespoke learner-centred courses, many schools across the UK and China.

Our Mission

To educate, inspire and enrich the lives of students of all abilities, helping them to improve their English language skills in a safe, friendly and independent environment. 

Our Vision

Promoting an independent learning environment, preparing students for life beyond the classroom. 

Our Values

Collaboration

Respect

Compassion

Strong sense of service

Be ethical, responsible and professional.

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