Lessons from January 2027
Speak better English.
Natural conversation, intelligent feedback and English you can actually use, with an experienced British teacher.
Register for a free 20-minute conversation26 years' teaching experience · CELTA qualified · Adults worldwide
You already speak English. Now make it yours.
Many adults have studied English for years but still do not get enough opportunity to use it naturally. My lessons put conversation at the centre. It is not casual chat, but a practical way to improve fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and confidence.
We talk about subjects that genuinely interest you. I listen carefully, identify what is holding your English back, and give you useful corrections and more natural ways to express what you mean.
English built around you.
Conversation & Fluency
For adults who want to speak more naturally and confidently. Interesting conversation with expert correction, vocabulary development and pronunciation work.
Business English
Clearer, more confident English for meetings, presentations, interviews, professional relationships and international work.
Academic & IELTS
IELTS preparation, English for Academic Purposes, university preparation, writing and advanced language support.
Simple from the start.
Tell me about yourself
Send a short enquiry with your level, goals, country and suitable times.
Meet me for 20 minutes
We have a free online conversation. I get a sense of your English and you can decide whether my approach suits you.
Start one-to-one lessons
If we are a good fit, we arrange your first 50-minute lesson. There is no long contract.
26 years of teaching English.
I'm Alastair Houghton-Brown, a British English teacher with a BA (Hons), CELTA and 26 years' teaching experience.
I spent five years teaching in South Korea, working with learners from young students through to university and adult education. In the UK, I've taught in Oxford language schools, university foundation programmes and private education.
My experience includes conversational English, Business English, IELTS, English for Academic Purposes and Cambridge IGCSE First and Second Language English.
What I particularly enjoy is working one-to-one with adults who already have some English and want the time, attention and feedback needed to become genuinely confident speakers.
One-to-one online lesson
50 minutes, personalised to your English, interests and goals.
For people who want to use English, not just study it.
These lessons are designed primarily for adults and university-age learners who already have some English and want to become more fluent, precise and confident.
They are particularly well suited to professionals, international students, people preparing to work or study in English, and anyone who wants thoughtful one-to-one conversation with useful correction.
Mainland China: my service is intended for adult and university-age learners rather than compulsory school-age curriculum tutoring.
Before we start.
What level of English do I need?
Conversation lessons are particularly useful for intermediate and advanced learners. The free introductory conversation helps us decide whether the lessons suit you.
What happens during a lesson?
We discuss topics that interest you. I correct important errors, suggest more natural vocabulary and expressions, and work on pronunciation and fluency without constantly interrupting the conversation.
Do I need a textbook?
No. For conversation lessons, the focus is your own English and communication. I may suggest material between lessons where useful.
Do you teach internationally?
Yes. Lessons are online and available internationally. The live service will include suitable contact and lesson options for learners in mainland China as well as elsewhere.
Do you teach IELTS and Academic English?
Yes. I have experience teaching IELTS, English for Academic Purposes and university foundation students.
Let's have a conversation.
Lessons begin in January 2027. You can register your interest now for a free 20-minute online conversation before your first lesson. Tell me what you use English for and what you would like to improve.