City Lit Reviews

Great venue for a book launch!! Centrally located and easy to find. The offices are nice here too!!

I have attended a Photography course here and I am disappointed. My course had around 12 students, from different Photographic level......It was on Sundays. The course was split in 2 part so I had 2 different teaches. I had feeling the first one did not want to be there on Sundays, plus she was taking too many breaks on which she did not want to spend with students to answer to all questions and help we want. I wanted to quit the course but I said to myself, it s quiet cheap and I had hope in the second teacher that probably she would be better that the previous one. And yes, she was good. BUT i still thinking that I could spend same more and pay some professional Ph to do one to one session and learn same skills .

I gave up my job to sign up to CT Fine Arts course because at the interview the coordinator and tutor Chris Hough promised me big things. Instead he was very abusing and patronising. When I made an official complaint about him nobody really care.

I was depressed and angry for months and I still had to find the strength to go to CT and sit in a class with Christ Hough for the whole day.

Only when I stopped paying my fees they started to listen to me.

I spent a lot of time writing emails and have meetings with Head of Department and the Vice Principal. I received an apologie 2 months later only becuase I made an official complaint and after Chris Hough called me bully and arrogant ( because when I m in class I put my headphone on and paint).

I m now taking the complaint to the Skill Funding Agency.

On top of Chrish Hough behaviour is a very bad organised and poor quality course. Waste of money and time.

City Lit is an oasis of learning in central London. The range of courses is inspirational. The atmosphere is friendly and you meet like minded people who offer stimulating company. What's not to like? Life long learning at its best.

The course we took was really good but my review is for the lack of customer service we experienced. It took them ages to respond to mails, especially for refund situation. I had to call in a few times to check on it. The receptionist then informed us that in exceptional cases you can expect to receive a full course refund but guess "moving out of the country" doesn't fall into that category hence we got refund minus the administration fees. Absolutely rubbish system when it comes to requesting (firstly I don't think there should be a need to request one, one should just get it?!?) course completion certificates, they charge 2 pounds for it plus you have to go to their main centre to fill a form for it.

I undertook a 6 week course of Acting and Improvisation with Jayne Denny -it was brilliant and a great group of 12 people that really blended in together over the period of time. I learnt so much and cant wait to start another course at City Lit to continue the experience -david Solomon

I've been to a few painting classes in London, and have to say the painting classes at City Lit are the most rewarding for the amateur Van Gogh wannabe. The lessons are structured, and the tutors with their different personalities and styles often provide good tips and guidance on my work. I especially enjoy the time when we view and listen to each classmate talk about their painting. If you are thinking about picking up a paintbrush, I highly recommend City Lit. It's like going back to school (City Lit has a pleasant canteen) without the pressure.

Great adult education centre in central London, hidden in a quiet street in Covent Garden. I have taken around 16 courses here during the past 15 years, and it is my go-to place when I feel I need to upskill myself or simply learn new hobbies or improve old ones.
The quality of the tutors is amazing, course contents are rich, and you will meet like-minded people thirsty for knowledge.
I would say that my favourite site is City Lit's main site in Keeley Street (Covent Garden), the facilities there are great, it is a purpose-build building after all. But as they now offer over 5,000 different courses (more or less, truly a huge range!) they have outgrown their main site and a few years ago they started using extra facilities... and my only criticism is that their EC Centre in the Euston area has some uncomfortably small classrooms (I once did a foreign language course there).
Aside from that small detail I would fully recommend this college to anyone keen to learn and explore new skills. City Lit opened 101 years ago, so it has inspired many curious and inquisitive Londoners for a very long time, and I can say that it has definitely improved my life throughout the past two decades, professionally and personally.
Thank You City Lit!!!

I have done a few courses at City Lit, the teachers are good and the reception staff are knowledgeable and friendly. It s my go to place for anything from computers to language.

My only experience of CityLit has been during the pandemic while people have been working remotely, and it's been an absolute shambles.

My tutor has been incapable of teaching students remotely, trying to employ learning aids you would find in a classroom but which add nothing but confusion over Zoom.
This has been compounded by the tutor seemlingly refusing to use the classroom tools which were made available (Google classrooms).
In one lesson they tried to set homework and then told us to skip it as they couldn't figure out how to upload it to our Classroom.
From the first lesson I sent constant feedback to the langauges department. Responses take a massively long time, and everything is blamed on COVID.
For my course several of the students compalined and while acknowledging that the learning experience was not following the guidance given to tutors, the only outcome was that they asked the tutor if they needed help and they said they were fine and disagreed there was a problem. It was our word against theirs and nothing else they could do.
For the last month of the course I stopped receiving the Zoom session details with no warning.

In the end I gave up, and I wouldn't waste my money with them again. I would recommend anyone thinking of sining up to a course at CityLit not to bother, especially if your course is to be delivered remotely. I'm sure there are capable tutors, but if you're stuck with one who is technologically illiterate then your money is gone.
CityLit are quite happy to take your money, but when there are problems they are slow to respond, have no solutions to offer, and they wash their hands of you.

horrible experience with the drama department. bullying of pupils by forcing them to perform humiliating tasks in the name of acting and shouting at pupils is common with at least three instructors resorting to this. to teach acting you need to be perceptive and patient- city lit employs failed actors who take their frustrations out on people who want to learn.
they have zero tolerance towards people who are five minutes late. i was asked to leave when i arrived late because of train trouble. another time my child minder was late and the teacher told me to wait in the corner! really horrible time - you will not learn here due to intimidation

I landed a modelling job in Rome for the summer and I can't even describe how excited I am about this experience. It's going to do wonders for my future career. The major, or rather the only problem, was that I don't speak a word of Italian. In 13 weeks here, I got the basic grammar structures and vocabulary to be able to make my way through a city and have a small talk. Our teacher was great, very patient and attentive. It was truly a pleasure visiting the classes. Convenient evening classes and the low fees are just other advantages of this centre. I do feel more confident and I will definitely come back for module 2.

I was happy and I was going to give five stars but then I realised that you need to pay TWO POUNDS (the price of the course is not enough??) to get a certificate, that means you have to come back first to fill in a form, and again to collect the certificate. That's absolutely a shame, I've been in maaany other academies in London(even worst and much cheaper than this) but they gave me the certificate straightaway without asking. They do everything good but than they leave the customer unsatisfied for this stupid but quite important things, my compliment city lit!

RUDE DEAF DAY CITY LIT 3RD TIME IN 2017,2018,NOW 2919 SAME BORING NOTHING RUBBISH VERY RUDE DEAF AND HEAR WHITE TEACHERS PEOPLE PASS WALK OFF I TAKE ABOUT... VERY RUDE DEAF AND HEAR PEOPLE WALK OFF MEET OTHER PEOPLE NEVER SAID EX MIN TURN BACK VERY BAD WE DEAF NOT WANT TO DEAF DAY WE DEAF WON'T BACK NEVER MEET DEAF DAY CITY LIT 2020 SHUT DOWN FUNK OFF SHITE IT RACISM WHITE HATE ASAIN

City Lit has a wonderful variety of classes. Speaking as a retired but energetic professional dancer I would say that their tap dance classes, (Intermediate in particular on Thursdays and Fridays) are of a very high and professional standard. If you are able to commit to a whole term (as opposed to drop in), then you will really progress by taking one or both of these courses.

I've been studying at CityLit since October 2016, taking different classes with different teachers: acting (with Lawrence Labert & Terry Smith), musical theatre (with Martin Wimpress & Dale Branston) and tap dance (with Ben Bailey).
All the teachers are very well prepared and create a safe and fun environment where you'll be able to develop and improve skills that'll stay with you for a long time.
The prices are also very competitive and the quality of the classes is very high.
Would recommend this place to everyone!

Hidden away from the main street, but very accessible. The inside is pleasant and inviting, with clearly marked directions to all the different classroom and facilities. They have a very wide range of courses in many categories, from dancing to languages, history, and science. I've only tried one so far (Charleston! It's so much fun!) so I wouldn't know about the overall quality, but if you just want to learn a new skill or subject, I think it's a great way to start.

Worst place I have ever been to. Did sol-fa with Toni "Pappano". The course was late to start every single week. The tutor took a cheque payment from some of the students to continue privately and did not honour this. Contacted CityLit over 5 times about this, and they weren't interested. Furthermore, on checking his email and Facebook profiles, it seems the surname Pappano is a made up name, his real name is Rusay or de Rusay. The course was really bad, always focusing on a nursery rhyme every week (really? i thought we were all adult learners...) most of which I had never heard of, and a solfa 'test' that involved lots of sarcastic comments from the tutor if you got a low mark. Did not even cover chromatics or minor scales. Really really terrible. No reply from the complaints/music department and every time I call I am told there's no one to speak to me.

I did an ITEC level 3 Massage diploma course with City Lit and I couldn't ask for any better. It was fast track and really full on, but we got plenty of help and support from our tutor Ameena who made a lot of effort to make things as comprehensive and as easy for us to be able to soak up as much knowledge as possible in the short span of 13 weeks. I came into the course as a massage enthusiast and was leaving a confident therapist (not overtly confident as there's so much more to learn and so much more practice needed to apply all the knowledge which only makes more questions arise, but I guess that's something we discover in everything we learn about, so thanks to City Lit I feel the desire to discover all there is about massage therapy and for that I feel very well-prepared)

There are really wide selection of classes. So whatever you are interested, it is likely to have it. Friendly staff members. The only downside is the class cost slightly more compare to similar adult evening school like Morley college.

I have found the City Lit to offer a wide variety of courses to suit every individual s interests. Whether it is for further education, a new pastime or more vocationally orientated, the environment is very welcoming. The reception staff are also most helpful and the course tutors professional and supportive.

I have done classes in several London and Edinburgh ballet and dance schools/colleges/etc but the City Lit stands out for sheer professionalism.
Teaching staff and students always engaging and friendly. A pure joy.

Great place to learn something new. From a computer courses to arts and design. It has everything you need. My fiance went there for a InDesign course and she managed to learn a lot of new things. The CityLit itself is located very near Holborn station and it is easy reachable for everyone.

I love my beginners ballet class at CityLit. I have been very impressed by the level of professionalism of the teachers. The classes always start dead on time and a lot of thought has been put into the preparation of every class. The teacher really does care about our progress and works us very hard to make sure we improve. The atmosphere in the class is very positive. Everyone is very supportive and friendly.

I did some music courses at City Lit and I have always found great tutors.Very good value for money

Fantastic art foundation course, magnificent course Director Ian

Currently studying Writing Fiction and it is a lot of fun.

The tutor is great and has a lot of experience. There is a laid back atmosphere and no one makes you feel silly.

I would do other courses here.

I have been to two courses at city lit. Introduction to massage and a sculpture one. Both excellent! Will definitely look for more courses!

I was taking beginners' French classes with Daniel Fernandez around ten years ago. Apart from the fact that the class was at the pace of good-for-nothing snail, I was late for Mr Fenandez class only a few minutes twice. This was because of my later than expected finish time at work in Hackney; I had to cycle around 45 minutes through a dense city traffic as to arrive for my class with a minimum of delay. How frustrating it was to find the main door of the building locked and no one responded to the bell once the class started! It happened to me twice and ever since I stopped coming for the classes. My travel time and money was wasted. What a poor approach to evening students who are expected to balance their work with other things! Nevertheless, I do not recommend the tutor.

Great for short courses. The new learning centre/library is fantastic and so is the new coffee shop!

have attended the before work yoga courses here and it is fantastic. The tutor is a legend and the group are all so friendly. Love this place

I am disappointed at City Lit group. Before the lockdown I went there to speak to the Technology, Science and Business department. I was told to send and email. A month later and I never got the reply.

I understand because of Covid-19 people are working from home but does that mean they only reply according to their convenience?

I was a tad unsure about the Art & Design Portfolio course that I enrolled on last year, as there were no online reviews of it that I could find. Anyway, my fears were allayed after the second and third week in, especially as we had two tutors, the very amusing Ron and Marcus, who were at times like a pair of TV comedians from the 1970s. I did enjoy their banter, and their teaching styles were very relaxed and complimentary to the course and students. We were given design tasks to complete within a certain timescale, such as 45 minutes or even 10. This often consisted of creating collages, painting still life, and also life drawing with a model one evening. Then we would place our work on display on the wall or table for other students to critique. The tutors offered sensitive and constructive criticism and did not trash student's work. This ensured that there was a very good atmosphere during the class for all concerned. My only gripe with City Lit, is that they do not have evening Art degrees classes - just like most institutions. Why not? Such a shame, as I would happily return to there.

Beginners Tap Dance with Ben Bailey
Great class, good fun, good routines with a fab and encouraging teacher, and always feel better after dancing. Would thoroughly recommend Ben who know loads about the history of tap dancing/dancers too, as well as other types of dance.

Adult college. Modern building. Many good courses. Great location in the heart of London, within a short walking distance to Coven Garden and Holborn station. It has a nice cafe inside also.

The mixed feelings left at the end of this course (CityLit: Improve your spelling: BLW01). One feels that teaching on this course is pleasant and then one realises it is fake. The course itself is ok, but attitude of department of English, maths makes you frustrated. I have a long history with this department. From my experience I have to admit at this department you have to be a right nationality, they are very xenophobic. God knows what is the aim of this department, definitely not the teaching. One would think education is about improvement, doesn't need to go smoothly all the time, you improve as it goes. For this department nationality gets on education way, for some reason for them it is very important when they do selection. It makes you understand priority here anything apart an education. My advice would be before you apply to their courses, If you don't want be upset from rejection, do check, if you comply with department of English, maths nationality list.

What I notice about this department and this institution at whole they don't publish negative reviews. That why, I suppose, their courses hardly have any reviews at all.

Great place. Visiting the play today (John Lyon's Theatre) "the Laramie Project". Controversial play but very well acted. Specially the waiter Matt Galloway Great performance.

I have doing different courses in last 15+ years. In general, the whole thing has gone from good to average to bad to now plain awful.
Courses much more expensive, teachers of less quality (with glorious exceptions, mainly in IT courses), etc.

The Library & Student Center is bad beyond belief; I have know at least 3 refurbishments, each one worse than the last.
Now somebody had the great idea to put the enrolments area on same (extended) desk in Library, so the noise, people waiting, passing back & forth, etc is like a circus!
Beside, the IT also keep getting bad: it takes for ever to log on & off, screens freeze very often, etc.

I most definitely would not recommend City Lit at all, much less if you need to use the Student Center and Library (same thing, actually

Can't recommend the Men's Ballet class highly enough. Superb tutor who adapts to the unique needs of the group and finds the right balance / pace to ensure everyone's learning and making progress without feeling out of their depth. A calm, ordered and safe space to discover or develop your ballet. A shining example of how good City Lit can be with the right combination of tutor and topic.

A great, friendly, place with a great variety of courses. I'm a fan.