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About us

Learn more about our programme, vision and meet the management and teachers of ESB!

Our unique Programme

These are the main reasons ESB is completely different from any other school in Budapest!

Practical teaching method

ESB's teaching method greatly differs from the one used in public schools based on Prussian, content-driven "whiteboard and chalk" style method. We want to develop not only the English spelling and vocabulary but communication and cognitive skills as well, primarily the critical and creative thinking. Our classrooms are vivid and teaching raises attention.

Unique School

We are a unique school in Budapest: A mini British school, running an innovative programme for students who attend Hungarian or non English speaking schools. Our school allows children to gain all the benefits of their own national education system, but combines this with a British education. Our programme costs less than tenth of a full time British international school, so we are able to be affordable to a much wider part of the community.

Performance Events

Our students also explore children’s literature, especially drama and poetry. This Literature programme leads to performance events: a Winter Show and a whole school Poetry Recital Competition.

Engaging Teaching

Our classrooms are vibrant, teaching is highly engaging: activities range from mummifying a tomato, to making a digital party political manifesto and campaign broadcast, or creating a human museum of Celtic gods. We skype between our two school sites to allow inter-class projects.

English-speaking Community

Our children and their parents see our school as their English-speaking extended family. We are very pro-active users of social websites, posting weekly photographs of learning activities and our events. The community is also built through these events. We hold an annual Halloween Celebration, Winter Show, Poetry Recital Competition and Family Summer Fayre.

Summer Programmes

We offer a rich variety of summer camps, including an annual themed camp, a Young Business Entrepreneurs Camp and a 3D Art Camp, all hosted by English native speaker experts.

Native teachers-British Curriculum

Our English native speaker, trained classroom teachers, use a cross-curricular approach to learning founded on the best practice of the New National Curriculum for England. This means that grammar, spelling, phonics and vocabulary development are embedded into the teaching of non-fiction topics, chosen for their ability to engage students. In Foundation classes children learn to communicate on a range of practical topics. In Literacy classes children explore the sciences and humanities. They therefore develop the ability to use English for both general and academic purposes.

Skills Focus

Alongside developing children’s English, we aim to foster communicative and cognitive skills, especially critical and creative thought, using iPad research, group and class projects, planning and giving presentations using digital technology and collaborative/competitive interactive whiteboard learning.

Home Learning

We have our own learning site, updated weekly to provide digital learning for students at home, including Pearson’s Active Learn and Rapid Plus. Although Rapid Plus was designed for struggling Key Stage 3 readers in the UK, we use it successfully with our teenage second language learners. We also use Pearson’s grammar and phonics resources regularly in class to great acclaim and effect.

Join us!

Registration is possible throughout the year, so do not hesitate to contact us to arrange a meeting, when we will introduce you to the school and our learning programme, as well as assess your child’s level of English and recommend the right class. Come and join us and experience a genuine community of English speakers and English learners in action.

The English School of Budapest Vision

Envisioned future

ESB teaches English to children in a uniquely effective and innovative way. We will become recognised as Hungary’s centre of excellence for teaching and learning English for children and educators.

Teaching and Learning

The English School of Budapest is a community for effective teaching and learning. We believe in pupil-centred learning, which is rigorous, creative and structured.

Personal Development

At ESB we value honesty, courtesy, active participation in school life, enthusiasm to learn and cooperation with others.

Participation

We aim to maximise student participation at school and at home. We encourage families to see the school as their English-speaking community.

Our Purpose

ESB provides to children in Hungary a British education focusing on English and literacy learning through cross curricular methodology and active student engagement.

ESB Commitment

The teachers at ESB are dedicated to supporting and inspiring the students and each other. Our whole team • Commits to excel • Builds a creative English world to engage children • Educates for both skills development and language knowledge

Communication

ESB recognises the importance of communication. We encourage and support effective communication between all members of the school community.

Management and Administration

Nora Vizi

Director of Operations
Meet Nora

Andy Thompson

Founder and Managing Director
Meet Andy

Meet the team

Daniel Russell

Director of Education
Meet Daniel

Rachel Gallagher

English Teacher
Meet Rachel

Dave Long

English Teacher
Meet Dave

Marcel Fanara

English teacher
Meet Marcel

You

We are hiring!
Contact us

Testimonials

We are grateful for the kind words from the parents of the hundreds of children who already attended ESB.

I think Ms. Marcel has the talent and drive to keep my children engaged throughout the classes. She is very patient, flexible, encouraging and emphasizes the positive side of all things. As a result, Adam, my son, has improved tremendously over the past year. I heard him read his composition aloud and the phrases he used and his pronunciation were just unbelievable to me. I also heard him deliver a presentation, where he used his own words instead of reading out the slides and he demonstrated that he has the confidence to use the language even if he makes a mistake here and there. Learning from an engaging native speaker makes a huge difference. It also enables my son to listen to and understand other native speakers who present about various things of interest to him. That, on the other hand, boosts his English even more. I couldn't wish for more as a parent.
Zsolt
We speak English at home, so had an idea of how our daughter have improved in the last months. However, seeing her and her classmates to present their topics impressed us very much. Their vocabulary, way of communicating, and also the respect to each other was beyond our expectations. I would also highlight how they provided feedback to each others: with respect, focusing and emphasizing the good things, and suggesting things to improve without any negative criticism. Well done, thank you for the experience!!
Ágnes
I think, Szofi's English improved a lot during this year. She enjoys the lessons and she is always in a good mood after classes... The children are being taught in a playful and light hearted way, which is much better than in the school... We are looking forward to continue next year... 🙂
László
It was a pleasure to see how the kids got involved in all kinds of activities, how confident they are in presenting in English in various topics. They made great progress in terms of vocabulary and fluency compared to the beginning of the year. Teachers are always kind and well-prepared, good job to ESB! 🙂
Julia
I wanted to let you know that my daughter absolutely loves your classes! She is very excited to go every single time. Thank you so much for this, we are very happy
Kindergarten Group
Így kell megszerettetni egy új nyelvet egy gyerekkel. Köszönöm szépen, nagyon hálás vagyok!
Kindergarten Group
Nagyon köszönjük, hogy vagytok! ritkán látom ennyire lelkesnek a fiamat.
Beginner group
Nagyon köszönjük a szuper órákat, a lányom nagyon szeret járni!
Foundation 2
Köszönöm, hogy nem egész egy év alatt elértétek Szofinál, hogy angolul olvassa a Harry Pottert! Köszönöm, hogy az év elején az általános iskolában, az angol tanár azt mondta az osztálynak, az lenne a cél, hogy év végére mindenki úgy beszéljen 5 percig angolul, ahogy a Szofi. Köszönöm, hogy csak sikerélménye van a gyereknek az angollal kapcsolatban! Nem tudom, hogy csináljátok, de soha nem látom verejtékben úszva angolt tanulni és még is halad a tananyaggal. Egyszerűen a mai lehangoló magyar oktatási helyzetben egy üdítőkivétel az angol órátok, ahová örömmel megy a gyerekem! Szóval köszönöm Neked is és a tanároknak is!
AndreaLiteracy 2
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Nora Vizi

Director Administration and Admission

Nora is responsible for managing all new student admissons at ESB. She handles parental communications and manages payments and finances.

Nora holds an MBA diploma from Corvinus University of Budapest, a degree in Law from ELTE University and a BA in Finance, Accounting and Economics. She has 10 years+ experience in the field of Administration and Finance, working for multinational companies in management positions.

She has been working in education management for the last 10 years.

She and her family relocated back to Hungary two years ago after spending 16 years mostly in Indonesia, the Middle East and Spain.

Nora has two high school kids and she lives in Obuda with her family. She likes to spend her free time at lake Balaton, in Italy and in Spain.

Andy Thompson

Founder and Managing Director

A Big Welcome to our school! I started ESB in 2010 when it was clear that a number of parents were frustrated, like my Hungarian wife and I, that they could not provide a good and affordable English education whilst allowing their children to participate in a normal Hungarian school.

A British friend of mine (you know who you are) had just moved here from Paris where her children attended a school that taught English according to the English curriculum on Wednesdays, the day that French schools don’t teach. She and some other educators suggested we start a similar format in Budapest. And so the story started….

I have 5 children and in Budapest they have been to international, bilingual and state schools. Each was a compromise to some degree. At ESB we hope to make that compromise easier.


Should you wish to contact me, I would be delighted to hear from you. I look forward to meeting you.

Daniel Russell

English teacher

Daniel is from San Diego, California. As a third generation teacher, he knows the rewards of a career in education inside and out.

After studying history and German at San Diego State University, Dan embarked on his first overseas teaching experience in Austria by participating in the Fulbright Teaching Assistantship Program in 2013. Here he discovered his passion for teaching and learning new languages.

Following his two year teaching experience in Austria, Dan looked to expand his pedagogical background by completing a master’s in teaching degree in Spain.

Looking to continue to refine his teaching skills and experience a new language and culture, Dan first came to the English School of Budapest in 2017. It was a rewarding experience to be a part of the team at ESB and make a positive contribution to improving Hungarian children’s language skills in an engaging, student-centered approach to teaching during his two years with ESB.

After a short, year long sabbatical back in Spain while also completing his social science teaching credential, Dan knew it was time to return to the great community at ESB. He is excited to reunite with past students, families and colleagues as well as meeting many new ones.

Rachel Gallagher

English teacher

Rachel is from Sligo, Ireland, and has a Bachelors degree in Spanish and Psychology Studies. Not long after studying in Spain for her Erasmus year, Rachel moved to Budapest to work as an English language teacher and absolutely loves living here. She particularly likes going for evening strolls by the river and admiring the stunning architecture. 

During her years of teaching, Rachel discovered that working with young children is her true calling and is back in university to obtain her Qualified Teaching Status from the United Kingdom so that she can teach children full-time as primary school teacher. She is passionate about making learning as fun and engaging as possible. Through positive reinforcement, she creates a welcoming environment where curiosity and creativity are nurtured. Witnessing students enjoy the learning process and gain confidence is extremely rewarding for her. It motivates her to become the best teacher and role model she can be.

Dave Long

English teacher

Having spent his formative years in Japan until the age of 13, Dave brings a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of learning a new language. After moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, Dave pursued his love for language and education by earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and Writing from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Throughout the last 7 years of his teaching career, Dave has had the privilege of teaching a diverse range of subjects, including English, Art, Music, and Physical Education around the world. He has taught in Korea, China and the United States.  Dave understands that each student has unique learning needs and tailors his lessons accordingly, designing interactive activities, projects, and using storytelling and visual aids. Beyond the classroom, Dave finds inspiration in nature and music.  He loves to hike and camp, sing and play music…..and he also loves his wife who come with him to Budapest!

Marcel Fanara

English teacher

Miss Marcel is from Brookeville, Maryland. Growing up, she watched closely as her mother taught English to international students and learned in turn about many new places and cultures.

She studied History, Literature, and Writing at both Franklin University in Switzerland and Swansea University in Wales. Wishing to share her passion for the English language with others, she obtained a CELTA in Edinburgh and has since taught English as a second language to international students and immigrants in the USA, as well as to Chinese high school students and Hungarian primary school students. Throughout all the twists and turns, love of travel and engaging with people of all descriptions is what really drives her adventures.

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