# A guide to studying English as a family

> How parents and children can study at the same time, what ages are accepted, and how to plan the week.

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**Language:** English

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Study in Malta

How parents and children can study at the same time, what ages are accepted, and how to plan the week.

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**Reviewed by:** IH Malta Admissions Team · **Facts checked:** 28 July 2026 · 2 min read

Studying as a family works when the timetables line up. If the adult course and the children’s course run at different times, someone spends the week waiting around — which is why the family programme is built so both run simultaneously.

## How it is structured

The family programme runs year-round for children aged 8 and above accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Adults study General English 20 while a dedicated junior General English 20 runs at the same time, so you are in class together and free at the same time. It is a course-only booking with a minimum of one week.

## Ages and options

| Age | Option | Basis |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 8+ | Family programme | With a parent or legal guardian, year-round |
| 12–17 | Young Learners Summer Programme | 20 lessons, usually mornings, junior classes max 10, summer only |
| 18+ | Standard adult courses | General English 10/20, Intensive English 30 and others |

For the summer Young Learners programme, students aged 12 to 16 travel with a parent or guardian. A 17-year-old may travel independently with a school-arranged host family, parental consent and school approval.

## Planning the week

-   Courses start every Monday, with a one-week minimum, so a single school holiday week is enough.
-   Junior classes are capped at 10, smaller than the adult maximum of 15.
-   Certificates require at least 85% attendance — worth knowing before planning day trips mid-week.
-   Accommodation can be arranged through the school; a host family gives children more everyday English contact, while the residence suits families wanting independence.

## What to expect from a junior class

The junior course is a proper General English course rather than a holiday club: twenty lessons a week, taught at the child’s placement level. Children are placed by the same online placement test as adults, so a confident young speaker is not held back and a beginner is not overwhelmed.

ⓘ · The school is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. If that affects anyone travelling, raise it before booking so the team can advise honestly.

## Related pages

### Family Programme

Full details of the year-round option.

[Learn more](https://www.ihmalta.com/family-programme.html)

### Young Learners

The 12–17 summer programme.

[Learn more](https://www.ihmalta.com/young-learners.html)

### Accommodation

Host family and residence options.

[Learn more](https://www.ihmalta.com/accommodation.html)

### Ready to plan your English course?

Tell us your goals and dates and we will recommend the right course.

[Get a quote](https://www.ihmalta.com/get-a-quote.html) · [Find your course](https://www.ihmalta.com/find-your-course.html)