City Lit Reviews 

1,682
•
TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.4

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Considering 66 reviews, reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. People frequently praise the exceptional teaching staff across various subjects, noting that instructors are highly knowledgeable, endlessly supportive, and truly passionate about what they teach. Learners also highlight the wonderfully well-organized courses and the friendly, engaging environments that make studying both enjoyable and accessible for everyone involved. However, some reviewers were not happy with the online platforms and digital tools, mentioning that accessing course materials and navigating the technical systems can be quite frustrating. A few attendees also pointed out occasional issues regarding large group sizes, challenging communication, or specific instructor styles that did not meet their expectations.

What people talk about most

Staff

Reviewers mention positive feedback about staff, consistently describing tutors as knowledgeable, patient,... See more

User experience

Customers had positive experiences with user experience, frequently praising the clear, engaging lessons and... See more

Quality

People report positive experiences with quality, highlighting excellent lesson materials, first-class... See more

Location

Clients share satisfaction on location, describing it as a good, clean, and pleasant place situated in the... See more

Service

Customers consistently note ambiguous experiences with service, as people frequently praise great teaching,... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Over several years, I have attended French classes with superb teachers and course content. However, the IT system is not user friendly and I find it impossible to log into Classroom. Some class ro... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have been taking various courses at City Lit, in Covent Garden for some years; most recently and for the recent years, Pottery on a Tuesday. The tutors are absolutely first-rate, always on hand to... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed learning Spanish over the past three years. I do my classes online which is much more convenient than travelling into town at night. Analia Tolone is an exceptionally good teach... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

If City Lit did not exist, you would simply have to invent it. A wonderful, accessible place of learning where excellence comes in the teaching, in the enormous range of subjects on offer and in the w... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. College

Written by the company

City Lit is the country's ultimate destination for evening, weekend and daytime courses, delivered both online and face-to-face. Book now by visiting www.citylit.ac.uk


Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

2K reviews

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No recent history of asking for reviews

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Replied to 90% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 2 weeks

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4.4

All reviews

(1,682)

66 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Hi

I have attended two poetry classes by Cit Lit -
- Jan’25 - Poetry workshop: intensive
- Jul’25 - Poetry masterclass

Both classes were excellent in terms of the teacher, the content and the location.

I would not hesitate to recommend City Lit, as you will come away with greater knowledge and approach, certainly in my case with writing poetry.

July 20, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Mark,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying poetry with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Love the vibrant and positive…

Love the vibrant and positive atmosphere of the place!

June 15, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Jude,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Stimulating, encouraging and sociable

The location and facilities are good, and the atmosphere created positive and encouraging. I really appreciate the mix of students from very different backgrounds and ages and with different goals which is stimulating and mutually supportive. I have been attending on site Arabic courses for the last 2-3y at CityLit and would definitely recommend.

July 24, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi There,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying Arabic with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Lovely experience

Lovely experience. I've got to do it again 🔥

May 8, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Martina,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Many City Lit courses.

I have done many City Lit courses both in person and online, mostly history, politics, languages. All have exceeded my expectations. It is clear that a huge amount of work goes into the preparation. I love City Lit!

July 24, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi There,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Bon francais…

I have attended French classes at City Lit for a number of years. I found the teaching to be of a very high standard with helpful, friendly and understanding teachers. There is also a decent cafe on site. One slight criticism the acoustics in class are not brilliant.

July 3, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Geoffrey,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying French with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I enjoy my class learning Chinese (Mandarin)

A very excellent and very patient teacher Bon Ting. I have problems some caused by strokes and and earlier brain damage also hearing problems caused by my teenage early 20s enthusiasm for target shooting with rifles. With old age my eye sight for the whiteboards is failing but do keep trying and I hope to improve my Chinese.

July 3, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Robert,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying Chinese (Mandarin) with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Top class professional teachers

Top class professional teachers. Knowledgeable and talented, that combination makes learning more fun and enjoyable. I’ve learnt lots and will continue to attend classes.

July 14, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Paquita,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent creative writing courses

I've been taking creative writing classes and my teachers have been experienced, knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging people. Thanks to the class materials and the knowledge I've gained, I've been inspired to write and improve my poems and short stories and get my work published.

July 22, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi There,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying creative writing with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Courses are good and match descriptions

THE POSITIVE - It's well organised. The tutors are usually very good. Courses match their descriptions. Equipment and materials are provided for many courses. Few hidden costs. The building is modern and clean.
LESS SO - log in for online resources tedious - marked increase in course prices recently - limited opportunity to socialise - very limited cafe hours.

July 24, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi There,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review and for your feedback. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying with us. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Keep running Gaelic classes

I really enjoyed learning Gaelic at city lit. It’s very difficult to find Gaelic courses in London and city lit is really filling a gap. Please keep offering it. My only big concern is the cost of courses and the lack of concessionary rates. But teaching experience very good.

May 8, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Anne,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying Gaelic with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I joined the Italian beginners online…

I joined the Italian beginners online course in September 24 and continued for the whole academic year. The tutor Anna is so lovely - she made the classes enjoyable and informative and I do feel I have learned alot. The classes are taken in Italian with only a small amount of English spoken and whilst this was daunting to begin with, it definitely helps. Online learning worked well for me with no technical issues. I will be enrolling for next year and hope to catch up with my classmates in September

September 24, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Alison,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying Italian with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Great place to study

I study piano and beginner cello, bith courses are great. Sometimes the group size feels a little big, this is the only thing that bugs me. Both tutors are great, friendly and good fun. They work to your level. It s a friendly, safe place to study.

July 24, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Becky,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying music with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

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Rated 4 out of 5 stars

The City Lit provides a warm supportive…

The City Lit provides a warm supportive environment for all students. The facilities are excellent and the tuition first class. I would hugely recommend it.

July 24, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Tricia,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I attended a language Hindi class level…

I attended a language Hindi class level 4.
I was absolutely horrified the teachers good don't get me wrong. But it says level 4 and the students in that class can't string a sentence together. if it is a mix of ability class then it should clearly state that. Because this is not a charity. because people paying their money, and give their time. many years ago I used to be a fantastic student at the Mary Ward
Centre, which used to be two streets away from CityLit. I studied so hard, when I got older I made movies in Hindi language.
and I went on Hindi language radio. Because I got the support I needed from Mary Ward Centre. as I do have a disability dyslexia. But I've been told by City they do not help people anymore with that disability. Back in 2008 City Lit was one of the best colleges in London but after that things changed dramatically.
They used to have a standard you have to meet the criteria: to join the right level. course. But now anyone can join! no matter what your level or experience.
As a student I have my right to give my opinion think twice before booking a course with City Lit.

June 26, 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have taken 5 courses at city lit and…

I have taken 5 courses at city lit and they have all been brilliant.

March 3, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi Iydzia,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're delighted to hear that you have enjoyed studying with us and that you have had a positive learning experience. We hope to welcome you back soon!

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Bait and switch with discount codes

I've done a couple courses here.. It was good back in the day.. I made a complaint to them about an experience some years ago that was never answered so I stopped attending courses here.
But I thought I'd give them another try.
But now I'm fed up with their discount codes never working.. Feels like they bait you in

May 7, 2025
Unprompted review
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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Discrimination

I faced discrimination from a basketry tutor, which I informed the college about. No contact from the college and no apology. The tutor obviously needs Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training.

For some of the techniques, he would show us one way of learning and then say what he's just shown us was not right and proceed to show us the correct technique, which was incredibly frustrating. I had to rely on YouTube before and at the end of each session. He had difficulty differentiating his teaching for those with learning difficulties. He falsely accused me of stealing and proceeded to rummage in my bag as I was leaving! He did not get my consent and it was humiliating and an invasion of privacy!!

I have previously completed courses at City Lit over the years both in person and online which I enjoyed. However, racism and other forms of discrimination are not dealt with by college administrators.

April 21, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Insufferably Woke Institution

I have done a number of courses over the years at City Lit and keep giving them another chance - and invariably keep being disappointed - the tutors are usually decent enough but as an institution it is so insufferably woke, metropolitan and "right on" - a bit like the BBC. This of course permeates down to the people they employ as tutors.
For example on a course I enrolled on recenty, the tutor thought he was being oh so very clever by including a piece of work having a dig at Donald Trump - they arrogantly always think everyone will agree with them.

February 10, 2025
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi There,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We're disappointed to hear that you have not had an enjoyable experience with us. We always want to ensure a positive and memorable learning experience and we appreciate your feedback.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

ACCESS TO HE?


I DO NOT RECCOMMEND

September 2, 2024
Unprompted review
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Reply from City Lit

Hi there,

Many thanks for taking the time to submit a review. We’re sorry to hear of your experience at City Lit. We always want to ensure a positive and memorable learning experience and we appreciate your feedback.

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