Education
Learn British English and speak confidently
You can become a fluent bilingual expert. Let me show you how.
Speak more clearly in meetings, interviews, and everyday conversations.
Practice the English you actually need, get direct feedback, and leave each lesson knowing what to do next.
Personalised just for you
Lessons are built around your level, goals, job, exam targets, and weak points.
Learn in the most effective way possible
You studied English at school, but you can't speak.
I’ll show you how to actually train speaking. It’s a skill.
Not just conversation practice. Real coaching for measurable English progress.
We always aim for progress and development. We test and assess as we go.
You don’t need more random English practice. You need a clear plan.
There is so much to learn to reach an Advanced level. I’ll show you the path and keep you accountable.
Speak with more confidence
Practise real conversations, meetings, interviews, and presentations with direct feedback.
Improve faster with focused feedback
Find the grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency issues that are holding you back.
Know what to study next
Get homework, self-study advice, and a clear path between lessons.
What do my students say?
CELTA-qualified | 15+ years teaching | IELTS / TOEIC / TOEFL / EIKEN | Business & Academic English | Based in Tokyo
“His feedback and exam strategies were really helpful and I couldn’t have done it without him.”
“I took up classes at the spur of the moment and Ben was flexible and accommodating. His feedback and exam strategies were really helpful and I couldn’t have done it without him. I spent a long time trying to study on my own, but I’m really glad I found Ascend!”
IELTS student - Mr. K.S.
“He is a patient and kind teacher.”
“His lessons are always bright and enjoyable. After the trial lesson, I immediately decided to continue learning with him. I am currently studying pronunciation and accent, and his explanations are so clear that they are easy to understand. In class, I am given many opportunities to practice, which allows me to do practical exercises and receive constructive feedback. He also understands that I am practicing for the IELTS exam and assigns me suitable homework. As his CELTA qualification proves, he is an excellent English teacher, and above all, since he can understand and speak Japanese, I especially recommend him to Japanese learners who may not yet feel confident speaking with a native speaker. For me, he’s absolutely 10 out of 10.”
IELTS student - Mr. M.
“What I learned from Mr. Allison in Japan has been a great help. I’m truly grateful to him.”
Study abroad student - Mr. T.Y.
Lessons
How I teach
I teach in a modern style that encourages learner independence and real-world confidence. Learning a language is a big challenge and I coach my students through the process and adapt (and learn with you!) to give you the best possible learning experience.
Lessons are custom-made for each student after assessing the student’s needs. I continually assess students requirements to be able to adapt to their growth and development.
Ascend English uses a structured learning course to track progress overall and students are also expected to be active participants in their own learning outcomes.
Check your level
1.
To begin studying, we’ll assess your level in order to personalise the lessons and studying materials for you. If you are using English for travel, work, or to study in an English speaking country, let us know.
Set learning goals
2.
“I want to speak English” is a very big and broad goal. We’ll work together to break it down in to some more manageable targets. This will help keep you motivated as you get deep into your studies.
Classtime
3.
In class you’ll study all of the four basic language skills – reading, listening, speaking, and writing. We’ll also break these skills down into smaller parts, such as speaking for fluency, or pronunciation.
You’ll get British accent training from Ben, and you’ll also discuss what British culture is like.
You'll learn how to learn
4.
We’ll discuss how to guide your own studies. There will be homework from your lessons, but also we will offer advice for your further self-study and progress. We’ll show you how to continue your studies without a teacher.
1-on-1 instruction
5.
You’ll get the most speaking time possible in a 1-on-1 lesson. You’ll get direct, immediate feedback on your accent and speaking skills.
If something seems difficult for you, Ben will delay the feedback for later and show you what you’re doing well. He’ll also note areas that you struggle with and revisit them throughout your studies.
Working 1-on-1 with a teacher long-term means that they have a vast, deep knowledge of what you have learnt and what you are capable of.
Courses
Ascend English offers simple and flexible pricing structure so that you can focus on what matters most – your progress.
We have no sign up fees, no cancellation fees, and no course material costs.
Availability permitting, you are able to request lessons at times that suit you and fit your school or work schedule.
1-lesson Course
General English
One 60-minute lesson per week
- Speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation
- Personalised lessons and materials that always suit your level and challenge you
- Speaking confidence from real understanding of spoken English and learning how to use your own words
- British accent training
- Homework after lessons
- Self-study guidance
- Ask questions outside of class anytime
- Suitable for all levels (A1-C2)
- 1-on-1 focused study
2-lesson Course
General English
Two 60-minute lessons a week
- Speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation
- Personalised lessons and materials that always suit your level and challenge you
- Speaking confidence from real understanding of spoken English and learning how to use your own words
- British accent training
- Homework after lessons
- Self-study guidance
- Ask questions outside of class anytime
- Suitable for all levels (A1-C2)
- 1-on-1 focused study
IELTS Course
Exam Preparation
- Speaking, listening, reading, writing, academic vocabulary and grammar
- Personalised lessons and materials suited for your desired IELTS band score
- Homework after lessons
- Ask questions outside of class anytime
- Suitable for levels B1 and above
- 1-on-1 focused study
- mock texts and feedback
More about me
I am an English language teacher - qualified from University of Cambridge - with over 15 years of teaching experience. I have experience in teaching in Asia, Europe, and London, and have lead the exams preparation course at a major European language school.
Learning a language is a really big challenge. It can take many months and years. We’ll break it down into smaller steps, and celebrate your success on the way. I also learn languages myself (Japanese and Spanish) so I can understand how hard it is!
Am I the right level for this course?
The course is in English, but Ben can explain some things in Japanese if it is helpful. We accept students from all around the world.
Do I need to take the IELTS course?
If you are not planning on taking the IELTS exam, this course may not be the best for you. We also offer General English courses, so please check them out.
Can you guarantee a 7.5?
We cannot guarantee a exam result, but we have good knowledge on what is necessary to get a 7.5 (or any score). After taking this course, you’ll also understand very well what kind of score you are able to achieve. That being said, our students must also be dedicated to get the best score. It takes two to tango!
How can I pay?
We accept all major credit cards via Stripe. You can pay in (almost) any currency.
Do I need to pay for course materials?
We will provide you with the most suitable teaching materials and learning resources according to your level and needs.
I already have some experience with IELTS. Can this course help me?
We regularly teach re-takers of the exam. And we can help you improve on your past performance. Many students also retake the IELTS exam at later stages in their life, for Master’s courses or working visas, for example.
Location
Where we are
I have taught English in Europe, China and Japan and, currently, I am based in Tokyo, Arakawa-ku. I am available for in-person lessons in the local area and also online lessons.
Find usLevels
We cater for all levels from Absolute Beginner to Intermediate and Advanced. We can, therefore, improve your general English ability and get you in the best position to join the exam course. Level structure at Ascend English is aligned with the CEFR levels.
| Level | CEFR | IELTS band score |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Beginner | A1 | |
| Elementary | A2 | |
| Pre-Intermediate | B1 | 4 |
| Intermediate | B1 | 4.5 |
| Intermediate | B1 | 5 |
| Intermediate | B2 | 5.5 |
| Upper Intermediate | B2 | 6 |
| Upper Intermediate | B2 | 6.5 |
| Advanced | C1 | 7 |
| Advanced | C1 | 7.5 |
| Advanced | C2 | 8 |
| Advanced | C2 | 9 |
