Get to know the IELTS test with IELTS preparation videos for the UK from the British Council. Led by expert IELTS teachers, our videos offer valuable insights and tips to put you at ease for test day.
Preparing for IELTS
Get ready for test day with expert IELTS preparation to support you at every stage of your journey. Explore free practice resources, preparation packages, live classes and personalised learning designed to build your skills and confidence, so you can perform at your best on test day.
We're with you every step of the way
Follow these six steps to understand the test, build your skills, track your progress and prepare with confidence for test day.
1
Understand the test
Learn about the IELTS format, question types and the score you need.
2
Understand your level
Take a practice test and check your level to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
3
Practise your skills
Build your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills through targeted practice.
4
Book your test
Book early to unlock IELTS Ready Premium and maximise your preparation time.
5
Measure your progress
Use scored practice tests and AI feedback to track progress towards your target score.
6
Feel test day ready
Approach test day knowing what to expect and confident in your preparation.
Find the right preparation for you
Free: IELTS Ready
Discover your current level and take the first step in your preparation journey. Try a 25-minute Express Mock or a 50-minute Mini Mock and receive personalised AI feedback on your performance. Continue preparing with full practice tests, short courses, live webinars and other expert-designed resources, all completely free.
Free when you book: IELTS Ready Premium
Book IELTS with the British Council and unlock IELTS Ready Premium at no extra cost. Get 40 full scored practice tests, personalised AI feedback across all four skills and in-depth courses focused on the question types you need to improve.
Track your progress, follow a study guide shaped around your goals and join expert webinars live or on demand, so you can prepare with confidence.
Online IELTS classes with expert teachers: IELTS Coach
Prepare with IELTS experts through live online classes. Build your skills, improve your test technique and receive personalised feedback, including focused support for Speaking and Writing.
If you’re 18 or over, IELTS Coach gives you the flexibility to choose group or private classes and decide when and how you learn.
IELTS Coach for Teens provides structured courses for learners aged 16–17, with the same teacher and classmates from start to finish.
Prepare for IELTS by skill
Find tips, guidance and practice to improve in each skill area of the IELTS test.
Build confidence with expert tips, official practice materials and free listening tests for IELTS Academic and General Training
Build confidence with expert tips, official practice materials and free reading tests for IELTS Academic and General Training.
Build confidence with expert tips, official practice materials and free writing tests for IELTS Academic and General Training.
Build confidence with expert tips, official practice materials and free speaking tests for IELTS Academic and General Training.
Prepare by test type
Prepare for the IELTS test you need to take to reach your goals. Choose which test you need to take, then visit the page to see the preparation materials.
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For studying abroad.
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For working abroad.
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For a visa to live, study or work in the UK.
Related content
Explore test topics and skills with live online preparation sessions from the British Council. Led by expert IELTS teachers, we offer test guidance and advice to help you prepare with confidence.
Start your preparation journey with IELTS Ready
Your free preparation platform with everything you need to practise, track your progress and build confidence.
Official practice materials
Personalised study tools
Track your progress
Expert tips and guidance
Take your preparation further
Explore expert-led classes, personalised tutoring and premium preparation designed to help you achieve your target score.
IELTS Ready Premium
Unlock additional practice materials, personalised study support and expert guidance when you book your IELTS test with the British Council.
Online group classes
Join live online classes and guided study activities led by IELTS experts. [Need to reference IELTS Coach in here]
Private tutoring
Get one-to-one support tailored to your goals, strengths and learning needs.
In-person courses
Learn with experienced teachers through structured preparation courses in selected locations.
Premium preparation. Included at no extra cost.
Book your test with the British Council and get free access to IELTS Ready Premium, worth US$170.
Access official practice tests, personalised study tools and expert guidance designed to help you build skills, boost confidence and perform at your best on test day.
A clear path to test-day success
1
Understand the test
Learn about the format, question types, timing and scoring.
2
Practise your skills
Build confidence in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
3
Measure your progress
Take mock tests, and see where you can improve.
4
Build confidence
Get expert tips and personalised resources to feel test-day ready.
Put your skills to the test
Free practice tests to help you check your readiness.
Free practice tests
Build confidence with official practice questions for all four IELTS skills.
Familiarisation test
Experience the full test format before test day and know what to expect.
Trial test sessions
Take part in a trial IELTS test at selected test centres before your official test.
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training
- IELTS UKVI
- Practice videos / IELTS Social Lives
- Do we have a 'How to prepare' study guide anywhere?
Ready to book your test?
Book with the British Council and unlock IELTS Ready Premium, worth US$170.
The preparation journey
A successful performance on test day requires the right level of English skills, along with a good understanding of the exam format and test strategies. Here is our expert advice to guide you through each step of the preparation journey.
1
Discover how IELTS works
Learn about the test structure, question types and timing for all four skills.
2
See what the questions are like
Familiarise yourself with the test by trying out our free practice questions.
3
Find your starting point
Take a free mini-mock test with estimated scores and personalised feedback, to identify areas for improvement.
4
Build confidence for test day
Book early and access 40 practice tests, courses, videos, webinars and much more - all you need for free.
Preparation at every step in the UK
A successful performance on test day requires the right level of English skills, along with a good understanding of the exam format and test strategies. Here is our expert advice to help you prepare for IELTS in the UK.
Get to know question types, response options and timing for all four skills.
Use our free preparation resources, including courses, videos and practice tasks.
Review detailed AI feedback on practice tests to really help you improve with our IELTS Ready materials.
Get IELTS Ready free and premium test preparation
Book IELTS with the British Council in the UK and get free access to IELTS Ready Premium, your complete exam preparation toolkit. With our exclusive package, worth US$170, you can target the score you need with expert resources to build your confidence.
If you don’t feel ready to book your test yet, you can start preparing by signing up for IELTS Ready at any time.
Go further with the British Council
From preparing for the test to getting your results, we offer essential guidance and resources, so that you can perform at your best on test day.
