Identity, Mission and Strategic Differentiation

What defines Capitol School’s identity compared with other language academies?

We are defined by absolute specialisation. While other schools spread their focus across multiple certification systems, we are exclusively dedicated to the University of Cambridge. This hyper-specialisation, backed by more than 25 years of experience, allows us to operate with the efficiency of a high-performance learning centre—something that generalist language schools simply cannot match.

Why do students choose Capitol School?

Our approach is disruptive and straightforward:
– “Speak English like a native in the shortest time possible.”
– We do not sell lessons or courses. We prepare students for their future through genuine linguistic mastery.

Why is Capitol School a specialist centre?

Academic excellence requires investment in first-class resources, teachers who are official Cambridge examiners, and a Lean Management framework where quality is never negotiable.
The value of our results and our academic reputation place us well above competitors whose strategy is based solely on low prices.

Why is being located in L’Hospitalet important?

L’Hospitalet is the heart of everything we do. Our goal is to build strong local leadership that creates lasting emotional loyalty.
We are the leading English academy in the second-largest city in Catalonia, enabling us to offer a level of proximity and community engagement that regional franchises cannot replicate.

What do the Capitol logo symbols represent (the Dome and the Stars)?

The Dome: represents academic legitimacy, structure and our commitment to long-term excellence.
The Five Stars: represent our hallmark of quality and our commitment to international standards.

The Capitol Method: Learning Engineering

What is the Capitol Method?

It is our strategic framework for dividing the learning process.
The teacher takes responsibility for complex grammatical structures.
The student takes responsibility for acquiring the vocabulary needed to build the language.

Why does the method eliminate traditional grammatical terminology?

To eliminate unnecessary mental noise.

Concepts such as “circumstantial complement” create cognitive friction. Replacing them with visual and logical models allows students to understand English much faster and far more naturally.

Why does Capitol School use its own terminology?

Because it enables students to recognise the logic of the language without having to work through unnecessary theoretical explanations.

How do the method’s mnemonic techniques work?

They form one of the golden rules of pronunciation.

They help students understand how sounds evolve naturally and prevent unnatural pronunciation.

Why does Capitol use strategic translation instead of total immersion?

Translation is used as a precision tool.

We first teach students to organise their thoughts correctly in their native language before transferring them accurately into English.

How is it possible to learn the fundamental rules of English in less than 30 minutes?

By applying Lean Management principles to grammar.

Everything non-essential is removed, leaving only the core structure of the language.

What is alliteration and why is it important?

It is the physical training of the tongue and mouth to produce English sounds correctly.

Students don’t simply learn how to pronounce individual words—they learn how to connect them naturally with the rhythm of a native speaker.

How do you eliminate vague paraphrasing?

By demanding precision and eloquence.
The objective is for students to construct sophisticated arguments using logical connectors while avoiding vague or imprecise language.

What is the Reading Project?

It is a compulsory programme designed to strengthen:

– Reading comprehension.
– Summarising skills.
– Advanced vocabulary.
– Oral communication.

The programme includes rewards and regular classroom presentations.

Can I learn English even if I am 90 years old?

Yes.

Age is never a barrier when the learning method is clear, structured and progressive.

Are lessons taught in English or Spanish?

From the very first day, lessons are conducted almost entirely in English.

Maximum exposure to the language is one of the fundamental pillars of the Capitol Method.

Cambridge Qualifications

Why does Capitol integrate the exam format throughout the entire course?

Because making the exam format familiar removes anxiety and enables students to approach the official examination with confidence.

What is the “Fear Remover” concept?

It is a strategy designed to build confidence from an early age.
Students complete speaking interviews with native Cambridge examiners from Starters and Movers onwards, making higher-level examinations feel completely natural.

What is the difference between paper-based and digital exams?

Paper format involves manual time management, which risks calculation errors, transferring answers to separate sheets that may lead to mistakes, using group speakers for audio, and waiting standard times for results.
Digital Format (Computer-Based) develops those features as a visible countdown timer, instant answer recording with a click, individual headphones for complete immersion, and results delivered up to 50% faster.

How does a Cambridge qualification help with university admission?

It is an internationally recognised admission requirement.
Many universities require a C1 level or above.

Is a “For Schools” certificate the same as the standard qualification?

Yes.
The only difference is that the topics are adapted to teenage candidates.

What happens if a student fails one part of the examination?

Cambridge assesses the overall score.

A strong performance in one skill can compensate for a weaker performance in another.

Can students receive a certificate for a different level from the one they entered?

Yes.
Depending on their score, Cambridge may award either the higher level or the level immediately below.

Why is it recommended to bring food and water on the day of the examination?

Maintaining stable energy levels supports students in staying focused all day.

Academic Programmes and the Student Journey

How do children first encounter English in Playschool?

Through natural language acquisition based on imitation.
Children begin learning before they are even able to read or write.

Why start learning from such an early age?

Because it removes fear of the language and makes learning feel completely natural.

What do students learn in Starters (from the age of 6)?

– Basic grammar.
– Early comprehension skills.
– Their first introduction to Cambridge qualifications.

What is the objective of PET (B1)?

To develop communicative independence while mastering intermediate grammatical structures.

What makes KET and PET different at Capitol?

We introduce additional content that makes progression to the First Certificate considerably easier.

Is First Certificate (B2) the final goal?

No.
At the Capitol, the First Certificate is viewed as an important milestone on the path towards the Advanced (C1) and Proficiency (C2).

What happens if a student doesn’t pass First Certificate?

Depending on their score, they may still obtain the B1 qualification.
Many students even achieve a C1-level result.

Why is First Certificate considered such an important qualification?

Because it represents the minimum standard required by many universities and employers.

What does achieving Proficiency (C2) represent?

A command of English that is close to that of a native speaker.

How are classes organised for young learners?

All levels include:

– Two hours of lessons each week.
– Continuous progress monitoring.
– Dedicated Cambridge examination preparation.

What options are available for adults?

Courses are available:

– Face-to-face.
– Live online.
– Hybrid.

We adapt to your availability.

When should I choose One-to-One lessons?

Whenever you require fully personalised preparation.

What are the advantages of Two-to-One lessons?

You’ll find a learning partner that matches the following:
– Personalised attention.
– Greater interaction.
– Better value for money.

What are the July intensive courses like?

They focus exclusively on examination preparation through continuous mock exams.

Progress Monitoring, Data and Quality Assurance

How do we measure student progress?

By recording the results of every classroom exercise.

Students always know exactly how they are progressing.

How do the quarterly reports work?

They offer a comprehensive review of progress across the five key areas of the Capitol Method.
– Reading & Reading Project
– Writing
– Listening
– Speaking
– Use of English

What is the Third Quarter Suitability Report?

It is the document that determines whether a student is ready to sit the official Cambridge examination.

What is the role of the Academic Supervisor?

The Academic Supervisor coordinates the entire academic strategy and communication with families.

Why don’t teachers hold meetings with parents?

So that they can focus exclusively on teaching.
Academic supervision and family communication are managed by the Academic Coordination team.

What is the pass rate in the Mock Exams?

Last academic year, 90% of our students passed their official Cambridge examinations.

Administration and School Policies

Is the monthly fee a subscription?

No.
This is a monthly instalment toward an annual academic commitment, not a monthly service fee. We offer the annual payment in monthly instalments as a reflection of your commitment of the total payment.

Are quarterly or annual payments refundable?

No.
The discounts offered are linked to the commitment to make full payment at the time of enrolment.

How do I withdraw from a course?

Withdrawals must always be requested by email.
– Before the 19th of the month: cancellation takes effect the following month.
– On or after the 20th: the following month’s payment will also be processed.
It is the student’s responsibility to communicate clearly when service should stop and to arrange payment accordingly.

Are missed group lessons made up?

No.
Missed classes do not generate replacement lessons or refunds.

How much notice is required to cancel an individual lesson?

A minimum of 24 hours. After this deadline, the class is complete and paid.

Are books and examination fees included?

No.
All of them are billed separately as complementary charges at your disposal.

Additional Services and Community

What does the Library and Study Centre offer?

Resources to support your learning journey and enhance your experience include the following:
– Specialist library.
– Audiovisual learning resources.
– Academic guidance.
– Advice on studying abroad.

What is E-Homework?

A service through which students receive the classroom content they missed whenever they are unable to attend.

How does Capitol School contribute to the L’Hospitalet community?

Through activities that strengthen local community life, including:
– Charity Gala.
– Sant Jordi Competitions.
– Halloween.
– Carnival.
– Cultural and educational events.