Ascend English
You've studied English for years. Now learn how to actually speak it.
Personalised 1-to-1 English coaching for people who are tired of random study and want a clear path to confident, advanced English.
Diagnose what’s holding you back.
Practise the English you actually need.
Get expert feedback.
Know exactly what to work on next.
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 - Kento
“For me, he’s absolutely 10 out of 10.”
“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 - Masa
“I would definitely recommend him to anyone preparing for IELTS”
“I had a memorable experience with Ben! He is such an excellent person and professional! He helped me a lot in a short time to prepare for my IELTS Speaking exam. There was a lot of fun during the lessons, which I really value. The flexibility and the personalized learning was top-notch! Everything was easy to follow and always encouraging. Thanks to his support, I gained much more confidence when speaking English. I was looking for a band 7 in Speaking and I was able to secure it thanks to his support. I would definitely recommend him to anyone preparing for IELTS”
IELTS student - Sebastian
“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.
English is the global power language
No.1 language globally
English is the dominant language in global politics and diplomacy, finance, technology, medicine, media, and academia.
High Leverage
English language skills are the highest leverage career investment outside of your profession.
Expand Possibilities
Work professionally in English, conduct international meetings, reach global clients, write English-language research papers, study at post-graduate level in UK, US, etc, and 10x your earning potential.
The Ascend Method
Assess
1.
Find you current level in your 1st lesson – so that we can personalise the lessons and studying materials for you.
Diagnose
2.
Identify what’s actually limiting your speaking in your 1st week.
Prioritise
3.
Focus on the highest-impact weaknesses first to make progess even when busy.
Train
4.
Practise the situations and language you actually need.
Correct
5.
Get immediate expert feedback.
Reinforce
6.
Use targeted homework between lessons to improve recall and develop skills, and learn “how to teach yourself.”
Reassess
7.
Measure progress continually and adjust the plan with regular reassessments.
Ascend English Courses
All courses include:
Personalised coaching
- Personalised weekly study plan created for you in line with your goals
- 1-on-1 speaking practice with instant feedback in 60-minute online lesson every week
- Professional feedback, prioritised by level of importance for you
- Progress tracking done for you – so you can really see your progress and feel confident
- Homework after lessons – to suit your schedule
- Quickly and easily schedule lessons with online booking application
Support between lessons
- Unrivalled access with online video chat and voice and text message with Ben outside of lesson time (reply within 24hrs)
- Comprehensive curriculum with speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, and pronunciation
- Fast progress with self-study resources and support
- Access to all Ascend English learning guides and video courses, as well as any future courses
And
- Achieve long-term goals with our accountability and strategy
- Prestigious British accent training
No hidden fees
We have no sign up fees, no cancellation fees, and no course material costs.
Limited space
Because everything is personally taught and customised by Ben, only a limited number of new students can be accepted at one time.
Your first week is risk-free.
If you don’t get a clear understanding of your English weaknesses and what you should work on next, within the first week – I’ll refund you.
English Accelerator Course
- Suitable for all levels (A1-C2)
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 led 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?
The Professional English Coaching Course caters to any level (from absolute beginner to advanced.) If you are a beginner, please let me know using your own language.
Is it in Japanese?
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.
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.
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 |
