London is a centre of learning, and boasts countless colleges, universities and other educational institutions. The jewel in its crown is the huge University of London, whose world-renowned colleges include King’s, University and Imperial Colleges, as well as the London School of Economics.

Many people come to London to study English as a foreign language, and during any walk down Oxford St you are likely to be handed a flyer for one such establishment. The best source of information is the British Council which publishes a free list of accredited colleges whose facilities and teaching reach the required standards. The Council can also advise foreign students on educational opportunities in the UK.

A huge number of London courses, from needlework to Nietzche, photography to politics, are listed in the biannual publication Floodlight, available from most bookshops.