Russian for English speakers
Learn Russian with a native speaker, in English
One-to-one online lessons for adults, GCSE and A-level students across the UK. Clear explanations, a structured plan, and times that fit around work or school.
- Native Russian speaker
- 25+ years teaching
- Online across the UK
Who the lessons are for
Most students are adults who want to finally understand the language, or families who need clear, reliable support around an exam.
Adults starting from scratch
You have wanted to learn Russian for years. We start with the alphabet and reading, then build towards real conversations.
GCSE and A-level students
Structured support with grammar, speaking and writing, built around the Edexcel specification and your exam timetable.
Bilingual and heritage families
Children who speak Russian at home but need reading, writing and grammar. Lessons are planned with the parent.
Work, travel and culture
Russian for meetings, email, trips or reading Chekhov in the original. The syllabus follows your reason, not a generic textbook.
The approach
Why learn with Kurilekh
The method is simple: explain clearly, practise in context, and keep the plan visible. No performance, no wasted lessons.
Explained in English
Grammar is explained through English structures, not Russian school terminology. You always know what a rule is for and when to use it.
A plan, not random conversation
Every block has a goal: read Cyrillic, handle the past tense, prepare for a speaking exam. You can see progress instead of guessing.
Speaking from the first lesson
We use new language in short, supported conversations straight away. Mistakes are corrected without interrupting the flow.
How it works
Three steps, no pressure and no long contract.
- 1
Free 20-minute trial
We talk about your goal, check your level and try a short task. You leave with a recommendation, even if you do not book.
- 2
A plan for the next 8–12 weeks
You get a clear focus, a realistic rhythm and the materials you need. No subscription and no automatic renewal.
- 3
Lessons and feedback
Sixty-minute one-to-one lessons on Zoom, with short homework and feedback after each block.
Levels we teach
We use the CEFR scale so you can see where you are and what comes next. Most students start at A0–A1.
See the beginner route| Level | What you work towards |
|---|---|
| A1 · Beginner | Alphabet, reading, greetings, numbers, simple present tense. |
| A2 · Elementary | Everyday situations, past tense, cases in context, short conversations. |
| B1 · Intermediate | Longer conversations, opinions, travel and work topics, all six cases. |
| B2 · Upper-intermediate | Fluency, nuance, reading authentic texts, structured writing. |
| C1 · Advanced | Precision, style, literature, professional and academic Russian. |
Start with the basics
Free guides to the questions most students ask before their first lesson.
The Russian alphabet
33 letters, sounds and the false friends to learn first.
Russian cases
What the six cases do, with examples and a study order.
Is Russian hard?
An honest look at what is difficult and what is easier.
How long does it take?
Realistic timelines to A1, A2, B1 and B2.
Pronunciation
Stress, vowel reduction and hard versus soft consonants.
Russian for beginners
A 12-week route from zero to a simple conversation.
Simple pricing
Pay per lesson or in a small pack. No subscription.
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Free trial | £0 |
| Single lesson | £32 |
| Five lessons | £150 |
| Ten lessons | £280 |
| Mini-group | £16 |
Prices are in pounds sterling. Payment is arranged before your first paid lesson. No subscription and no automatic renewal.
Questions before you start
Short, direct answers. If yours is not here, send a message and we will reply within one working day.
I have never learned Russian. Is that a problem?
No. Most students start from zero. We begin with the alphabet and reading, then move to greetings, numbers and simple conversations. The pace is set by you.
How much does a lesson cost?
A single 60-minute lesson is £32. Five lessons cost £150 and ten cost £280. The 20-minute trial is free.
What times are available for UK students?
The main window is 07:00–09:30 UK time, before work or school, plus selected weekend slots. Other times can be discussed if you are in a different time zone.
Do you prepare for GCSE and A-level?
Yes. Lessons can follow the Edexcel GCSE and A-level Russian specifications, including speaking, writing and grammar. We will check the exam board and timetable before we start.
Are lessons suitable for children?
Yes, for children aged 8 and over, including bilingual families. A parent or guardian books the lessons and a responsible adult should be at home during the lesson.
What do I need for the lesson?
A computer or tablet, a stable internet connection, a microphone and Zoom. A notebook is useful, but all materials are shared digitally.
Start with a free 20-minute lesson
A short conversation, a quick level check, and a clear next step. No card and no obligation.
- An honest check of your current level
- A recommendation on format and frequency
- A first plan you can start the same week