When self-study works
You're already band 6+, self-disciplined, and need flexible hours. Use Cambridge books, free mocks on mymockexam.uz, and online grammar resources. Speaking needs a partner or tutor for feedback.
When classroom helps
Starting below band 5.5, needing structure, or lacking Speaking practice partners. Good schools provide examiner feedback, regular mocks, and peer speaking practice.
The hybrid approach (recommended)
Enrol in a course for Writing/Speaking feedback and Speaking practice. Self-study Listening/Reading with timed sections at home. Take full mocks on the platform your school uses.
Red flags in any format
No full timed mocks, no Writing feedback, guaranteed band promises, or only watching videos without practice. IELTS is a performance test — you must perform under time pressure.