English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses

Why study ESOL

Studying ESOL can help you to:

• develop your English language skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing
• take part in everyday life in the UK and get a recognised ESOL qualification
• prepare yourself to enter further training, higher education or employment
• support your children with their homework.

Why study with us

• You’ll learn in small groups
• You’ll have access to excellent resources and technology
• You’ll be supported by qualified specialist tutors who are committed to your progress and development
• You’ll have access to additional support courses to help you improve your grammar, written and language skills using digital technology
• We offer support courses to prepare you for next steps in employment, further studies or volunteering.

What courses we offer

• New to ESOL courses

• Accredited Entry Level 1–3 courses

• Accredited Level 1 courses

• Accredited Level 2 courses

Course fees

• £225 a term for accredited ESOL courses.
• £150 a term for new to ESOL courses.

See if you can get concessionary fees.

Exam dates 2024–2025

• Reading: 9-12 December 2024
• Speaking and listening: 31 March - 3 April 2025
• Writing: 14-17 July 2025

First steps Community ESOL (COMESOL) courses

First Steps Community ESOL classes are held at our centres, schools, and children’s centre’s. Courses are free but are offered at lower entry levels only.

Course structure

• Courses are 4 hours a week for 10 weeks per term and are suitable from absolute beginners to entry level 2. 
• Courses are topic-based and tailored to the needs of the groups. For example, those running at schools are suitable for parents who wish to better support their children at school. 
• At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to help you decide your next steps. 
• You can progress to higher level ESOL courses once you’ve completed a pre-course assessment.
• There are no classes in the summer holidays.   

If you are a school or community provider interested in running ESOL classes in your community and you have a cohort of adult learners, please contact Denise Jones on 07393 784 570.

How to enrol

To enrol on an ESOL and COMESOL course you need to complete a pre-course assessment (PCA). We will assess your skills level to ensure we choose the right course for you.

If you are attending an ESOL course and you want to continue on fee-based courses, you pay the course fees after your assessment to complete your enrolment . If you are on benefits or a low income, you can apply for reduced fees before or at your pre-course assessment interview. You need to pay your course fees before you can join a course where applicable.

At the pre-course assessment we will:-

• Check your eligibility for a concession (this can also be done at the booking stage)
• assess your skills level discuss your goals recommend the right course for you

So we can check your eligibility for reduced fees and to complete your enrolment, you need to bring the following documents either when booking your appointment or to your PCA appointment:-

• evidence of your identity       
• evidence of benefits claimed in the last three months

Find out what evidence we accept

Pre-course assessments take place throughout the year. We will publish dates when they are available.

Pre-course assessments for courses starting in January 2025

Pre-course assessments for courses starting in January take place on the following dates:-

Pre-course assessments can be booked by calling 020 8314 3300 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.

Continuing learners

If you are already attending an ESOL course and you want to continue, your tutor will tell you which course you can enrol on next. You can apply for reduced fees if you are claiming benefits, universal credit or are on a low income. Bring your new recent evidence of benefits, low income, or refugee status with you when you enrol. You will be fully enrolled after payment, or when your reduced fees have been approved.