Education, training and employment for refugees and asylum seekers

There are different ways to learn English, but the best way is to attend an ESOL course. English classes for speakers of other languages (ESOL) will support you to develop your knowledge and skills.

What are ESOL courses and who are they for?

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. It means English courses for those who want to improve their English and don’t have English as their first language. Courses are available to suit everyone, and their current level of English starts from beginners to more advanced.

At the end of each level, you will have an exam which includes speaking and listening, reading, and writing. If you pass, you can progress to the next level. ESOL courses not only help you to improve your English language knowledge. They enable you to understand British culture and citizenship. Some courses will focus on employability and the job market in the UK, and this is especially useful for those who are looking to get into work

How does ESOL work?

There are two groups of ESOL courses:

For those who are 16-18 years old.

ESCOL Stepping Up:  The course is specifically designed for 16 – 19-year-old students whose first language is not English and it is delivered at six levels from Pre-Entry to Level 2. While the main focus is English (ESOL), students also study Functional Skills Maths and ICT, ‘Personal and Social Development’ (including aspects of citizenship) and Employability/Work/Study Skills.

A wide variety of enrichment activities are offered and students also prepare for starting other vocational courses, progressing to Higher Education or going into employment. Occasionally, under 18 students may be in a class with some adult students (19+) but they will welcome you and help with your studies.

The course is free of charge to students who are 16 – 18 years old at the start of the academic year and who are assessed as eligible for home fees.  Some students can also claim a weekly college bursary fund to help with course-related costs and travel.

These courses are usually offered by a college, and they run for a whole year from September to June. There are 16 hours of classes per week taught over 3 or 4 days.

If you are between 16 and 18 years old, and an unaccompanied asylum-seeking young person (UASC) who have just arrived in the UK, this is the course for you.

For those 19 years and older:

These courses can be offered by a college or run in the community. Generally, the courses offered by a college are accredited which means you get a certificate at the end of each level. These courses are called formal ESOL. Informal courses are those that do not offer any formal accreditation certificate or qualification.

ESOL classes at a college: If you live in Colchester, the nearest college that offers ESOL courses is Colchester Institute and ACL Colchester.

For more information and to apply for ESOL course at Colchester Institute use this link, English for speakers of other languages

For more information and to apply for ESOL course at ACL Colchester use this link, English for speakers of other languages