ABOUT
Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses are designed to help you develop the language skills you need for everyday life, employment and further study. You can join the course at any time if spaces are available.
Victoria Centre - Course Structure:
Model 1 (ESOL/maths/employability)
September - April: 24 week programme. You will work towards a speaking and listening ESOL qualification and a maths qualification but will develop your reading and writing skills as well. You will also study employability.
April - July: 12 week programme. You will work towards reading and writing qualifications while developing your general English skills.
These courses take place in the daytime, 12 hours per week over 4 days.
Model 2 (ESOL only):
September - February: 18-week programme. You will work towards a speaking and listening ESOL qualification while developing your general English skills.
February - July: 18 week programme. You will work towards reading and writing qualifications while developing your general English skills.
These courses take place in the daytime, 8 hours per week over 3 days, or in the evening - Tuesday and Thursday from 18.00 - 20.30.
Our ESOL courses will help you:
- Get a nationally recognised English and maths qualification
- Improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills
- Develop your English so you can progress at work
- Become a more confident user of English
- Learn about life in the UK
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
You will develop your skills in the 4 key language areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing, as well as improving your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Teachers use a variety of methods and approaches to make learning fun and ensure you make real progress with your English.
In some courses, ESOL students also study maths and employability. In Maths you will work towards a nationally-recognised Functional Skills qualification. In your employability classes you will develop skills to help you find work or progress in your current career.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
You must be resident or permanently settled in the UK.
All applicants must have an initial assessment and interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.
COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS
Your skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing will be assessed through examinations, and your tutor will advise you when you have the language skills needed to pass the exams.
FEES
Adults - ENTRY LEVEL/LEVEL 2
This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:
- If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
- Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions for at least 12 months.
- There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.
Check here which documents you need to show us and which visa types are allowed.
If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course, but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.
If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee.
Some courses have other additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.
Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.
PROGRESSION
ESOL courses give you the language skills to make progress in your career or progress to further study, such as a vocational course in the career area of your choice. Our learners progress from ESOL to a range of courses, such as Childcare, Health and Social Care, Construction, IT etc. Some learners also progress to Access to HE courses and then on to University.