English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

If English isn’t your native language and you need to work on grammar, language development, reading or writing, please apply for an ESOL assessment. We have English for Speakers of Other Languages classes at all levels from Pre-Entry up to Level 2. Following successful completion of a Level 2 course, you will be ready to join a Functional Skills or GCSE course.

  • Pre Entry – signs, numbers, letters and everyday words
  • Entry 1 and 2 – basic reading, writing and communication skills
  • Entry 3 – reading, writing, speaking and listening, and basic grammar
  • Level 1- language skills for employment, education or further training
  • Level 2 – advanced language skills for employment, education or further training

Click here for more information and to apply for an assessment.

Am I eligible for ESOL courses?

You can join an ESOL course from September 2024 if you:

  • are aged 19+ on the 31 August 2024
  • have been a resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years

In some cases, you will be eligible sooner than 3 years if you are a member of the army or are a refugee. Please contact us if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

How much does an ESOL course cost?

English for Speakers of Other Languages courses are part funded if you are eligible for the course, or free if you are earning less than £25,000 per year.

The amount you will need to pay for the course depends on the level you are studying at.

Pre-Entry – £200 (£400 if ineligible for funding)
Entry Level 1 – £200 (£400 if ineligible for funding)
Entry Level 2 – £720 part funded (£1440 if ineligible for funding)
Entry Level 3 – £720 part funded (£1440 if ineligible for funding)
Level 1 – £720 part funded (£1440 if ineligible for funding)
Level 2 – £720 part funded (£1440 if ineligible for funding)

Click here to complete an online application form and register your interest for September 2024.

If you are unable to complete the online form, please call us on 01904 554277 or email york.learning@york.gov.uk.

Transferable Skills

Your ESOL course will also allow you to improve your transferable skills and support you in finding a job, or building on the skills you already have. Click here to learn more about transferable skills.

Communication
Communication
Resilience
Resilience
Leadership
Leadership
Organisation and Time Management
Organisation and Time Management
Problem solving
Problem solving
Teamwork
Teamwork
Adaptability
Adaptability
A photo of a learner's work on a desk, including a phone with a translator app on screen
Two women taking part in an English class, leaning over the desk looking interested in what the tutor is showing them out of shot. One of the learners is laughing at something someone has said.
A row of learners sit at a classroom table, looking at the tutor
A teacher introduces the theme of collocations to the class
Two learners are standing behind a desk with cards in their hands, taking part in a word matching game
A row of learners sit at tables in a classroom, looking at the tutor