English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Before you are enrolled onto an ESOL English class, you will have an assessment so that the teacher can make sure you are attending a class at the right level for you.

At college you will take an exam, usually at the end of the year, and gain a certificate for each level before moving onto the next.

ESOL Levels

These are the levels of classes that you may be enrolled onto:

• Beginners or pre-entry class - a class for people new to learning English – greet people and introduce yourself.
• Entry Level 1 – at this level you will be able to have a simple conversation, fill in your personal details in forms, write in simple sentences about yourself and read short texts like messages, notes and adverts.
• Entry Level 2 – you will start to build on your vocabulary, read adverts and short leaflets and write texts like emails for work.
• Entry Level 3 – be a more confident speaker of English and develop your reading and writing skills. You will be able to read and write short texts like adverts or simple letters.
• Level 1 – equivalent to a grade 3 at GCSE which shows a growing confidence in written English. You will be developing a wider vocabulary and reading longer texts like articles.
• Level 2 – equivalent to a grade 4 at GCSE which is a requirement for universities and a number of employers.

Choosing the right level for you

It is very challenging learning a new language. Sometimes it can be frustrating because you may want to be in a class at a higher level. This is especially frustrating if you are confident in speaking English but less confident in reading or writing.

When learning a language, the study at each level prepares you for the next. If you miss a level it could be difficult to keep up with the work. Your teachers will not want to put you in a class at a level that is too high for you. This is because if you do not pass the exam you may need to repeat the year and it would take you longer to get to the level you want to achieve.

Attending informal classes in the community or doing voluntary work can also help you to become confident in English more quickly.

Find an English class near you

The Refugee Integration Team can help you to find community ESOL classes, email RITTeam@lancashire.gov.uk.

Map of ESOL classes

The Map Of ESOL Classes provided by the North West Regional Strategic Migration Partnership shows you where all the English classes are in the North West of England.

Resources to learn English at home

Apps

• BBC Learning English: all BBC Learn English lessons and activities in the app
• Duolingo: free app, very easy and fun to use, suitable for adults or children
• Rosetta Stone: you can pay for the premium version, but if you click "no thanks" and click the cross to close when it asks you to subscribe, there are plenty of free 10-minute lessons for beginners to intermediate
• Memrise: lots of free vocabulary, listening and matching games. The app is free, just click "maybe later" when it asks if you want to buy the paid version
• Drops: the program is useful for vocabulary, fun, with a variety of memory games. Free, if you haven't subscribed just click the cross to close when asked if you want to upgrade.

Podcasts

• BBC 6 Minute English 6 minute language videos for intermediate and advanced students
• British Council Learn English Podcast many episodes with drama, stories and quizzes. Each episode has a transcript so you can practice reading as well - for an intermediate level
• BBC The English We Speak  3-minute programs about English expressions - for intermediate or advanced level
• English Podcasts - beginner and intermediate podcast episodes to help you improve your conversation. There are also videos to watch, as well as transcripts and quizzes.

Websites

Beginners/entry level

• ESOL courses many exercises in reading, writing and speaking; from learning the alphabet to the days of the week and starting conversations
• Future Learn a free 4-week online course for beginners at Kings College London, which you can register at any time
• BBC Learning English My Way lessons for beginners on many useful topics

Intermediate level

• British Council online lessons are available for £5.99 a month, but the website also has lots of resources for grammar, reading, writing and listening
• Future Learn is a free 4 week course that uses TV programs to help build confidence in writing, reading and speaking English
• ESOL courses are a fun way to learn English through song lyrics!
• Cambridge English lots of activities, quizzes and links to free games and apps
• BBC Learning English many video lessons and exercises on vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, business English

Advanced level

• Oxford Online English free English lessons: pronunciation, business English, IELTS preparation
• Future Learn English language course for academic study - free but limited 2 week access
• BBC Skillswise English and maths writing exercises - useful for functional skills exams
• National Geographic grammar, writing and reading on the topics of nature and science

Activities for children

• British Council for Children quizzes, songs, games, stories
• English games grammar and vocabulary games 
• CBeebies Bedtime Stories lots of great children's stories read by celebrities