English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are for people who do not speak English as their first language. ESOL classes are designed to help learners improve their ability to talk, listen, read and write in English and settle in the community. Our tutors are highly experienced and qualified and specialise in working with adults. We pride ourselves in building ‘learning confidence’ – we will take care of you.
How will improving my English help me?
Our courses can help you to:
- Gain confidence
- Find a new job
- Get a promotion at work
- Gain a qualification
- Help your children with their school work
What will I learn on an English course?
On our courses you will improve your Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing skills and develop your vocabulary and grammar. Our courses are carefully designed to take into consideration your individual learning needs, educational and employment aspirations. Our tutors encourage independent learning and use communicative language-teaching techniques to help you achieve your learning goals.
Some of the things you will learn on our courses are how to:
- greet people and talk about feelings, likes and dislikes
- ask for and give personal information, directions and travel arrangements
- ask for information in shops and make an appointment with the doctor
- fill in job application forms, write invitations and letters of complaint
- make polite requests, apologise and ask for permission
- describe and compare places and people
- understand and take part in formal and informal conversations and discussions
- talk and write about the future and things that happened in the past.
How will I find the course that’s right for me?
You can join most courses throughout the year. If you would like to enrol, please book an online assessment with us which will enable us to find the best course for you.
Will I gain a qualification?
We offer Ascentis ESOL Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. You can progress to ESOL Functional Skills Levels 1 and 2. Before starting a course your tutor will discuss with you your individual needs and assess your language skills. This will help the tutor allocate the most suitable course for you.
How do I join?
You can join an ESOL class if:
• English is not your first language
• you are living in the UK long-term
• you want to speak and understand everyday English
• you want to improve your reading and writing skills
• You want to gain an ESOL qualification
Subject to demand you can join a morning, afternoon or an evening class in one of our Buckinghamshire Adult Learning Centres. We currently run ESOL classes in the centres in Aylesbury, High Wycombe and Chesham.
You can join most courses throughout the year. If you would like to enrol, please book an online assessment to help us find the best course for you.
For more information, please email Angela Cato on angela.cato@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or call 01296 674463.