English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) - Print version

Overview

ESOL courses help you learn the English you need to live and work in the UK.

We have three main types of course:

• Intensive courses for learners who need to improve their English to help them find work.
• Our main ESOL programmes open to eligible learners [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/adult-education/eligibility-courses-fees/2] at all levels.
• Our ESOL + programme, which focuses on other skills you might need, but keeps the language as simple as possible so that ESOL learners can access the material 

For more details on each of these, please see the other pages in this section.

Intensive ESOL courses for work

Are you looking for work but need to improve your English?

We offer two different intensive ESOL for Work courses, both centrally located near the city centre.

• 4-week course, Mon-Thu, 9:30 am till 2:30 pm
• 16-week course, Mon-Thu, 9:15 am – 11:45 am

Who can join?

• Your English should be Entry 2, Entry 3 or Level 1.
• You should be looking for work.
• You need to meet the WMCA eligibility criteria [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/adult-education/eligibility-courses-fees/2].

What will you learn?

• English grammar
• English vocabulary especially related to jobs and working in the UK
• English pronunciation to help you speak clearly and be understood easily
• Employment related skills such as how to make appointments with agencies, apply for jobs, speak confidently on the phone, talk about your work experience and health and safety requirements
• The courses can include some content on the type(s) of job you are looking for
• A pathway navigator will provide wrap-around support to help you find jobs, settle in Coventry, and progress to other vocational, work-related courses

How to join

To join you need to attend an ESOL assessment. Please email Sadaf.din@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:Sadaf.din@coventry.gov.uk] to book an appointment.

Don’t forget to bring ID to your appointment.

• If you were born in the UK please bring your birth certificate, driving licence or passport.
• If you are an EU citizen please bring your passport/ID card and a share code generated within the last 90 days.
• Otherwise, please bring your resident's permit, passport with visa or whatever documentation you have that shows your resident status.
• You also need to bring proof of your income if you are working or proof that you are unemployed.

ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

Are you looking for an ESOL class? 

We have classes at all levels from Beginner/Pre-Entry level to Advanced/Level 1.   ESOL classes focus on speaking and listening, reading and writing at your level.  You can learn about things which help you with everyday life. You will work towards a City & Guilds qualification at Entry Level or at Level 1. 

We have face-to-face classes in different venues around the city and online options for higher level learners. Classes are in the morning, afternoon or evening. 

What will you learn in your ESOL class? 

You will practice speaking and listening, reading and writing at your level. You can learn about things which help you with everyday life such as finding a job, speaking at work, your home and community, health, travel, and living in Britain. You will work towards a City & Guilds qualification at Entry Level or at Level 1. 

How can you join an ESOL class?  

Our courses are funded from government grants and you will need to meet their eligibility criteria [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/adult-education/eligibility-courses-fees/2] to join a course. 

Courses are free for most people, but if you are employed and on a good wage you may have to pay. See more details on who has to pay [http://www.coventry.gov.uk/adult-education/eligibility-courses-fees].

To join a class, you need to come to an enrolment session. At the enrolment session we will check your eligibility and whether you need to pay a fee. If you are not sure if you are eligible, come and talk to us. You will also do an assessment to check your starting level of English. 

You need to bring ID:

• If you are a British citizen please bring your birth certificate, driving licence or passport.
• If you are an EU citizen please bring your passport/ID card and a share code generated within the last 90 days.
• Otherwise, please bring your residence permit (BRP), passport with visa or whatever documentation you have that shows your resident status.
• You also need to bring proof of your income if you are working or proof that you are unemployed.

Please note, our mainstream ESOL courses are all full at the moment. We will update this page when places become available. If you need more information, please email ESOLClasses@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:ESOLClasses@coventry.gov.uk] or call us on 024 7697 5200. 

ESOL + additional courses for ESOL learners

Are you an ESOL learner wanting to go beyond learning English?

We offer a range of ESOL+ courses to help you with other subjects you might need. Because these courses are designed with ESOL learners in mind, we make sure the language used and the handouts are easy to understand.

Subjects available for lower level ESOL learners

• IT
• Maths
• Family learning sessions
• Cleaning
• Cooking & Food Hygiene

Subjects available for higher level ESOL learners

•  IT
• Maths
• Carework
• Caring for a child
• Community interpreting
• Customer service
• Driving
• Preparing to work in a school
• Study skills courses
• ESOL for Volunteering

To find out more or join a course contact ESOLClasses@coventry.gov.uk [mailto:ESOLClasses@coventry.gov.uk] or visit your nearest Adult Education Centre.