Free ESOL courses — colleges near you

Pre-Entry → Entry 1 (A1) → Entry 2 (A2) → Entry 3 (B1) → Level 1 (B2) → Level 2 (C1).

Entry 1 — if you are just starting or don't know the alphabet. Entry 3/Level 1 — if you already speak at a basic level. The college will give you a free placement test to find your exact level.

AEB (Adult Education Budget) — government money for adult learning. Free for: asylum seekers waiting 6+ months (Section 95 or Section 4 support), refugees, EU settled/pre-settled, British citizens, and children under 18 (always free).

You need an ARC card or Bail 201 / Home Office letter to prove your status.

A free test at the college: a short interview plus a written task. It finds your current level and puts you in the right group. Takes 30-60 minutes. You can book by phone or online. You cannot start ESOL without a placement test.

FE College (Further Education) — a large, publicly funded college with a wide range of ESOL courses, often several campuses.

Adult Education Service — a local council-run education service, usually small groups in community centres, libraries and schools. Both are funded by AEB.