ESOL Colleges in the UK
Free English courses (ESOL) at UK government colleges. Free for asylum seekers waiting 6+ months and children under 18. ARC card or Bail 201 required.
Can't find your college in the list? Find your area on gov.uk/find-local-council, then search [area] + college + ESOL. Or visit the nearest college in person.
London
Tower Hamlets College
Hackney Community College
Westminster Adult Education Service
City and Islington College
Lambeth College
Lewisham College
Newham College
Barking & Dagenham College
Waltham Forest College
Morley College
Outside London
Birmingham Metropolitan College
Manchester College
Leeds City College
Sheffield College
Bristol City College
Glasgow Clyde College
Online resources
Frequently asked questions
What is ESOL and who gets it free?
ESOL — English for Speakers of Other Languages. Government English courses for non-native speakers in UK colleges. Free for: asylum seekers waiting 6+ months for a decision, those on Section 95/4 support, children under 18, refugees after receiving status. You need an ARC card or Bail 201 to confirm status.
What are the ESOL levels?
Pre-Entry → Entry 1 (A1) → Entry 2 (A2) → Entry 3 (B1) → Level 1 (B2) → Level 2 (C1). Most courses go from Pre-Entry to Entry 3. For further study (university, work) you need Level 1+. A placement test will determine your level.
How many hours per week?
Usually 6-15 hours per week depending on the programme. A full course (Entry 1 → Entry 3) takes 1-2 years at 6 hours/week. Intensive programmes are faster. Many colleges offer 2 levels per year.
My college is not in the list. What now?
The list is not exhaustive — these are popular ESOL colleges. Find your area on gov.uk/find-local-council, then google "[area] college ESOL". Or visit the nearest college in person. All major FE colleges (Further Education) offer ESOL.