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139 providers · Ofsted rated · updated 14 May 2026

Free ESOL courses — colleges near you

FE colleges and adult education centres with free English courses for asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. Entry 1-3 and Level 1-2. All entries have a direct phone number. This directory is built from Ofsted data and covers England only: colleges in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are inspected by other bodies and are not listed here — look for a college through your local council's site.

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Showing 139
ESOL free for: asylum seekers waiting 6+ months (Section 95), or those already getting Section 4 support, refugees, EU settled/pre-settled status, children under 18. You need ARC card or Home Office letter. More about the rules → What else is open while you wait →

Luton · LU2 7BF · East of England
🎓 FE College

Плату могут снять, если вы получаете пособие или у вас низкий доход. Колледж принимает письмо о поддержке по Section 95 как подтверждение.

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Bolton · BL3 5BG · North West
🎓 FE College

Колледж пишет о высоком спросе: очередь может доходить до шести месяцев. Записывайтесь заранее.

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Rochdale · M24 6XH · North West
🎓 FE College ✓ Good

Курс бесплатен, если вы без работы и получаете пособие по доходу — JSA, ESA или Universal Credit. Колледж имеет статус College of Sanctuary.

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Leeds · LS3 1AA · Yorkshire
🎓 FE College

Уровни от Beginner до Level 1. Колледж имеет статус College of Sanctuary. До 18 лет — бесплатно; взрослым цену уточняйте при записи.

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Newcastle upon Tyne · NE4 7SA · North East
🎓 FE College

Курсы для взрослых включают квалификации City & Guilds ESOL Skills for Life. Про бесплатность на странице не написано — спрашивайте.

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Oldham · OL9 6AA · North West
🎓 FE College

Цену и наличие финансирования колледж определяет по вашей ситуации — пишите на admissions@oldham.ac.uk.

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Peterborough · PE1 4DZ · East of England
🎓 FE College

Данные из поисковой выдачи: сайт колледжа закрыт защитой от ботов, проверить страницу напрямую не удалось. Перед поездкой позвоните.

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Stockton-on-Tees · TS17 6FB · North East
🎓 FE College

Платы может не быть, если вы получаете JSA или ESA в группе Work Related Activity. Колледж имеет статус College of Sanctuary.

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By UK city

ESOL colleges in a specific city

All large FE colleges offer ESOL from Entry 1 to Level 2. Choose a region for quick navigation.

London 23 providers Manchester 3 providers Birmingham 4 providers Leeds 2 providers Sheffield 2 providers Bristol 2 providers Liverpool 2 providers Newcastle 3 providers Nottingham 2 providers Leicester 1 provider Coventry 1 provider Bradford 1 provider
Frequently asked questions

What you need to know before signing up for ESOL

Which ESOL level is right for me?

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.

What is AEB and who gets it for free?

ASF (Adult Skills Fund) — government funding for adult education (formerly the Adult Education Budget, renamed in August 2024). Free for: asylum seekers waiting 6+ months for a decision (Section 95), or those already getting Section 4 support (no 6-month requirement), refugees, EU settled/pre-settled status, British citizens, children under 18 — always.

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

What is a placement test?

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.

What's the difference between FE College and Adult Education Service?

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.

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