Specialist Language Courses

Informal ESOL Courses for the East of England

We’re delighted to offer 4 free online English language and communication courses for Hong Kong, Ukrainian, Afghan and other migrant learners across the East of England.

(Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire)

The courses are free, with funding provided by Local Government East. To be eligible for the courses, you must be 18 years old or older and live in one of the following counties:

  • Hertfordshire
  • Bedfordshire
  • Essex
  • Norfolk
  • Suffolk
  • Cambridgeshire

Please note that due to high demand, you can only sign up for ONE course. 

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English Level Test

Each course has a minimum English level. If you are not sure of your level, please take this quick test to find out: English level test

There will be 2 sessions for the courses:

  • Session 1: October to December 2025
  • Session 2: January to March 2026

Please note:

  1. There is a maximum number of 15 students for each course. If the course you book is full, we will do our best to assign you to an alternative course.
  2. You can only sign up for ONE course. This is due to very high demand for the courses, so we want to give this opportunity to as many people as possible. 

The Courses

We meet twice a week to discuss a wide range of subjects. Your teacher provides a starting point such as a video to watch or an article to read. You then have the opportunity to practise your conversational English in a relaxed, friendly online space.

You will share your ideas and experiences with other students and discover many interesting things about them and their cultures.

Some sample topics you will cover:

  • Food
  • Family life
  • Festivals
  • Free time activities
  • British traditions
  • The NHS and healthcare
  • Schools and education

You can also suggest topics for the lessons.

Minimum English level: B1 / intermediate / Entry level 3

Course dates

  1. Oct 6 to Dec 10, Mondays and Wednesdays, 09.30 to 11.00am THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
  2. Jan 12 to March 18, Mondays and Wednesdays 09.30 to 11.00am  THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

  3. Jan 13 to March 19, Tuesday and Thursday 9.30 to 11.00am THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Settling into a new country is challenging. This course gives you vital communication skills to help you understand and talk with others – from your neighbours, to work colleagues, people working in local services, and teachers and other parents at your children’s school.

The teacher will focus on the areas you need to work on most. These may include:

  • Improving your listening skills
  • Improving your pronunciation
  • Understanding accents
  • Formal and informal communication styles
  • Understand idioms and slang
  • Building essential vocabulary
  • Phrasal verbs

Minimum English level: A2 / pre-intermediate / Entry level 2

Course dates

  1. Oct 7 to Dec 11, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 09.30 to 11.00am THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
  2. Oct 6 to Dec 10, Mondays and Wednesdays, 6.00 to 7.30pm THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
  3. Jan 12 to March 18, Mondays and Wednesdays 06.00 to 07.30pm  THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

  4. Jan 13 to March 19, Tuesday and Thursday 09.30 to 11.00am  THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

On this lower-level course, you develop your language skills for everyday use. You work on common topics that help you talk with people you meet regularly, including your neighbours, receptionists, and shop assistants. You learn essential aspects of British culture, such as politeness, festivals and food.

The teacher will focus on the areas you need to work on most. These may include:

  • Introducing and talking about yourself
  • Talking about the weather
  • Asking for information and help
  • Politeness and manners
  • Healthcare in the UK
  • Shopping in the UK
  • British food and festivals

Minimum English level: A1 – A2 / elementary / Entry level 1 and 2

Course dates

  1. Oct 6 to Dec 10, Mondays and Wednesdays, 09.30 to 11.00am THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
  2. Oct 7 to Dec 11, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6.00 to 7.30pm THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
  3. Jan 12 to March 18, Mondays and Wednesdays 09.30 to 11.00am THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

  4. Jan 13 to March 19, Tuesday and Thursday 06.00 to 07.30pm  THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Communicating effectively at work is an essential skill, from introducing yourself to understanding and giving instructions, participating in meetings, asking for support or making a complaint. This course builds your workplace-specific language and communication.

The teacher will focus on a range of common topics, and you will also have the opportunity to discuss and share your workplace language needs. The course will include the following:

  • Introducing yourself and describing what you do
  • Formal and informal language
  • Asking for help and advice
  • Making offers and suggestions
  • Making requests
  • Making complaints
  • Giving and following instructions

Minimum English level: B1 / intermediate / Entry level 3

Course dates

  1. Oct 6 to Dec 10, Mondays and Wednesdays 09.30 to 11.00am THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
  2. Oct 6 to Dec 11, Mondays and Thursdays, 6.00 to 7.30pm THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED
  3. Jan 12 to March 18, Mondays and Wednesdays 09.30 to 11.00am THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

  4. Jan 12 to March 19, Tuesday and Thursday 06.00 to 07.30pm THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED

Registration Form