Introduction to ESOL for new migrants

If you have moved to the UK and want to learn English, you can find out all about your options here.

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. In this guide you will find information about ESOL classes based on different types of status. You can find the right information for you, whether you are an asylum seeker, a refugee, a BN(O) or are on a work, student or family visa. There are real examples of classes in Yorkshire and the Humber including some that are open to everyone.

This guide will help you understand:

What kind of ESOL classes you can join
Whether the classes are free or paid
Where to find support near you

What is ESOL?

Are you new to the UK and want to improve your English?

This short video will help you understand:

What ESOL means (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
Where you can take ESOL classes in Yorkshire and the Humber.
The different types of classes in community centres, colleges and adult learning centres.
Whether the classes are free, or there is a cost.
Whether the classes come with a qualification at the end.

Whether you are an asylum seeker, refugee, a new migrant or BN(O), this video will help you understand your options and get started with learning English. If some of the language is difficult, scroll down to ‘useful words and phrases’ for a list.

Understanding English Levels

There are different ways to measure progress in English learning, such as CEFR levels and IELTS scores.

CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is used by the UK government to check your English level for things like citizenship. For citizenship you usually need B1 level.
IELTS is a test often used for university or other study in the UK.

Use this table to understand which level you are at, and which level you may need in the future.

What classes can I take?

Follow the links for more information

Are you seeking asylum?

Find out what ESOL classes you can access while waiting for a decision on your asylum claim.

Find out more

Are you a refugee or on a resettlement scheme?

Find out what free English classes are available if you have refugee status, are on a resettlement scheme or you have leave to remain in the UK.

Find out more

Do you have a BN(O) visa?

Explore your options for free or funded ESOL classes as a BN(O) visa holder from Hong Kong.

Find out more

Do you have a work, student or family visa?

Find out what English learning options are available if you have a work, student, or family visa.

Find out more

What is ESOL? Some useful words and phrases

Here you will find some ‘key words’ we use to talk about ESOL classes. You can find the words listed with their meanings. There is an example sentence to show how they are used in talking and writing about ESOL. If you click on the audio links you can check how to say each word.