English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)

This course is designed for students who speak another language (apart from English), as their first language, have English as a second language, or are looking to learn English from its starting point. If you have moved to the UK from overseas, are seeking asylum, or are classified as a refugee, you may be referred for this course from the local council or other institutions. The course covers several levels of competence in English, from complete beginners up to GCSE-equivalent level.

Our range of ESOL levels and courses are designed to help you learn the language you need to communicate within this country. From the starting points of basic English up to functional English, we will help you learn this new language, helping you to live a happier and more economically successful life. With some additional qualifications to achieve throughout the period of study, the course will help aid you to lead a successful life and ease your transition in living and working in the UK.

Our courses start with a six-week bespoke programme, introducing you to the basics of English at your relevant level of study. After this has been completed, you can achieve further qualifications via assessments that take place in class. These assessments cover reading, writing, and speaking and listening. Your tutor will discuss the right level of options for you when you attend an assessment slot. You will also complete short qualifications alongside your ESOL course, which aim to help you improve your employability and socialisation skills.

Many ESOL students progress to the next level of ESOL study, helping them to learn and use English more effectively in their jobs/personal lives. You may also progress onto functional skills and/or GCSE English, which is the national standard for English qualifications in the UK.

ESOL courses often help people in their employment, whether currently employed or in looking for a job. Students may be working in jobs and looking to improve their English skills to help them work more effectively. Alternatively, your employer may suggest this course to help you improve your communication, writing and/or reading of English.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed. Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

The college has a great reputation for ESOL teaching, with experienced teaching staff, a great easy to access campus, and the opportunity to progress through the relevant levels of ESOL. We have a strong community where students are put first, and we strive to improve people’s lives every day.

There are no entry requirements for the course, but you will sit an initial assessment to help your tutor decide the right level of study for you. ESOL is open to anyone who wants to learn English but speaks another language as their main language. If you are a refugee and/or claiming asylum, you will need to provide evidence of this upon enrolment.

ESOL courses are free to students in receipt of a relevant benefit, on a low income, or unemployed and in receipt of JSA.

Our Learner Services Team can discuss this with you when you come in to enrol.

You may be required to purchase a book, your tutor will advise you of this in your first lesson. You will need to provide your own stationary.