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ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages

Would you like to improve your current English skills or perhaps remember areas you may have forgotten? Open University has a variety of free online classes for you: 

Everyday English 1 and Everyday English 2

English: skills for learning

English in the world today

If you need more extensive studies, are beginner or improver - then see the list of ESOL courses available in East and Central Devon below.

Location, contact details 

Name and description of the course 

Funding, qualifications by the end of the course 

Exeter college 

ESOL Skills for Life 

In person in Exeter 

Email: adultESOL@exe-coll.ac.uk or lauragrix@exe-coll.ac.uk 

Telephone: 01392 800 840  

Skills for Life

ESOL course at 5 levels, focussing on communication skills.  Contact to determine your level and sign up. 

Free if eligible.  

Funded by government’s National Careers service. 

This course offers qualifications. 

Exeter college 

In person in Exeter 

Adult ESOL Springboard to Employability and Progression 

Springboard

Young adults aged 19-25, whose English skills are not yet at Level 2. The course enables the learners to progress to an Apprenticeship or to GCSE English and Maths or Level 2 ESOL. Learners follow an intensive English Language programme. Opportunity to study additional qualifications such as Maths and Essential Digital Skills. 

Free if eligible 

This course offers qualifications ESOL qualifications at their appropriate level. 

Exeter college 

In person in Exeter 

Young ESOL Plus (YES plus) 

Email: debbiehooper@exetercoll.ac.uk  beckywooton@exetercoll.ac.uk  Chrispetheram@exetercoll.ac.uk  

Young ESOL Plus (YES plus) 

 “YES Plus” for learners aged 16-19. You will study English, Maths, Personal and Social Development and ICT.  

This course is suitable for young people who have recently arrived in the UK and who want to study on a full time English course  

Free if eligible.  

Following qualifications on this course: 

ESOL Skills for Life Speaking and Listening (Entry 1-Level 1) 

ESOL Skills for Life Reading (Entry 1 – Level 1) 

ESOL Skills for Life Writing (Entry 1 – Level 1 according to individual level) 

Functional Skills Maths (Entry 1 – Level 1 ) 

Exeter college 

In person in Exeter 

For more information, please contact: adultESOL@exe-coll.ac.uk or lauragrix@exe-coll.ac.uk. 

OET – Occupation English Test 

A qualification for medically trained people wanting to practice in the UK. 

OET is the international English language test that assesses the language communication skills of healthcare professionals who seek to register and practise in an English-speaking environment. OET has been developed specifically for 12 healthcare professions. 

Free if eligible. 

Test results and confirmation. 

Learn Devon 

Courses - Learn Devon 

Online 

Wide range of classes and Webinars including  

  • Living and working in the UK 
  • Speaking and listening for speakers of other languages: ESOL 
  • Writing for speakers of other languages: ESOL 

Free if eligible. 

For qualifications in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), up to and including Level 2. 

Flash academy ESOL online  

Online ESOL Course Application Process

Application form 

training@swcouncils.gov.uk   

ESOL course 

“Strengthen your English skills” 

Learn vocabulary on a range of topics, play interactive games, earn XP points. Access on any device. 

Free to refugees 

Online 

St Sidwell’s –  

Online

max@stsidwells.org.uk   

maria@stsidwells.org.uk 

ESOL classes.  

Taught by volunteer teachers, open to everyone who wants to improve their English 

Full range of levels and timetable: St Sidwell's Community Centre ESOL classes  

Free  

FlashAcademy Learning Platform   

Online.  

To register, please complete the application form:  
After you completed the form, please email it back to training@swcouncils.gov.uk 

ESOL learning app can be accessed on any smart phone, tablet or computer device. You can choose to learn English in your own time with you home language. Your license will last for 6 months. You need to live in the South West of England in order to join. 

Places are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first served basis. 

Free  

Online 

Duolingo app

Online app 

Free basic program 

STEP Ukraine –  Online 

Enrol via on-line form: STEP Ukraine 

Intensive 12-week ESOL and employment program which can be done online. They also provide employment support.  

Free  

 

Belmont Chapel 

Western Way, Exeter, EX1 2DB 

Phone: 01392 258029 

Website 

Email: office@belmontexeter.church 

 

Conversation group.  Support for international women during school term-time. 

Thursday mornings  9.30am - 11.30 am – Information Café – a place of welcome for women from around the world: make friends, practise English and learn more about Exeter and local customs.  Pre-school children are welcome. Women are welcome to turn up at Belmont Chapel on the day and join in or email for more information. 

There is a charge of £1.00 on Thursday mornings. 

Refugee Support Devon 

Online over Zoom. 

Jennifer Schoen 

ESOL Volunteer Manager  

Mobile: 07950 777864 (only on Wednesdays) 

Office number: 01392682185 

For more information and to sign up, email ESOL@refugeesupportdevon.org.uk 

  • Monday 8:30am: Beginner ESOL 
  • Monday 7-8pm: Intermediate ESOL 
  • Tuesday 10-11:30am: Conversation Class 
  • Wednesday 9-9:45am: Beginner 
  • Thursday 4pm: Conversation Class 
  • Thursday 5pm: Book Club 

Free for refugees 

St Leonard’s Church 

Exeter.  

In person 

Usually St Leonard’s Church, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4NG, but please check the link below for venue changes. 

More information: International English Cafe or contact office@stleonards.church. 

International English Café – Come along to meet new people, practise your English and learn about Exeter and UK life. This is a friendly and relaxed session for all levels of English. Tea, coffee and cake available. 

When: Sundays at 4:45pm. Running every week in term time. 

Free 

Christ Church Hall –  

Exmouth 

In person 

Christ Church Hall, 29 North Street, Exmouth, EX8 1JZ. 

Contact Naomi for further information: naomi@stsidwells.org.uk Call: 01392 666222 

English classes: 

Tuesday 10.00am to 12.00pm: Intermediate class 

Thursday 3.30pm to 5.30pm: Beginner class 

 

Free 

Learn Devon – Exmouth 

In person 

The Kennaway Centre, 10-12 Victoria Road, Exmouth EX8 1DL . 

To enroll, call 01395 223851 or email learndevon@devon.gov.uk. 

 

English Classes 

Thursdays from 7th September, 6pm-9pm: Reading for speakers of other languages 

Tuesdays from 19th September, 9:30am-12pm: Writing for speakers of other languages 

Wednesdays from 20th September, 9:30am-12pm: Reading for speakers of other languages 

Free 

Exmouth Library

In person 

Sim and Joanna   

joannacant@gmail.com; simtaylor2015@gmail.com  

Exmouth Library 01395 272677 

librariesunlimited.org.uk 

English Conversation Class 

Every Friday afternoon between 2:00pm and 3:15pm. All welcome, informal & fun. 

Free 

 

Honiton Library 

In person 

50 New Street, EX14 1BS 

Contact Naomi for further information: 

naomi@stsidwells.org.uk Call:01392 666222 

English classes 

Wednesdays 6.00pm to 7.30pm: Mixed levels 

 

Free 

Ottery St Mary 

In person 

Ottery St Mary, the Feoffee Room, Brook Street, EX11 1EZ. 

Call: 01404 811193 Email: peterh.faithfull@gmail.com 
Ottery Refugee Response Group on Facebook 

Classes are currently paused due to lack of attendance, but please get in touch with Peter Faithfull using the details below if you’re interested in having English lessons or volunteering to teach a class 

 

Free  

All Saints Church – Sidmouth 

In person 

All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Sidmouth, EX10 8ES 

Contact Naomi for further information: naomi@stsidwells.org.uk 

Call: 01392 666222 

 

St Sidwell’s Community Centre volunteer-led English classes: 

  • Tuesday 4.00pm to 5pm: Beginner/Elementary class 
  • Tuesday 5.00pm to 6pm: Pre-Intermediate class 
  • Thursday 6.00pm to 7.00pm: Upper Intermediate 

Free 

Woolbrook News, Sidmouth 

In person 

Woolbrook Road, Sidmouth, EX10 9UZ 

Contact Maureen for further information: mothurlow@gmail.com 

English conversation classes Friendly and welcoming environment.  

  • Thursday at 1pm – beginner class 
  • Thursday at 2pm – intermediate class 

Free 

 

Open University 

Online 

Free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK and Ireland. 

Безкоштовні онлайн-ресурси для українців, які проживають у Великобританії та Ірландії 

openlearn@open.ac.uk, 0300 303 5303 between the hours of 08:00 – 17:30, Monday to Friday 

English, Maths, CV help  

Some pages are in Ukrainian. online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK and Ireland 

 Free  

ILT Education 

Polylino 

Access to multilingual book platform for free for families from Ukraine. This includes audio books too. 

Free 

There are also ESOL websites and apps for younger age groups: 

Younger children 

Free printable books for early reading 

LearnEnglish Kids: free games, stories and activities for children. There is also advice for parents on supporting children to learn English, and information about English courses for children 

Learning Village: Resource for supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) students between 6 to 16 years old. Also provides resources for SEND learners 

Twinkl: teaching and learning resources to support EAL in early years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 

Badger Learning is publishing 6 eBooks in a dual-language format, with English and Ukrainian text side by side. Suitable for children in key stages 2 and 3. Badger Learning is offering these as free resources to schools to support 

Teenagers 

Language nut English offers free language learning resources for supporting Ukrainians to learn English at school or independently (covers proficiency levels CEFR A1 to B2) 

Future Learn: Free online 4-week course to help people learn basic individual skills (join with ‘limited access’ for the free 4-week course). 

LearnEnglish Teens: improve English with reading, writing and listening practice, tips for exams, grammar and vocabulary exercises, and games and videos. 

News in levels: learn 3,000 words in English by reading and listening to news articles at different levels. 

Babbel is an online language learning platform offering native Ukrainian speakers the opportunity to learn German, Polish or English through free self-study lessons 

The Duolingo English Test is a CEFR-aligned test of English proficiency and is recognised by some universities and education providers who can get this test for free for their Ukrainian students. They provide information about how to access free Duolingo English Test coupons 

Racing to English – English language activities for children and adults learning EAL, ESOL or EFL.