ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
City Lit has a wide range of courses to help you develop your reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills in English (ESOL).
The courses are FREE to most learners. Click into the courses below for more information.
For more information about our live online courses, please see our guide to online learning.
Our offer includes both a year long and short termly courses at different levels.
- Level 2
- Level 1
- Entry 3
- Entry 2
- Entry 2
- Pre-Entry
- Maths for ESOL
- Conversation Club
- Grammar in practice
- Writing skills in Practice
- ESOL, maths and digital skills for Life
- Learn English- learn about London
- Everyday English in London (ESOL Entry 1)Course start date: Thu 9 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Start your English journey with confidence! This practical Entry 1 ESOL course is designed for beginners who want to build their English skills for everyday life in London. You’ll learn useful vocabulary and phrases to help you talk about your daily routine, get around the city, visit the doctor, and go shopping.
Through fun and interactive lessons, you’ll practise all four key language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Whether you're asking for directions, filling out a form, or chatting with new friends, this course will help you feel more comfortable using English in real-life situations.
You can join the course during terms 1,2 and 3.
You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £132.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work -Entry 3 (speaking and listening)Course start date: Mon 17 Nov 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Entry 3 ESOL Speaking and Listening unit of the course to give you confidence in communicating with others for everyday communication, work, and study. Through interactive activities, role-plays, and real-life scenarios, learners will build confidence in speaking clearly, listening actively, and participating in discussions. The course supports learners in developing the language and strategies needed to communicate effectively in a range of social and practical situations.
You can join the course during term 2.
You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £619.00 Senior fee £619.00 Concession £433.00 - ESOL - communication skills for life and work -level 1 (Speaking and Listening)
Course start date: Mon 17 Nov 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
This is the Level 1 ESOL Speaking & Listening unit to give you confidence in using English in a range of everyday, study, and work-related situations. At Level 1, you will build your ability to communicate clearly, fluently, and appropriately in both familiar and unfamiliar settings. You will take part in discussions, express your opinions, give presentations, and listen for specific information in spoken texts such as announcements, interviews, and conversations.
You’ll develop the skills needed to communicate effectively and prepare for the ESOL Level 1 Speaking & Listening exam.
This course runs during term 2. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £619.00 Senior fee £619.00 Concession £433.00 - Grammar in practice: intermediate (entry 3-level 1) Course start date: Mon 5 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Do you speak English with confidence but still find grammar confusing? Have you been learning for years but feel unsure about sentence structure or using more accurate forms when speaking or writing? This course is designed to help you review and practise key grammar points at Entry 3 / Level 1, so you can strengthen your understanding and communicate more clearly. You will focus on building more accurate sentences and using grammar confidently in everyday situations. Through practical speaking and writing activities, you’ll consolidate the grammar skills needed at this level. Whether you're looking to refresh your knowledge or fill in the gaps, this course will support you in becoming a more accurate and effective English user.
You can join the course during terms 1,2 and 3.
You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £151.00 Concession £95.00 - Everyday English in London (ESOL Entry 1)Course start date: Thu 8 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Start your English journey with confidence! This practical Entry 1 ESOL course is designed for beginners who want to build their English skills for everyday life in London. You’ll learn useful vocabulary and phrases to help you talk about your daily routine, get around the city, visit the doctor, and go shopping.
Through fun and interactive lessons, you’ll practise all four key language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Whether you're asking for directions, filling out a form, or chatting with new friends, this course will help you feel more comfortable using English in real-life situations.
You can join the course during terms 1,2 and 3.
You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £132.00 - Learn English - discover London, its history, culture and people (level 1-level 2) Course start date: Mon 12 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Do you want to improve your English while exploring London? This short course helps you develop your English skills through discovering London’s rich history, diverse cultures, and fascinating people. You’ll visit key places around the city, learn about their past and present, and explore how different communities have shaped London. You’ll also carry out your own research, helping you improve your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. By the end of the course, you’ll feel more confident using English and more connected to the culture and life in London.
This course runs during terms 1, 2 and 3.
You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £90.00 - English communication skills for life and work (ESOL entry 2) Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Can you speak, read, and write a little English but want to do more? This course will help you speak more clearly, write better emails and messages, and understand others more easily. You will learn more grammar, new words, and improve your pronunciation. By the end of the course, you will feel more confident speaking English in daily life.
You can join the course during terms 1,2 or 3. You need to do a short test before joining. Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £329.00 Senior fee £329.00 Concession £230.00 - Conversation Club Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Do you speak English as a second language? Do you want to practise your speaking and listening skills in an immersive and engaging environment? Want to practise making good conversation? Would you like to improve your fluency and learn social cues, norms and natural key phrases we use in the English language? The conversation club will allow you to develop your verbal and non-verbal communication skills. You will meet different people on the course and explore different themes and topics.
You can join the course during terms 1,2 and 3.
You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £132.00 - English pronunciation: stage 2Course start date: Tue 13 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: David John GwillimDesigned for people who have completed ‘English Pronunciation: stage 1’ although new students with sufficient skills can join. Develop confidence and clarity, explore diphthongs and triphthongs, inflection and the rhythms of Standard English. This term the course will be taught online
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £195.00 - English communication skills for life and work (ESOL entry 1) Course start date: Wed 14 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course is for beginners who only know a few words in English. You will learn new words, simple grammar, how to ask and answer questions, and how to talk and write about yourself, your family, and your friends. You will also learn how to fill in forms and write short emails.
You can join the course during terms 1,2 or 3.
You need to do a short test before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 8078 0489
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £329.00 Senior fee £329.00 Concession £230.00 - Grammar in practice: upper intermediate (level 1-2) Course start date: Wed 14 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Unsure when to use the present perfect or past perfect? Still finding reported speech tricky? Need more practice with conditionals? This practical grammar course will help you put your grammar into action in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Through engaging topics and interactive activities, you’ll learn to choose the right form for the right situation, express yourself clearly, and sound more natural. Ideal for upper-intermediate learners who want to polish their skills for work, study, or everyday life.
This course runs during terms 2 and 3.
A pre-course assessment is required before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £289.00 Senior fee £231.00 Concession £145.00 - Communication skills: developing your writing, speaking and digital skills through creating a radio programme (ESOL level 1-2)Course start date: Thu 15 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Do you want to develop your writing and speaking skills while also improving your digital skills? In this interactive course, you will write, present, and record short radio programmes on topics such as current news, arts, hobbies, and other areas that interest you.
Through this creative process, you will build confidence in your communication skills—learning how to emphasise meaning, choose the right words, speak and write concisely, use an appropriate tone, and create emotion in your audience. You will also work on pronunciation, fluency, and editing techniques, and you will gain hands-on experience in putting together a complete radio programme. We hope to share your finished programme with friendly listeners!
You can join this course during terms 2 and 3.
A pre-course assessment is required before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £132.00 - English pronunciation: stage 1Course start date: Thu 15 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: David John GwillimAre you a non-native fluent speaker who wants to improve your pronunciation of English and to speak the language more clearly and confidently? Work on clear formation of vowel and consonant sounds including the English neutral vowel and the distinction between voiced and unvoiced sounds. This term the course will be taught in the college.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £195.00 - English pronunciation: stage 3Course start date: Fri 16 Jan 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: David John GwillimDesigned for advanced non-native speakers, and all who have completed 'English Pronunciation' stages 1 and 2. Conversation and the reading aloud of a variety of texts will help to pinpoint those pronunciation worries still to be addressed.
Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £195.00 - English communication skills - improve your confidence and fluency when you speak (entry 3-level 1) Course start date: Mon 19 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Do you want to speak more easily and communicate in English without translating from your first language? Do you think too much about what to say or write? Would you like your English to be more automatic? This course will help you become more relaxed when you speak and write English so you can express yourself clearly and confidently without worrying about mistakes. You will build fluency in both speaking and writing, with a stronger focus on speaking.
You can join this course during term 2.
A short test is required before joining.
Contact: universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk or call 0204 582 0423
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £104.00
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