English skills for life
Do you want to develop your English skills without the pressure of exams? Would you like to focus on specific parts of English such as vocabulary, punctuation and grammar? These courses will help you to improve all your skills for life inside and outside work from pre-entry to level 2.
What is the best course for me?
You need to do a pre-course assessment.
- To book an assessment call 0204 582 0423 or contact us by email at universal.skills@citylit.ac.uk for an appointment
Most of these courses are FREE to most learners. They are either in the City Lit building or live online interactive classes. For online courses, you will need a computer with a microphone, a camera and the internet.
- English communication skills - for life and work (level 1)
Course start date: Mon 14 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course helps learners with additional learning needs build essential English communication skills for everyday life and work. Through discussion, group activities, and practical tasks, learners develop confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a friendly and supportive environment. It’s ideal for those who want to strengthen their basic English and feel more comfortable using it in real-world situations.
This course is FREE if you are employed and on a low wage or you are claiming benefits. For more information Click here
- Being Creative with English (Entry 1-2)Course start date: Wed 16 Sep 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course gives students with barriers to learning the confidence to read simple sentences and understand basic instructions whilst being creative and learning about the environment we live in.
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 £174.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £87.00 - English communication skills - for life and work ( (entry 1-entry 2))Course start date: Wed 16 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course helps learners build essential English communication skills for everyday life and work. Through discussion, group activities, and practical tasks, learners develop confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a friendly and supportive environment. It’s ideal for those who want to strengthen their basic English and feel more comfortable using it in real-world situations.
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 £195.00 - First Steps in Reading and WritingCourse start date: Fri 18 Sep 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course offers a gentle introduction to reading and writing for adults who are beginning their literacy journey. It focuses on building confidence through simple, practical activities that support everyday communication. Learners are encouraged to develop their skills at their own pace in a friendly and encouraging environment.
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 £184.00 Senior fee £147.00 Concession £92.00 - Develop your confidence in writing: grammar, punctuation, expression (level 1-2) Course start date: Thu 1 Oct 2026 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This course offers a supportive space for adults to rediscover the building blocks of effective writing. Whether you're returning to education or looking to sharpen your everyday communication, you'll gain the tools to write with greater ease and confidence. Through guided practice and real-world tasks, you'll learn how to express yourself more clearly and with greater impact.
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 £174.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £87.00 - Conversation Club (for Functional Skills English and beyond (Level 1-Level 2)Course start date: Wed 7 Oct 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Do you want to practise your speaking and listening skills in an engaging and supportive environment? Would you like to improve your fluency and confidence when expressing ideas in English?
This conversation club is designed for learners working towards Functional Skills English Level 1 and Level 2 who want to develop their discussion and presentation skills. Through interactive speaking and listening activities, learners will explore a range of current and everyday topics while practising the communication skills required for the Functional Skills Speaking, Listening and Communicating component.
Learners will practise identifying key ideas in explanations and presentations, asking relevant and detailed questions, expressing opinions with supporting evidence, and responding effectively in discussions. The course aims to build confidence in speaking English while developing effective communication strategies for both informal conversations and more structured discussions or presentations.
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 £195.00
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