English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Places in East Cambs:

East Cambridgeshire Training Centre (ECTC)
The East Cambs Training Centre (under the West Suffolk College umbrella) offer in-person courses at Ely College and the Viva Theatre in Soham. Find out about upcoming courses by looking on the East Cambs Training Centre website.
You'll be asked to complete a short test to make sure that you're placed on a course at the right level for you. If you'd prefer to email or call in the first instance you can use [email protected]. or 01354 293130

More info coming soon...

Places in Cambridge:

Cambridge Regional College
Cambridge Regional College offers a course called ‘ESOL Skills for Life’ for those aged 19 and over. This is a 9-month course which covers speaking, reading and writing skills. There are classes available from beginners to advanced level. The course is fully funded (free) for learners who earn below a certain threshold. The College also offers an ESOL Study Programme for learners aged between 16 and 18 years. For more information about these courses visit the 'English for Non-UK Nationals' section on the Cambridge Regional College website. You can also contact 01223 226315 or [email protected].

Adult Learn and Train
Adult Learn and Train run a variety of ESOL courses for learners who do not have English as a first language. The courses range from beginners to advanced. They are held at Parkside Community College and Coleridge Community College. The courses are fully funded (free) for learners who meet certain eligibility criteria. For more information visit the Adult Learn and Train website. You can also contact 01223 712340 or [email protected].

Cambridge English Language Society
Cambridge English Language Society offer classes in English Speaking Skills for speakers of other languages. Their classes are free for people living in Cambridge. They run a weekly ‘SPEAK for all levels’ class for adults and young people of any background and any level, in person on Thursday evenings at Arbury Community Centre. They also run a weekly ‘SPEAK for Professionals’ class online for people who have reached a certain level of speaking proficiency, on Wednesday evenings. Find out more on the Cambridge English Language Society website or call 07773 877658.

ESOL Café at St Laurence’s Church
The ESOL Café is held in the meeting room at St Laurence’s Church on Milton Road on Tuesday mornings, 10 am – 12 noon (term time only). It is aimed at people who know some English and want to improve. Attendees learn in small groups together with the help of native English speakers, and enjoy tea, coffee and biscuits. There is a charge of £5 per session but some free places are available. Adults only, it is not possible to bring children to the sessions. To find out more email Jill Dean: [email protected]

Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre
Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre run a weekly formal English class taught by a qualified ESOL teacher.  They also run a more informal Chat Café where English learners practise listening and speaking English with others in a relaxed friendly group. These sessions are for women only. Both are free to attend. Find out more on the Cambridge Women’s Resources Centre website. You can also call 01223 321148 or email [email protected].

The C3 Church
The C3 Church run an All Nations Café on Wednesdays 10am – 12 noon. This group is aimed at people whose first language is not English. It is an opportunity to meet new people, take part in conversational English, and gain support and understanding around getting established in Cambridge. The C3 Church also run weekly English language lessons on Wednesday evenings 7pm to 8.30pm. For more information email [email protected].

CamRuSS English classes for Ukrainians
There are English classes for Ukrainians held at St Andrew's Street Baptist Church during the day on Mondays and Thursdays. If you are interested fill in this online form. These classes are organised by the Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS). There is an application fee per student per semester (currently £40).

Online learning:

Cambridgeshire Skills
Cambridgeshire Skills offer online and in-person classes for adults throughout Cambridgeshire - take a look here.

WEA
WEA offers online ESOL classes for a range of abilities - take a look here.

Other resources:

Cambridgeshire Libraries
Cambridgeshire Libraries are free to join and you can access the collection of books and other learning materials for language learners (click on the images above to find out more) from the network of public libraries across East Cambs as well as via mobile libraries. This link provides information about where they are and how to join.

Tarjimly Essentials translation/interpretation app
The Tarjimly Essentials app is free to download and connects asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, as well as volunteer groups and organisations committed to humanitarian work to a community of volunteer translators and interpreters on-demand.

There are free training offers from time to time, contact providers for more info. Whilst some courses are paid for, there are often eligibility criteria associated with reduced or subsidised fees, so do check for thiese when exploring your options.