English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL)
Improve Your English at Friends Centre
We have English Classes at the following levels:
- Pre-Entry (Beginners)
- Entry 1 (Elementary)
- Entry 2 (Pre-Intermediate)
- Entry 3 (Intermediate)
- Level 1 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Level 2 (Advanced)
You will study reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Don't worry if you think your level is too low. Friendly teachers will work on all your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
To study at Friends Centre you must meet government requirements for residency status. We will advise you whether you qualify.
Days and Times
The classes are all at different times of the week, in the morning, afternoon and evening. The time of your class will depend on what level you are and if we have spaces available. We will assess your level and talk to you about when you can come to class.
Exams
You will be able to do national qualifications in Speaking and Listening & Reading and Writing.
Childcare
We have some places in the crèche at the Tarner Children's Centre. If you need childcare while you are studying with us, we will try our best to help, but we will not always be able to do this as we don't have very many places in the crèche. There is a section on our enrolment form for you to ask for childcare if you need it.
Support
If you are disabled in some way, for example if you have problems with walking, seeing, or hearing, or if you have health problems such as diabetes or epilepsy, or a mental health difficulty such as depression, we want to do all we can to support your studying at the Friends Centre.
Will I have to pay?
English Classes are free for people who have the correct residency status and who are receiving the following benefits:
- Job Seekers Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit
- Working Tax Credits (with a family income of less than £15,050 per year)
- Pension Credits (Guarantee Credits only)
Students who have the correct residency status but are not receiving one of the above benefits will have to pay some money towards the cost of their classes. For the Autumn 09 term (starting 7 September) fee is £91 per term (14 weeks) for one class of 2.5 hours a week, £145.60 per term for two classes (5 hours) a week, or £200 per term for three classes (7.5 hours). This includes registration, course fees and exam costs.
ESOL Hardship Fund - Reduced Fees
This year we have a small fund to help ESOL learners who do not qualify for free classes, but whose income is low (£6.70 per hour or below). For the Autumn 09 term (starting 7 September) the bursary fee is £45.50 per term (14 weeks) for one class of 2.5 hours a week, £72.80 per term for two classes (5 hours) a week, or £100 per term for three classes (7.5 hours). This includes registration, course fees and exam costs.
Learner Support Fund
We have a small fund to provide support to learners who are on income-related benefits. It can be used for things like bus travel, books and exam costs. When you enrol you will get more information on this if you are eligible.
How to enrol
Before you can start class, you will need to have a short test so that we know your English level, and an interview to talk about which classes you can do.
Please come to Friends Centre, 2nd Floor, Tarner Children's Centre, Ivory Place for more information and an application form. We are open Monday to Thursday, from 10am to 3pm. Or you can call us on 01273 810210 or email info@friendscentre.org.
Citizenship
If you need English for Naturalisation or Indefinite Leave to Remain we can help with this. We integrate citizenship studies into most of our English courses between Entry 1 and Entry 3 levels. During your course you will need to take an exam in Speaking and Listening. If you pass this exam we will give you a letter to say that you have completed the course and met Home Office requirements for your English studies. We will give out this letter after you have attended a minimum of 60 hours of classes excluding absences.
