ESOL providers
ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. There are lots of different types of English classes in Southwark, from beginner level to advanced. In the UK, English classes for adults are called 'ESOL classes'.
Learning English can help you:
- make friends
- get a job
- get a better job
- assist your child with homework
- talk to your doctor, your child's teachers and neighbours
- prepare for further or higher education and qualifications
Some courses will have examinations, others will not. Some courses will offer childcare while you learn, or ESOL online. Others will offer classes in the evenings, weekends or during school hours, so you can learn even if you have a job or need to collect children from school.
English (ESOL) classes in Southwark
English for Action
- free online and face-to-face ESOL classes for adult migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum
- class levels are E1 to L2
- classes are open to all
- childcare is provided if spaces are available
How to apply for classes
- register for classes online
- email Kasia Blackman at kasia@efalondon.org or phone 07774 668721
Learning Unlimited
- free online ESOL classes for non-EU migrants and refugees
- NRPF welcome
- class levels E1 to L2
- our free online drop-in conversation clubs per week
How to apply for classes
Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (SDCAS)
- free class
- classes on Tuesdays 12.15pm to 1.15pm at the Coplestone Centre
- we offer free creche places to children between ages 1-5
- three class levels
- hot lunch available and various types of support and activities (see website)
How to apply for classes
- visit the SDCAS Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (Copleston Centre, Copleston Road, SE15 4AN), Tuesdays at 11.45am
Southwark Adult Learning Service
- free face-to-face class open to all adults
- pre-entry classes for complete beginners
- you must attend a short friendly initial assessment to join - see the website for details
- creche subject to places available (conditions apply)
How to apply for classes
- visit Thomas Calton (Alpha Street Peckham Rye SE15 4NX)
- call 020 7358 2100 to book an appointment
- enrolment is every Monday 10am to 2.30pm
- find more information on their ESOL webpage
Mary Ward Centre
- blended online and face-to-face classes
- free for most participants
- you'll need to attend an initial assessment first
How to apply for classes
- call 020 7928 9521 to book an appointment at Blackfriars Settlement, 1 Rushworth Street SE1 0RB
Ripe Learning
- free blended online and face-to-face classes
- pre-entry to Entry 3 level classes
- completion of an initial assessment is required
- study towards qualification
- childcare is available with some classes
How to apply for classes
- phone 020 3601 2212
- email hello@ripelearning.com
The Bridge at St John's Waterloo
- free English conversation club every Tuesday during term time, 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 6pm
- The Bridge at Waterloo room is in the crypt at St John's Church Waterloo, Waterloo Road (by the IMAX roundabout) SE1 8TY
How to apply for classes
- visit St John's Waterloo Church, SE1 8TY on Tuesdays
- email Abigail at outreach@stjohnswaterloo.org
- phone 07741 736 481
Latin American Women's Rights Service (LAWRS)
- the Language Café is an informal conversation course for Latin American women
- Fridays 3.30pm on Zoom
How to apply for classes
Bell House
- classes are run by volunteers using an established ESOL scheme
- Thursdays 10am (Ukrainians)
- Thursdays 2pm (refugees and asylum seekers)
- Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich, London SE21 7BG
How to apply for classes
- visit Bell House on Thursdays - ring the bell by the green front door and ask for ESOL
- email sonia@bellhouse.co.uk
Latin Age UK
- Free English lessons for Latin Americans aged 50+
- Wednesdays at 12pm
- Mercato Metropolitan, 42 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6DR
How to apply for classes
- visit Mercato Metropolitano on Wednesdays at 12pm
- contact Patricia on 07847236878 or email latinageuk@gmail.com
Page last updated: 31 July 2024
