English
Applications are now open for next academic year
We offer preparatory, Functional Skills and GCSE courses to help you improve your English and pride ourselves on our high success rates. You will learn valuable reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that can be used in the workplace or in everyday life. GCSE English is also required by many employers and universities, so gaining the qualification will open new career and study opportunities for you.
If English is not your first language, our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses may be more suitable for you.
English course levels
Our English courses include the following levels:
- Entry Level 3 Functional Skills English
- Preparation for Level 1 English
- Level 1 Functional Skills English
- Preparation for GCSE English
- GCSE English
Applicants for all our English courses must complete an assessment before enrolling onto one of our courses and will be provided specialised advice from our course team on which course may be suitable.
Funding
Most of our English courses are free to learners who do not already have a GCSE at grade 4/C and above.
Class options
Courses are offered at various times and venues to fit in with your other commitments.
| Timing | Days per week* | Hours per week* | Centre(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mornings | 1 or 2 days | 2.5 hours – 5 hours | Lisson Grove / Pimlico / Amberley Road |
| Early Afternoons | 1 or 2 days | 2.5 hours – 5 hours | Lisson Grove / Pimlico / Amberley Road |
| Late Afternoons | 2 days | 5 hours | Lisson Grove |
| Evenings | 2 days | 4 hours | Lisson Grove |
| Saturdays | 1 day | 2.5 or 3 hours | Lisson Grove |
The majority of our courses start in September, with some also starting in February. GCSE English is only available to start in September.
Studying Maths alongside English
You can also choose to study on one of our Maths courses whilst on an English course. However, we do not recommend completing both GCSE courses in one year, as it is a very big time commitment to attend class and complete homework and preparation over a year. Enrolment onto two simultaneous GCSE courses will therefore be at the discretion of the course adviser and dependent on individual circumstances. Being realistic about your time and capacity in advance will avoid potential issues like dropping one course before the end or getting a lower grade.
For the following courses, you may be eligible for full or partial government funding or a loan, depending on factors like your age, location, residency status, employment situation, or income.
Helps you to improve your English in reading, writing and spoken language.
- Highly qualified and professionally experienced tutors
- Accessible Central London centres with bespoke facilities and great transport connections
- A wide range of in-person, online, distance learning and community-based courses
- Unique work experience opportunities through partnerships
- Guest speakers offer introductions to career pathways in a variety of sectors
- Excellent progression to employment, apprenticeships or further learning including university
