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ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. ESOL courses are designed to help people whose first language is not English improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. 

How ESOL courses help school leavers aged 16-18 years old: 

Improve English Skills 
Students learn practical English for everyday life, school, and work. This includes grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation skills. 

Build Confidence
By practicing English in a supportive environment, students become more confident in speaking and understanding others.

Support Education and Career Goals
ESOL helps students prepare for further education or training, like vocational courses or apprenticeships.

Build Employability Skills
Many ESOL programmes include lessons on job-related topics, such as writing CVs, preparing for interviews, and understanding workplace language.

Encourage Social Integration
Students meet others from different backgrounds, helping them feel more connected and comfortable in their community.

ESOL student

Positive Steps to ESOL 

Our Positive Steps to ESOL course is designed for young people aged 16–18 whose first language is not English. It’s suitable for learners working from Pre-entry up to Entry Level 3. The course starts in September and is a one-year course. 

What will you learn? 

You’ll develop your skills in: 

  • English – speaking, listening, reading, and writing 
  • Maths 
  • ICT (Information and Communication Technology) 
  • Employability skills – to help you prepare for work or further study 

Additional support and opportunities: 

  • Extra support tailored to you 
  • Study skills sessions to help you learn effectively 
  • Opportunities to try new things and build confidence 

What’s next? 
This course can help you move on to a wide range of programmes at Middlesbrough College or into employment, depending on the course level achieved. 

Entry requirements: 

There are no formal requirements to join this course. You can receive guidance and advice about the course by meeting our Inclusive Learning team at one of our open events. 

Click here to submit an application form for the Positive Steps to ESOL course

Are you aged over 19 years?

We also offer ESOL courses for adult learners with our Adult and Community Learning team.

Based at 2 Queens Square, you will study listening, speaking, reading and writing over 12 weeks.

This course is aimed at helping adults improve their confidence and progress within employment or on a further education course. 

More information
Adult learners in classroom

Explanation of course levels 

Our ESOL courses have different course levels, depending on your experience with the English language.

Pre-entry Level

This is the starting point for learners who have very little or no English skills. This course level is for people who may not be able to read or write in English yet or who are just beginning to learn the language.

Entry Level

This is the first official level in the UK educational system and is divided into three stages:

  • Entry Level 1 – beginner
  • Entry Level 2 – developing basic skills
  • Entry Level 3 – more confident use of English

Entry level courses are for people who have some understanding of English and want to improve their skills.

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