Page contents
- (ESOL) English for speakers of other languages
- Stepping Stones and Functional Skills in English and maths
- GCSE English and maths
- English for HongKongers
- English for Ukrainians
- Multiply – basic maths workshops
- Childcare support
- Next steps
Applications for our English and Maths GCSE courses are now closed. If you are interested in applying for one of our English and Maths GCSE courses next year, please complete the expression of interest form and we will let you know when the applications will re-open.
These courses are entirely free for eligible applicants. Find out if you meet the eligibility criteria.
We offer both face-to-face and online courses. It's important to note that all applicants are required to take part in an assessment process, specifically designed to place you in the most suitable course based on your current skill level. Following the assessment, we will provide you with an offer for an appropriate course.
Please bear in mind that course timetables will not be provided until after assessments have been completed. This approach allows us to tailor the course schedule effectively to match the needs of our learners.
To ensure your convenience in attending exams, we strongly advise living within a 30 to 40-minute travel distance from one of our centres in Camberley, Guildford, Molesey, Sunbury, or Woking. For further details, including parking availability and complete addresses, please visit our centre information page.
It would be helpful for the smooth running of the application process if you could kindly complete the application form only once. If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at adultskills@surreycc.gov.uk.
(ESOL) English for speakers of other languages
There are lots of different types of English classes at Surrey Adult Learning, from beginner level to advanced. Some courses will have examinations, others will not. Some courses will offer childcare while you learn, or ESOL online.
Stepping Stones and Functional Skills in English and Maths
Courses for people with basic literacy skills, wanting to improve their English or maths or to progress to GCSE level. They may want to improve their English to assist in work or at home but feel they have gaps in their knowledge.
Stepping Stones and Functional Skills courses are free for adults aged 19 and over on 31 August 2023 who do not already hold a GCSE qualification (grades A to D, 3 to 9) and who meet the standard eligibility criteria.
You must be able to easily travel to an agreed Surrey Adult Learning centre to sit exams/assessments where applicable.
Stepping Stones course description
Functional Skills course description
GCSE English and Maths courses
Complete expression of interest form
GCSE English is a skills-based course. You will study with us for one year on this un-tiered course (not split into foundation and higher levels) and sit two exams at the end of the academic year in June.
The GCSE course will help you to develop skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing to communicate with others confidently and effectively. You will study a range of texts including fiction and non-fiction and the two final exams will test your reading of unseen texts and extended writing
GCSE maths has a challenging syllabus. GCSEs are graded from 9 (highest grade) to 1 (lowest grade). You will study with us for one year at foundation level and sit three exams at the end of the academic year in May to June.
The course will enable you to gain grades 1 to 5, the aim being that you attain a grade 4 to 5 which is the level likely to be required for many careers and higher education courses.
The course will help you to function mathematically in the world by learning the techniques to work with numbers and understand fractions, decimals and percentages and basic ratio.
GCSE English and Maths course descriptions
If English is not your first language you may be interested in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
English for HongKongers
We offer English classes to HongKongers arriving in Britain on a British Nationals (Overseas) visa.
Enrolments are now open for new courses starting in January.
Please complete the self-assessment form to find out what level course is appropriate for you.
If the course you are interested in is full and you wish to be contacted when more courses are available, please complete the form in the link below.
Complete expression of interest form
For more information and advice please email: hkenglish@surreycc.gov.uk
English for Ukrainians
Our English language courses are free for Ukrainian nationals who entered the UK via the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
To attend, you must be a Ukrainian national aged 19 or over on 31 August 2023 and have:
- a Ukrainian passport endorsed with a 6 month entry stamp from the UK Border Force;
- a biometric residence permit (BRP) showing the applicable 'Ukraine Scheme' leave; or
- documents from the UK Home Office showing proof of your immigration status.
Multiply - basic Maths workshops
Our Multiply courses are now closed. Please keep an eye on our Multiply webpage for updates on new courses.
Multiply offers free numeracy courses and workshops that can help you brush up your maths skills. Whether you need help managing your bills, budgeting, supporting your child with homework, or moving on to a better job there is a Multiply course in Surrey for you.
If you are aged 19+ and do not already have a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in maths, and who meet the standard eligibility criteria, Multiply is available to you.
Childcare support when attending a face-to-face Adult Skills courses
Our Henrietta Parker Trust (HPT) may be able to provide financial support for the childcare necessary to enable learners to attend our face-to-face Adult Skills courses.
Further information can be found on our dedicated HPT website.
Terms and conditions, including eligibility criteria, can be found on our special offers webpage.
Next steps and continue your learning
When you have completed your Maths, English or ESOL course you may wish to go onto a higher level. Talk to your tutor about the opportunities available.
There are also many other courses available from Surrey Adult Learning that may be of interest.
Take a look at our course programme
There are other providers you can contact to help build your knowledge and skills too.
Find out about other adult learning opportunities
