Important information about courses and exams
Applications for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) are now open. If you are interested in applying, please complete the form below.
It is a requirement of all entry and Level 1 ESOL courses that you complete the course by attending one of our centres to achieve a Trinity ESOL skills for life qualification.
Unfortunately, this may mean you need to sit your exam at a centre distant from your home.
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.
These courses at Surrey Adult Learning, are for adults aged 19 and over on 31 August 2023.
Course intent
This programme is designed for adults aged 19 and over and who are permanently settled in the UK and live in Surrey or a neighbouring county for whom English is not their first language and who are assessed with English below Level 1. These learners need to improve their English skills to obtain employment, progress within their current employment and integrate better within their local communities.
Fees
ESOL classes at Surrey Adult Learning are free for adults aged 19 or over on August 31, 2023, who currently live in England and have been resident in the United Kingdom (UK) for at least three full years prior to starting their course.
You will be exempt from the three-year residency requirement if you have:
- discretionary leave to enter or remain
- exceptional leave to enter or remain
- indefinite leave to enter or remain
- humanitarian protection
- refugee status
- leave outside the rules
- leave under one of the Ukraine schemes:
- leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme
- leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
- leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Ukraine Extension Scheme
- the husband, wife, civil partner or child (aged 19 or over) of an individual with any of the above
- section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave
- Calais leave to remain
- leave under one of the Afghan schemes:
- leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
- leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
- British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan under Operation Pitting
- British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan by the UK government before 6 January 2022
Depending upon your circumstances, we will need to see ID and proof of your immigration status, receipt of benefits and income when you enrol. If you are not eligible for a free course under the above criteria, you may need to pay a fee.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements, but all applicants will be required to complete a written assessment.
How do we intend to implement this programme?
From September 2023 online delivery or face to face classroom-based courses will be available. Our face-to-face classes will run in the daytime at our Guildford, Molesey, Camberley, and Sunbury centres. These will all run twice a week and each session will last two and a half hours. Our online classes will run in the evening twice a week and will last two hours.
You will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone to join this class. On the ESOL programme learners progress from Pre-Entry Level to Level 1 courses as detailed below.
Pre-entry
You will learn basic vocabulary to enable you to read words and phrases you see in everyday life. You will learn to write the English alphabet and write and spell some common words. You will learn to introduce yourself and respond to basic questions. From the Pre-entry level you will move on to Entry 1.
Entry 1
You will learn to read a variety of short texts and recognise some common words. You will learn to write short sentences in English, fill in forms and spell some common words. You will start to become more confident in speaking. At the end of each unit in Entry 1, you will sit a short exam and if successful, you will progress to Entry 2.
Entry 2
You will learn to read longer texts and be able to identify the purpose of various texts. You will start to use past and future tenses and will learn to write short letters and emails. You will be able to engage in short forms of social communication. From Entry 2, and upon completion of the unit exams, you will progress to Entry 3
Entry 3
You will become familiar with past and present perfect tenses and be able to communicate more effectively. You will develop more advanced writing skills enabling you to use more formal vocabulary to write longer letters and emails. From Entry 3, and upon completion of the unit exams, you will progress to Level 1.
Level 1
You will be able to communicate confidently, taking part in discussion and expressing your opinions and point of view. You will have a wider vocabulary and be able to spell a range of words accurately. You will be able to read and understand complex texts and comment on what you have read.
Progression
From Level 1 and upon successful completion of the Level 1 exams, you can move on to a Functional Skills English course and then to GCSE or an Apprenticeship.
Assessment
At the end of each term, you will take ESOL Skills for Life assessments in reading, writing, and speaking and listening. There are no assessments for Pre-Entry level. Learners who attend online courses, will be required to attend a centre in person to take their exams.
Attendance
You must attend a minimum of 90% of your classes. Should your attendance fall below this, your place on the course, and future progression, may be at risk.
Additional information
We welcome learners with additional needs and disabilities. When you enrol please let us know if you would like to discuss your extra support needs with a member of the Supported Learning Team who will then contact you as soon as possible. If you are enrolling within 10 days of the course start date, we may not be able to contact you before your first class. Surrey Adult Learning values and always supports equality and diversity by promoting fairness and respect.
