ESOL
ESOL courses are available at every level at Preston College, from complete beginners (pre-entry) to Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade 4 and above). All our classes are designed to develop English skills for both work and home life, alongside further education and helping you meet your career aspirations.
Many of our courses, upon successful completion, provide recognised qualifications in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Prior to starting a course, you will be assessed to determine which level of study is right for you, to make sure you are in a class with others of a similar level and ability.
There are opportunities to enrol onto ESOL courses at various start dates throughout the year. The duration of your course will depend on when you start your programme of study.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
Preston College offers the course at six different levels:
- Pre-entry (for people who do not read or write in English or in their own language)
- First Steps (for people who do not speak in English)
- Entry 1
- Entry 2
- Entry 3 (equivalent to B1)
- Level 1
- Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 and above)
You will be able to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as learn about life in the UK. You will also be able to take exams to get nationally recognised qualifications.
We also encourage all learners, to also study maths and digital skills qualifications to help with progression.
Our courses are 6 hours a week, with daytime, evenings and some Saturday options. We have assessment events running throughout the year. For an appointment, please call the Advice Centre on 01772 225522, email ESOL@preston.ac.uk or visit the college enrolment desk.
We also offer ESOL programmes for 16-18 year olds. For more information, click here.
Key contacts
General information and Advice
Tel: 01772 225522 (option 1)
Email: ESOL@preston.ac.uk
Bi-lingual staff
Asma Nakhuda (Gujarati, Urdu, Hindi)
Tel: 01772 225522
Email: anakhuda@preston.ac.uk
Rachel Watkins (Portuguese)
Tel: 01772 225538
Email: rwatkins@preston.ac.uk
Aga Penney (Polish)
Tel: 07767383948
Email: apenney@preston.ac.uk
Nurgul Salim (Turkish)
Tel: 01772 225622
Email: nsalim@preston.ac.uk
Hedi Horvath (Hungarian)
Tel: 01772 225622
Email: hhorvath@preston.ac.uk
Oksana (Ukrainian)
Tel: 01772 225622
Email: okolesnik@preston.ac.uk
ESOL ASSESSMENT EVENTS
To book an appointment, please call 01772 225522 (option 1) or email Asma on ESOL@preston.ac.uk with your full name, date of birth, address and mobile number.
Fees & Funding:
- Fees are £175 for all qualifications.
- If you do not work and receive a means tested benefit the course may be free for you. Please bring the necessary evidence when you attend your appointment.
- If you work and your individual income (including self-employed), before tax and not including overtime, is less than £24999 you may be entitled to 100% reduction in fees. Please bring the necessary evidence when you attend your appointment.
When you come for your assessment, please bring with you the following:
- EU NATIONALS proof of residency (either Settled or Pre-Settled status). Please bring a screenshot/print out. SHARE CODES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
- ALL OTHER NATIONALS bring your passport & BRP (if on a spouse, family member or dependent visa, please bring spouse/family BRP and passport too)
- ALES scheme please bring additional proof that you are under the ARAP scheme (an ARAP reference number, papwork referring to the ARAP scheme etc)
- WORKING bring your last 4 payslips (online is okay).
- NOT WORKING please bring proof of your means tested benefits. If you receive Universal Credit, please be able to login to your account to show me. We will also accept Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Employment Support Allowance and PIP. If you are providing paper copies, the letters must no older than 3 months.