English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
ESOL Classes in Leicester: English for Speakers of Other Languages
Learning English opens doors. It helps you talk to your doctor, understand letters from your child's school, find work, and feel at home in Leicester. Our ESOL classes are small, friendly, and practical, and you will be learning alongside people who are in the same position as you.
At a glance
| When | Wednesdays, 10:00am to 12:00pm, and Saturdays, 11:00am to 1:00pm |
|---|---|
| Where | Raedan Institute, 2 Overton Road, Leicester, LE5 0JA |
| Who for | Learners aged 14 and over who want to improve their English |
| Cost | Some courses are free, depending on the time of year and the funding we have. Others start from £49 for a course of 10 to 12 sessions. |
| Levels | We have 3 levels: Entry 1, Entry 2 and Entry 3 |
| Certificate | A Raedan Institute certificate of completion at the end of your course. This is our own certificate, not a national qualification. |
| Children | Classes are for learners aged 14 and over. We are sorry, but we do not have childcare facilities, so younger children cannot come to class with you. |
What you will learn
- Speaking and listening: everyday conversations, phone calls, asking for help, appointments
- Reading: letters, signs, forms, text messages, school, and NHS information
- Writing: filling in forms, short messages and emails, your name and address
- English for daily life in Leicester: the GP and pharmacy, your child's school, shopping, buses, the council, banking
- English for work: talking about your skills, reading job adverts, preparing for interviews
- Confidence. The most important thing we teach is that it is fine to make mistakes.
How our classes work
- Small groups, so everyone gets a chance to speak
- A short, friendly assessment when you join, so we place you at the right level
- Patient teachers who speak slowly and clearly
- Courses run in blocks of 10 to 12 sessions, so you can see your progress
- A certificate of completion from Raedan Institute at the end of each course
- You are welcome to come on Wednesdays, Saturdays, or both
- All staff hold enhanced DBS checks, and we have a named Designated Safeguarding Lead and trained deputies
Free and low-cost places
As a charity, we want cost never to be the reason someone cannot learn English. At some times of the year our ESOL courses are fully funded and free to join. At other times there is a fee, from £49 for the whole course. Please ask us what is available now.
How to join
- Call, email, or visit us, or ask a friend or family member to contact us for you.
- Come in for a short chat and a simple assessment. There is no test to pass.
- We tell you which class is right for you, and what it costs.
- Start learning.
All students will need to complete application forms and provide IDs for all courses.
More than English classes
Our learners often use our other services too, and you are welcome at all of them:
- Coffee mornings, every Tuesday: a good place to practise your English
- Food bank
- Debt relief and advice
- Health and well-being programmes
- Counselling and therapy
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak any English to join?
No. We welcome complete beginners.
How much does it cost?
Some courses are free. Others start from £49 for 10 to 12 sessions. Ask us what is running now.
Can I join in the middle of a course?
Yes, the onus will be for you to catch up.
Can I bring my children?
No, we are sorry. We do not have childcare facilities, so classes are for learners aged 14 and over. If your younger children are aged five or over, they can join our Saturday Tuition, which runs from 11:00am to 2:00pm, while you are in your Saturday ESOL class from 11:00am to 1:00pm.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. You receive a Raedan Institute certificate of completion when you finish your course. It is our own certificate and not a national qualification, but it shows employers and other organisations that you have been studying English.
I am referring a client. Can organisations refer people?
Yes. We welcome referrals from councils, housing providers, Jobcentre Plus, health services and other charities. Please contact us.
Get in touch
- Phone: 07725 974 831
- Email: info@raedan-institute.co.uk
- Visit: Raedan Institute, 2 Overton Road, Leicester, LE5 0JA