ESOL Update for London: February 2026
Contents
- News
- Provider spotlight
- ESOL course vacancies
- Learner progression opportunities
- ESOL Jobs and Volunteering opportunities
- Asks and offers
- Partnerships
- Training
- Events
- Resources
- Funding and tenders
- Data and research
- Feedback
- Submit an item
NEWS
English Language (ESOL) for Resettlement: guidance updated
The London Strategic Migration Partnership’s English Language (ESOL) for Resettlement guidance has been updated to include the latest information and funding requirements. This guidance document has been prepared for local authorities; refugee resettlement coordinators; community sponsorship groups; Communities for Afghans groups; and other organisations engaged in supporting the integration of people arriving in the UK via the following routes: the UK Resettlement Programme (UKRS) the Afghan Resettlement Programme, the Community Sponsorship Scheme, the Communities for Afghans Scheme, the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) Welcome Programme, and the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. The guidance may also be of use to those who need to understand the ESOL landscape in London. We would like to thank everyone who has informed the guidance, and welcome feedback. Contact: LSMP@london.gov.uk Find out more.
Reminder: Home Office Consultation on Earned Settlement
The Home Office has launched a public consultation on proposed reforms to the UK’s settlement system. The proposals include a requirement for applicants to speak English at B2 (ESOL Level 1/Level 2) standard under the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages, with applicants who can demonstrate advanced English language ability at C1 (ESOL Level 2/Level 3) standard being able to reduce their route to settlement by one year. An overview of the proposed changes is available on FreeMovement. The consultation is open until 11:59pm on 12 February 2026. Find out more.
PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
Islington Adult Learning Service
Learn how Islington Council's Adult Learning Service combines English language (ESOL) classes with community gardening to improve language skills, mental health and sustainability.
You can read more case studies on our webpage and submit your own.
ESOL VACANCIES
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the GLA does not fund, manage or quality assure the items listed in this section unless explicitly stated
Support with ESOL vacancies
If your ESOL courses have vacancies and you would like us to include them in the next issue, please get in touch by emailing Lsmp@london.gov.uk
Babel’s Blessing: ESOL classes [Tower Hamlets]
Spaces are available in ESOL classes with Babel's Blessing community language project. Face to face (mixed levels) sessions take place on Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30pm at the Freedom Press Bookshop, 84b Whitechapel High St,E1 7QX, and on Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm at the Whitechapel Gallery 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX. Online sessions are also available- Entry 1: Mondays, 9:30 am-11:30am; ESOL 2: Fridays, 12:30pm-14:30pm, and ESOL 3: Fridays, 10:00am-12:00pm. All welcome- there are no eligibility requirements. Find out more.
Notre Dame Centre: ESOL classes [Camden]
Notre Dame Refugee Centre has spaces for ESOL learners who are refugees or people seeking asylum at pre-Entry, beginner (E1) and intermediate level (E2/E3). 16 Leicester Square, WC2H 7BX. To join, learners can come along any Monday, 10.00am-12.00pm for an initial assessment. Contact: esol@notredamerc.org.uk Find out more.
MI Skills Development Centre: ESOL classes [Lewisham]
MI Skills Development Centre is offering free ESOL courses for adult learners aged 19+ every month. The next ESOL classes will start in February 2026 in their Deptford centre. ESOL for Work in Hospitality (Entry Level 2 to Entry Level 3) from Monday to Wednesday, 9:30am-3pm; ESOL Speaking and Listening, ESOL Writing and ESOL Reading (Entry Level 2 to Entry Level 3) from Thursday to Friday, 9:30am- 3pm. 19 Wilshaw Street, London, SE14 6TN. Contact: 02075016450 or email training@micomputsolutions.co.
World Jewish Relief: ESOL and employment support [Online]
The ESOL and Employment Programme for British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa holders and people on the Ukraine Schemes is funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Spaces remain available for residents in London. Promotional materials are available in English, Ukrainian, and Traditional Chinese to support your referral efforts. Find out more.
Conversation Clubs [in person/online]
Brent: Find out more
Brent: Find out more.
Camden: Find out more
Camden: Find out more
Islington: Find out more
Islington (evening): Find out more
Kingston: Find out more
RBKC: Find out more
Tower Hamlets: Find out more
Waltham Forest: Find out more
Wandsworth: Find out more
Westminster: Find out more
Westminster: Find out more
Sutton: Find out more.
Free ESOL with Trainee Teachers
ELTeach:E1 and E2. Online. Contact: info@elteach.co.uk
International House: E2-L2. Online. Find out more.
International House: E2-L2. Holborn. Find out more.
ESOL Single-Points-of-Contact (SPOCs), Networks, Maps and Directories
For resources to support local mapping and signposting, including ESOL SPOCs, Networks, maps and directories, visit our Local ESOL Coordination webpage.
LEARNER PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the GLA does not fund, manage or quality assure the items listed in this section unless explicitly stated.
The Great Ealing Apprenticeship Fair
The Youth Offer Partnership in association with the Ealing Borough Apprenticeship Scheme invites you to The Great Ealing Apprenticeship Fair, where you’ll connect with employers and training providers offering fantastic roles and programmes. Learn how apprenticeships work, what employers are looking for, and how to stand out in the recruitment process. 12 February 2026, 1pm-4.30pm. Find out more.
Breadwinners: Risers Programme
Risers is an 8-week, volunteer-based work experience programme, designed as a first point of entry into the world of work in the UK. Through Risers, young people gain practical UK work experience and more. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, so young people can apply anytime for upcoming cohorts. Young people must be aged 16–24, from a refugee or asylum-seeking background, have English language proficiency of ESOL Level 1 or above, be living in London, in a stable living situation, and have little or no previous UK work experience. Find out more.
The Phoenix Fellowship
The Phoenix Fellowship is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting refugee students—especially young women—as they pursue careers in medicine and the sciences. With mentorship and up to £20,000 per year in living support, the Fellowship helps break down financial and systemic barriers so students can thrive in full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in: Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology. Eligible applicants must hold Refugee Status, Humanitarian Protection, Indefinite Leave to Remain, or status under Afghan Schemes, among others that qualify for home fees and UK Student Finance. Find our more.
Virtual School: Four Seasons In The Forest Spring Event
Open to all care-experienced young people aged 14-25. Enjoy a day of connection, collaboration, and fun amid the beauty of Epping Forest. Surrounded by nature’s signs and sounds, young people can find space to share and be heard and will be supported by the Epping Forest Team. 10 April 2026, 10.30am. Meet at Chingford Overground Station. Contact: ismail.ibrahim@cityoflondon.
Independent ESOL [online]
Courses via the third-party platforms below are free and/or supported by advertisement, if the learner selects the audit/sample only, limited or non-accreditation option. No credit/debit card information will be requested. Please be advised that these platforms may include advertisements – inclusion here does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation, and discretion should be exercised about the suitability of the platform.
Coursera (select 'free' course options only, click 'enroll for free', click 'full course, no certificate').
Future Learn (select course, scroll to bottom of page and select 'continue with limited access')
ESOL JOBS AND VOLUNTEERING
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the GLA does not fund, manage or quality assure the items listed in this section unless explicitly stated
Volunteer, ESOL teachers- 1:1 support, Westminster
Jobseekers: for more and more timely updates, subscribe to the GLA’s London ESOL Jobs and Volunteering Bulletin.
Employers: to submit a vacancy, get in touch.