ESOL Update for London May 2026
English Language Integration Programme (ELIP)
With funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, nearly 1,400 learners have been supported through the English for Integration Programme (ELIP). The GLA worked with 12 London local authorities to deliver the programme from December 2025 to March 2026, providing accessible, informal English learning for migrant Londoners to build confidence and support their integration. Over four months, learners took part in more than 600 activities across London, including conversation classes, English classes combined with wellbeing activities, targeted support for learners with intersectional needs (including women, parents and carers), and English sessions linked to employability and digital skills. Participants reported increased confidence using English and navigating daily life independently, and reduced isolation through stronger connections with their local communities.
Skills for Londoners Community Outreach 2026-29
The Mayor has committed to a multi-year continuation of the Community Outreach Programme. The funding is targeted at supporting small community organisations in their work to raise awareness of and increase participation in adult learning and employment support opportunities among Londoners least likely to access these opportunities, but who stand to benefit most. Grants between £70,000 and £120,000. Deadline: 12pm on 22 May 2026. Find out more.
Adult Skills Fund: 2026-2027 draft rules published
The draft funding and performance management rules for grant-funded providers for the 2026 to 2027 funding year (1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027) were published in April 2026. This document sets out the funding and learner eligibility rules that apply to all providers of education and training for London residents who receive Adult Skills Fund (ASF) grant funding from the Greater London Authority. Find out more.
Best Start Family Hubs
The Department for Education has announced that over 200 Best Start Family Hubs were opened in April 2026. These form the first wave of up to 1,000 hubs across all councils by the end of 2028, with 800 expected to be operating as Best Start Family Hubs by the end of April. New guidance sets out the government’s plans to bring services families rely on together under one roof, making it easier to get help at the right time. Visit the GLA’s ESOL Plus Childcare Hub for case studies on ESOL delivered in school and children’s centres. Find your local Family Hub. Find out more
PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
The British Museum
Discover how the British Museum’s ESOL Tours encourage English language learning through curiosity, creativity and real‑world objects. This inspiring case study from the museum's ESOL team shows how museum visits can spark confidence, conversation and connection.
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 Blessings: ESOL Classes [Tower Hamlets]
Spaces are available in free ESOL classes with Babel's Blessing community language project. There are no eligibility requirements. Face to face (mixed levels) sessions take place on Mondays, 5:30pm-7:30pm and Tuesdays, 5.00pm- 7:30pm at House of Annetta, 25 Princelet Street, E1 6QH. Online sessions are also available: ESOL 1: Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:30am, ESOL 2: Mondays, 9:30am-11am and ESOL 3: Fridays, 10:00am-12:00pm. Find out more.
Refugees in Effective and Active Partnership: mixed-level ESOL [Hillingdon]
Whether your English is just beginning or more advanced, you are welcome to join us to improve your English language and learn more about Britain. No booking needed- just come along at 10am to Yiewsley Methodist Hall, Upstairs, Fairfield Road, West Drayton, UB7 8EY. Wednesdays, 10am-12pm until June 2026 or Thursdays, 10am-12pm until July 2026 (Gateway Group). Contact: 07983419388 or English@reap.org.uk
Islington Mind: mixed-level ESOL course [Islington]
We provide ESOL classes for anyone who is LGBTQ+ and seeking asylum or a refugee, as part of the Outcome's Freedom From Fear to Love project. Sessions are held at Ashley Road, Crouch Hill, N19 3AG, and run on Wednesdays, 12pm-1pm. Once registered, ESOL classes are drop in when you can make it. Contact: outcome@islingtonmind.org.uk. Find out more.
South London Refugee Association: mixed-level ESOL [Lambeth]
South London Refugee Association (SLRA) offers a weekly, mixed-level (mainly beginner-intermediate) informal ESOL course which takes place at the Woodlawns Centre, 16 Leigham Court Road, Streatham Hill, SW16 2PJ. Tuesdays, 10.30am-12pm (term time only). No pre-registration is required. Contact: heather@slr-a.org.uk Find out more.
The Abbey Community Association: women-only beginner ESOL [Westminster]
Join our free, friendly 5-week English course at The Abbey Centre as part of our WOW (Women Off to Work) programme, designed especially for women preparing to enter the world of work who live in Westminster. Each session will last 2 hours and will give you the chance to build your confidence in speaking, listening and reading everyday English, whilst meeting new people. Our Women Off to Work courses are fully funded and completely free to attend. Fridays 10am – 12pm, 1st to 29th May 2026. The Abbey Centre, Great Smith St., SW1P 3BU. Contact: wow@theabbeycentre.org.uk or 07597487812. Find out more.
Here for Good: ESOL [Lewisham]
At Here for Good, we offer beginners classes on Mondays, 11am to 1pm, and Intermediate classes on Fridays, 1pm to 3pm. Sessions are term time only. The classes are free, and those who are interested can just turn up on the day at Here for Good. 17 Sydenham Road, SE26 5EX. Contact: josayer@foresthill.cc
Refugee Action Kingston: ESOL [Kingston]
We offer Pre-entry (Mondays, 12:30pm-14:30pm and Wednesdays, 10am-12pm), Entry 1 (Mondays, 12:30pm-14:30pm and Wednesdays 10am-12pm and 12:30pm-14:30pm), Entry 2 (Wednesdays, 10am-12pm), Entry 2/3 (Thursdays, 12:45pm-14:45pm), and a News Club for intermediate/advanced speakers (Thursdays, 12:45pm-14:45pm). Sessions are free and take place at our office in Kingston. We also offer a Supplementary School programme for students who have left school or are awaiting school places (Thursdays, 10am-12:30pm and Fridays 10:30am-12pm). Pre-registration is required, and our ESOL coordinator will meet with you to determine the appropriate level. Individuals wishing to access our ESOL classes must be 18 or older; be seeking asylum, refugees, or have humanitarian protection; and live, work, or study in Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Sutton, or Wandsworth. Contact: admin@refugeeactionkingston.
Stepney Salvation Army: Chatty Café [Tower Hamlets]
Join our friendly and informal ESOL ‘Chatty Café’ held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, 1pm-2.15pm at St Benet's Chaplaincy, Queen Mary University of London, 327A Mile End Rd, London, E1 4NT. Therre are no eligibility restrictions. Contact: stepney@salvationarmy.org.uk Find out more.
Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation: women-only ESOL [Islington]
As part of KMEWO’s rebuilding services, we provide free women’s only English Classes to tackle language barriers and boost confidence. We offer free women-only ESOL classes every Friday, 10am-1pm at Caxton House, 129 St. John’s Way, N19 3RQ. We also offer women-only ESOL classes at Finsbury Park Mosque, N4 2QH, on Thursdays, 10.30am-1.30pm. Contact: Zahra@kmewo.com or 07724212497. Find out more.
Refugee and Migrant Justice: conversational English [Redbridge]
Conversational English classes for refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum take place every Thursday, 11am-12.30pm. All welcome- there are no eligibility criteria. New learners should attend 30 minutes early- the centre opens at 10am. Cardinal Heenan Centre, 326 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1QP. Contact: info@rmjustice.org.uk Find out more.
New Horizon Youth Centre [Camden]
New Horizon Youth Centre provides young Londoners experiencing homelessness personalised support including ESOL. To be eligible, young people must be aged 18-24 years old and homeless or at risk of homelessness. Registration is required. Contact: info@nhyouthcentre.org.uk Find out more.
Notre Dame Refugee Centre: ESOL [Camden]
Notre Dame Refugee Centre has spaces for ESOL learners who are refugees or people seeking asylum at pre-beginner (pre-Entry- 12:30-2pm Mondays and Thursdays) beginner (E1-10:30am-12:00pm Mondays and Thursdays) and intermediate level (E2/E3- 10:30am - 12pm Thursdays). Sessions take place at 16 Leicester Square WC2H 7NH. To join, learners can come along any Monday, 10.00am-12.00pm for an assessment. Contact: info@notredamerc.org.uk Find out more. Find out more.
English for Action [waiting list]
English For Action (EFA) offer both online and face to face classes in Southwark, Lambeth, Greenwich, Hackney and Tower Hamlets. There are no eligibility requirements, and we have an ongoing enrolment depending on spaces in class. Contact: contact@efalondon.org. Find out more.
Adult College of Barking and Dagenham [September 2026]
Thinking about improving your English, confidence, and opportunities? Join ESOL courses at the Adult College of Barking and Dagenham from September 2026. We offer welcoming and supportive classes from Pre-Entry to Level 1, helping learners develop speaking, listening, reading, writing, digital, employability, and everyday life skills. Contact: adultcollegeenquiries@lbbd.
Conversation Clubs [in person/online]
Brent: Find out more
Brent: 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
Online (mornings): Find out more
Online (afternoons): Find out more
Online (evening): Find out more
Online (evening): Find out more
Online (evening): Find out more
Online (weekend): Find out more
Online (weekend): 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.
Annual Jobs and Skills Fair [Barking and Dagenham]
Join Barking and Dagenham Works at the annual Jobs and Skills fair, held outdoors in the Barking Market. The event will have various employers, colleges and support services on hand to provide information, advice and guidance to anyone who is looking at taking that next step into employment, wanting to upskill or change career. We will have a variety of employers with live vacancies, local colleges to explore different pathways and support services to include B&D Works, DWP and the family information service to name a few. Barking Market, Short Blue Place, Barking, IG11 8FJ. 25th June 2026, 10am-2pm. No booking required. Find out more.
BRICK Construction Training Centre [Barking and Dagenham]
Our specialist construction training facility – the BRICK Construction training centre – offers nationally recognised qualifications that are essential for anyone wishing to work on a construction site as well as those seeking to upskill and renew their tickets, including an on-site test centre where you can take your CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test and CSCS card assessments. The CITB Health, Safety and Environment (HS&E) & CSCS card is essential for anyone wishing to work on a construction site and our centre will support you to work towards these nationally recognised qualifications and apply for your card. Free for Barking and Dagenham residents only. Contact: brick@lbbd.gov.uk or 07977017133. Find out more.
Hope for the Young: mentoring programme [16-25 years old]
Hope for the Young run a mentoring programme for young people who are seeking sanctuary in London. We provide tailored one-to-one support and advice to young people according to their needs and aspirations. Each young person referred to us will receive 2-3 hours of mentoring a week for 6 months in a local cafe or library. Their dedicated mentor can offer support with practicing English, accessing local services and activities, practical and emotional support, and more. We provide mentoring to young people who are between the ages of 16 and 25, from an asylum-seeking or refugee background, living within Greater London, and able to commit to weekly mentoring sessions. Find out more.
Community Interpreters Training
Refugees in Effective and Active Partnership (REAP) are offering training for adults who would like to become community interpreters. Sessions are in-person and the next course starts in mid-May until June 2026. Yiewsley Methodist Hall, Upstairs, UB7 8EY. Free for people seeking asylum. Contact: interpreting@reap.org.uk or 07983419388.
Pan Arts: Fortune Drama Group [17-25 years old]
Pan Arts runs a free drama group for young refugees, migrants and people seeking asylum on Thursdays, 6-8pm, during term time in their centre in Vauxhall. They run drama games, creative exercises, story-telling, scene improvisations. They help their participants grow in confidence, improve their English, build community and create things that they are proud of. They provide food and travel stipends in all of their sessions. Ground Floor Wing, Camelford House, Albert Embankment, SE1 7TP. Contact: post@pan-arts.net or 07704155212 Find out more.
Birkbeck University: Community Development Course
The free, 5- week programme provides learning, networking and capacity building opportunities for individuals based in London who want to improve their skills in developing and supporting community projects. The course will be delivered by Birkbeck’s Community Development teaching team in partnership with the London CVS network. The course is made up of 5 in-person sessions taking place weekly. To fulfil the funder requirements, there must be a minimum of 10 participants without a UK undergraduate degree. All participants must be aged 21+. We will prioritise those who meet the requirements and the target audience criteria first and offer places from a waiting list after this. Find out more.
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace: At Home in Nature
St Ethelburga’s is running a 6-week nature-connection programme running from 13 May to 17 June, on Wednesdays from 1:30–4:30pm, in the beautiful Waterlow Park (Highgate) and other green spaces. The programme offers a gentle, structured space for people to slow down, spend time outdoors, and build a sense of connection, both with nature and with others. Participants take part in simple guided activities that support wellbeing, reflection, and social connection. The programme is open to adults living in London, including migrants and displaced people, who would benefit from connection, community, and time in nature. Find out more.
Royal Holloway London Library Sanctuary Membership
Royal Holloway University London are offering free library memberships to people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds. This membership allows users to access and borrow physical library resources. Library users are also welcome to use study spaces and access library Wi-Fi. This offer is open to anyone who is aged 18 or older, a person seeking asylum, refugee, or otherwise of a forced migrant background, and who would benefit from access to an academic library. To access the offer, applicants must be referred by a partnered organisation, who can fill out the referral form and send it to the Library (library@rhul.ac.uk). Alternatively, applicants can self-refer, provided that they can supply an e-Visa share code or a letter from the Home Office confirming their status. Find out more.
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').