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English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

Improving your English can help you get more out of your life in the UK. It will also help if you want to study, improve your CV, or apply to become a British citizen.

Improving your English

If English isn't your main language, you can do a course to help you improve your English. These courses are called ESOL or English for Speakers of other Languages. Improving your English will make it easier to:

  • talk to doctors and teachers
  • understand the laws and customs of the UK
  • do a course and get a qualification
  • help your child with homework
  • pass the Life in the UK test and become a British citizen

What an ESOL course involves

ESOL courses cover:

  • speaking and listening
  • reading and writing
  • vocabulary
  • punctuation and grammar

There are courses at different levels so you'll be able to start at the right level for you.

Where you can get advice

There are ESOL courses throughout Northern Ireland.

Courses are run through Further Education (FE) colleges and a number of voluntary and community organisations also deliver informal English classes to speakers of other languages.

Advice is available to help you choose the right course. You can search for ESOL classes in your area here: ESOL NI

There is a free online summer school for newly arrived refugees, details available at:

  • Learning Unlimited

You can also contact your local Career Adviser for free advice.

'Life in the UK' test

You take the 'Life in the UK' test if you're applying to be a British citizen and your level of English is ESOL Entry 3 or above. If your level of English is lower than ESOL Entry 3 and you wish to apply for naturalisation, you will need to do English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes together instead.

To talk to someone about the 'Life in the UK' test, call the:

  • 'Life in the UK' helpline. 

More useful links

  • ESOL NI
  • Returning to learning
  • Living in Northern Ireland
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English, maths and IT

  • English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
  • Essential Skills
  • Improving your computer and IT skills
  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

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