Entry Level ESOL Course at Derby College

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Entry Level ESOL Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, full-time during the day. This entry level ESOL course is for people whose first language is not English. You'll develop your English language skills across speaking, listening, reading, and writing over 11 weeks. No formal qualifications are needed to apply. Your English will be assessed at interview so the course can be planned around your level. Activities include personal enrichment, community engagement, and tutorial support to help you settle into learning in the UK. City and Guilds Entry Level Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life.

Who this course is for

Lexis is a full-time programme for 16 to 18-year-old learners whose first language is not English. Its overall objective is to help learners improve their English and gain qualifications to enable them to progress into further education or employment.

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications are required. Students are interviewed and their English language skills are assessed before they are offered a place on the programme.The course is free to the majority of students, unless they are classed as an international student (more details available on request).

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your spoken English, including everyday conversation and communication.
  • You'll practise listening to and understanding English in real situations.
  • You'll build your reading skills in English.
  • You'll improve your written English, including basic writing tasks.
  • You'll take part in activities that support your engagement with education and community life in the UK.
  • You'll work toward a recognised ESOL qualification to support further study or employment.

How you will learn

Classes are delivered on-site at Derby College for 12 hours per week. You'll learn through a range of classroom-based activities covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The programme includes personal enrichment sessions, community engagement activities, and tutorial support. Assessment takes place through the course to measure your progress in English language skills.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Derby College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant: English skills open entry-level customer-facing roles.
  • Warehouse operative: communication skills support team-based work environments.
  • Care assistant: English is essential for working with clients and colleagues.
  • Retail assistant: everyday English supports serving customers and stock tasks.
  • Cleaner or caretaker: basic English helps with instructions and workplace safety.
  • Kitchen assistant: English supports following instructions in catering settings.

What you could study next

  • Entry Level 2 or Entry Level 3 ESOL Certificate: move up to the next level as your English improves.
  • Functional Skills English Entry Level 3 or Level 1: a step toward the Level 2 qualification that employers and colleges recognise as equivalent to GCSE English.
  • Functional Skills Maths: build numeracy alongside your English to strengthen your options for work or further study.
  • Vocational courses at Level 1 or 2: once your English is strong enough, many trade and care qualifications become accessible.

Related courses at Derby College

More courses near you