Free Entry Level ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) Course. Study online. Online classes run two days a week, each lasting two hours, and the course runs for 22 weeks. You'll practise asking and answering questions, listening for detail, and describing people, places, and events. You'll also work on accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar. The typical duration is 44 weeks. You need to be 19 or over on 31 August 2025. You'll start with an online initial assessment so you're placed at the right level. Entry Level 3 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) with certificate.
Who this course is for
You need to be 19 or over on the 31st of August 2025. Entry Requirements You will need to complete an online initial assessment. This will help us place you on the correct course. Attendance This course runs two days a week. Each lesson is 2.5 hours long if the class is face to face. Online classes run two days a week and each class lasts 2 hours. The course runs for 22 weeks from January to July. You will be required to attend at least 90% of your classes. Should your attendance fall below this, your place on the course may be at risk. This is an academic course, and you must allow time for private study at home of at least 2 hours per week.
Entry requirements
You need to be 19 or over on the 31st of August 2025. Entry Requirements You will need to complete an online initial assessment. This will help us place you on the correct course. Attendance This course runs two days a week. Each lesson is 2.5 hours long if the class is face to face. Online classes run two days a week and each class lasts 2 hours.
What you will learn
You'll ask and answer questions clearly in spoken English.
You'll listen for complex details in conversations and discussions.
You'll describe people, places, objects, and events using a range of vocabulary.
You'll write longer sentences with accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
You'll build confidence speaking in pairs and groups.
You'll prepare for a speaking and listening exam set by Trinity College London.
How you will learn
Online classes run twice a week, with each session lasting two hours. You'll take part in individual tasks, pair exercises, and group activities. You'll also complete homework and private study of at least two hours per week. Assessment is by exam: you'll sit a speaking and listening exam and a writing exam. You must attend at least 90% of your classes to keep your place on the course.
What you will need to bring
Surrey County Council will confirm anything you need before you start. For online study, you'll need access to a computer or laptop with a reliable internet connection.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: speaking clearly with customers every day.
Receptionist: greeting visitors and handling enquiries in English.
Teaching assistant: supporting teachers and communicating with pupils.
Care assistant: talking with clients, families, and colleagues.
Retail assistant: serving customers and working as part of a team.
Warehouse operative: following spoken instructions and working safely.
What you could study next
Once you've completed the Entry Level 3 Award, you could move on to:
Level 1 ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) — the next step up, covering more complex spoken English.
Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills English — combines speaking, listening, reading, and writing, and is recognised by employers as equivalent to GCSE English.
Level 1 ESOL Skills for Life (Reading) or (Writing) — if you want to strengthen other areas of your English alongside speaking and listening.
