Free Level 1 ESOL Skills for Life Course in Darlington. Evening classes run at Adult Education at The Coleridge Centre. This course is for people whose first language is not English. You'll study speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English over 12 months. The level 1 esol skills for life classes are a recognised step toward using English confidently at work and in everyday life. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm Level 1 is the right starting point.
Who this course is for
ESOL are entry-level English language courses for people whose first language is not English.
Entry requirements
You must be aged 19+, reside in the Darlington or Teesside postcode areas (DL / TS), or within commuting distance of Darlington, have the right to live and work in the UK, or is a refugee, or has applied for asylum, and has lived in the UK or EU continuously for the previous six months before the start of learning.
What you will learn
You'll develop your spoken English for everyday and work situations.
You'll practise listening and understanding spoken English from different speakers.
You'll improve your reading of everyday texts, including forms, notices, and instructions.
You'll build your writing skills for practical tasks such as messages, letters, and notes.
You'll learn grammar and vocabulary to communicate more clearly in English.
You'll gain confidence using English in real conversations and written tasks.
How you will learn
Classes are classroom based, with evening sessions at Adult Education at The Coleridge Centre. You'll learn through group activities, discussions, reading and writing tasks, and teacher-led sessions. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course and includes written tasks and speaking and listening activities. Your tutor will track your progress and prepare you for the final assessments required for the NOCN Certificate.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Adult Education at The Coleridge Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: English skills support frontline customer roles.
Care assistant: clear communication is essential in care settings.
Warehouse operative: reading instructions and completing paperwork.
Retail assistant: serving customers and handling written tasks.
Cleaner or catering assistant: following written instructions and safety notices.
School support worker: communicating with staff, children, and parents.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in ESOL Skills for Life: the next step up, and the level that employers recognise as equivalent to GCSE English.
Functional Skills English Level 1 or Level 2: a related qualification that some employers and colleges specifically ask for.
Vocational qualifications in care, hospitality, or retail: once your English is at Level 1 or above, many funded vocational courses become accessible.
