Free Level 1 ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening) Course. Study online. Online classes run two days a week, each lasting two hours, over 22 weeks. You study at a level that suits you, confirmed through an online initial assessment before you start. The course builds your ability to listen carefully, ask and answer complex questions, and take part in discussion and debate. You need to be 19 or over on 31 August 2025. Trinity College London Level 1 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 listen for details and identify key information in spoken English.
You'll ask and answer complex questions clearly and confidently.
You'll take part in discussions and debates, using language suited to your audience.
You'll use vocabulary and tone appropriate to different situations.
You'll practise through individual tasks, pair exercises, and group activities.
You'll prepare for a speaking and listening exam set by Trinity College London.
How you will learn
Online classes run two days a week, with each session lasting two hours. You'll take part in individual tasks, pair exercises, and group activities during class. You'll also complete at least two hours of private study at home each week. Assessment is by a Trinity College London speaking and listening exam. You must attend at least 90% of your classes to keep your place on the course.
What you will need to bring
You'll need access to a computer or laptop for your online classes. Surrey County Council will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Customer service assistant: uses clear spoken English daily
Receptionist: greets visitors and handles enquiries confidently
Healthcare support worker: communicates with patients and colleagues
Teaching assistant: supports classroom discussion and group work
Retail sales assistant: advises customers and answers questions
Call centre agent: handles calls and resolves queries by phone
Community support worker: liaises with clients and local services
What you could study next
Level 2 Award in ESOL Skills for Life (Speaking and Listening): the next step up, recognised by many employers alongside GCSE English equivalents.
Level 1 ESOL Skills for Life (Reading and Writing): broadens your English qualification to cover reading and writing skills at the same level.
Functional Skills English Level 1 or Level 2: if you want a qualification that covers all four skills and is widely accepted as a GCSE English equivalent.
