Level 2 ESOL Reading Course in Richmond upon Thames – Parkshot

Cost£412.00
Duration13 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body

About this course

Level 2 ESOL Skills for Life (Reading) Course in Richmond upon Thames. Classes run at Parkshot, part-time during the day. This esol skills for life (reading) course runs over 13 weeks and focuses on developing your English reading skills for everyday life and work. Before you start, you take a short assessment called Step into English. This helps place you at the right level, from Pre-Entry through to Level 2. Topics cover reading in real contexts, including living and working in Britain.

Who this course is for

Our ESOL classes are for you if English is not your first language. If you are settling or living in the UK we have courses for learners of all abilities. These courses will help you to read, write, speak and understand English to help you in everyday life; for example to help your children, communicate with others or to improve your skills for work. If you want to improve your English to get a job we can help you. Our ESOL courses look at topics related to living and working in Britain. We are proud of our diverse learner groups, and range of support to enable access for all learners regardless of ability or background. However, we also recognise that some women benefit from the supportive and close-knit environment of a women-only class, which can help to develop the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed in mainstream education, work and community settings.

Entry requirements

Before you start this course you need to take Step into English to help you choose the right level of Reading course. We have courses at all levels of the Adult ESOL Curriculum from Pre-Entry (for complete beginners) and Entry Level up to Level 2. We will help you find the correct level for you before you start your course.

What you will learn

  • You'll read and understand everyday texts in English, such as letters, notices, and forms.
  • You'll develop skills to read information related to work and employment in the UK.
  • You'll practise reading texts about topics connected to living in Britain.
  • You'll build your ability to understand written instructions and information in daily life.
  • You'll learn to identify key information and meaning from a range of written materials.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Parkshot, meeting twice a week. Daytime slots run Monday and Friday or Monday and Wednesday mornings and afternoons. Evening options are also available. Assessment is through a formal reading exam set by Ascentis. Your tutor will prepare you for this throughout the 13 weeks.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Customer service assistant. Reading skills support daily communication with customers.
  • Retail assistant. Understanding written instructions, labels, and stock information.
  • Care assistant. Reading care plans, notices, and written guidance at work.
  • School support worker. Helping children while using strong English reading skills.
  • Warehouse operative. Reading safety signs, instructions, and delivery notes.
  • Receptionist. Handling written correspondence and information at a front desk.

What you could study next

Once you complete your level 2 esol skills for life (reading) qualification, you could move on to other ESOL Skills for Life Awards at Level 2, covering Writing or Speaking and Listening. You might also consider Functional Skills English Level 2, which is the recognised equivalent to a GCSE in English and is accepted by many employers and colleges. From there, vocational qualifications in your chosen field become more accessible.

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