ESOL Next Steps

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes are for people who do not speak English as their first language.

ESOL classes help you improve speaking, listening, reading and writing in English.  It will help you settle into the wider community.

We offer classes from Pre-Entry (beginner) to Level 2 (advanced). Find out more about the courses on offer https://www.adultlearningbc.ac.uk/english-for-speakers-of-other-languages-esol/

Buckinghamshire Adult Learning also offers: 

• English

• Maths

• Digital Skills

• Independent Distance Learning 

• Wellbeing, Employability & Community Engagement

• Family Learning courses

• Learning for Personal Development

• Work Based Learning & Apprenticeships

Continue your learning with:

• Buckinghamshire College Group based in Aylesbury, Amersham and Wycombe provides a range of full and part-time further and higher education courses, plus Apprenticeships and adult education courses: 0800 614016 or www.buckscollegegroup.ac.uk 

• Buckinghamshire New University has three main campuses in High Wycombe, Uxbridge and Aylesbury. They offer university degree programmes: nursing, health and social care, cyber fraud detection, textiles and aviation. Contact them on 01494 522141 or visit their website: www.bucks.ac.uk 

• Milton Keynes College offers full time and part time courses from GCSEs to HNDs, as well as professional skills courses and apprenticeships: 01908 684444 or www.mkcollege.ac.uk  

• East Berkshire College a Further Education college based in the south-east (Langley, Slough & Windsor) provides over 800 part-time and full-time courses: 01753 793000 or www.eastberks.ac.uk 

• University of Hertfordshire offers a wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Professional and Short courses. Visit their website at www.herts.ac.uk/ on contact them on 01707 284000.

• Open University offers over 180 courses for distance learning: 0300 303 5303 or www.open.ac.uk/ 

• Future Learn offer free online courses: www.futurelearn.co.uk 

Employment

If you are job-hunting, you could:

• explore job opportunities at Buckinghamshire Council: https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/ 

• contact Building Futures for one to one career support for those not in work: www.buildingfuturesbucks.org.uk 

• explore apprenticeships with Buckinghamshire Council, email inbusiness@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or phone 01296 674449

• contact the National Careers Service for advice and guidance: 0800 100 900 or www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk  

• take an employability course with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning, email cldevteam@buckinghamshire.gov.uk 

• upskill your digital skills with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning: Digital Skills Next Steps 

• learn for personal development with us: https://www.adultlearningbc.ac.uk/learning-for-personal-development/ 

• volunteer with local organisations: https://do-it.life 

• enquire about volunteering at Buckinghamshire Adult Learning by emailing Tessa Murray on volunteer@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or 07814 305138.

Wellbeing

If you need support:

• Bucks Mind support for people with mental health difficulties, visit their website www.bucksmind.org.uk or call them on 01494 463364.

• Samaritans Offers telephone support anytime about issues you are facing, call them free on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you 

• Change4life – Healthy food and activity tips for you and your child www.nhs.uk/change4life 

• Buckinghamshire Family Information service – Find out what's happening in Buckinghamshire for you and your family www.bucksfamilyinfo.org 

• Citizens Advice offer free advice to help you find a way forward, whatever the problem: www.citizensadvice.org.uk 

• Money Saving Expert Guides, tips articles and a forum about mortgages, credit cards, loans and money saving tips www.moneysavingexpert.com 

• The National Domestic Violence charity supports those experiencing violence at home. Contact them on 0808 2000247 or www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Going into Higher Education?

What you need to know: 

• Before you start higher education, your chosen college or university may want to see proof of your English language skills as part of their admission process. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most popular test for higher education and global immigration. 

• The nearest IELTS test centre is: Kings Oxford, ielts@oxford.kingscolleges.com, 01865 711829.

• Your chosen university/college will tell you the score that you must attain in order to attend your chosen course. 

• Universities may also accept CAE as proof of your level of English and will also accept a FS English Level 2 or GCSE English.

• To apply for higher education you will need to apply via UCAS: http://www.ucas.com/