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Our ESOL offer

The Refugee Employability Programme provides tailored support to refugees who are looking to gain employment and to help them settle into life across Yorkshire and the Humber. 

The programme is split into two different packages, Package A and Package B, with service users being placed into either one depending on their pathway (see eligibility criteria below). The type of package they are in then determines what support we can offer to them. Here are the two packages, along with the English language support that is offered within each one:

Package A:


This package includes support to find employment. ESOL support available in Package A:
This package includes employability English language support. We offer the service users
within this package non-accredited English sessions taught by our in-house ESOL tutor,
which have a focus on employment-related language. This is delivered in groups, both
face-to-face and online.


Eligible Refugee Schemes:


• UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)
• Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
• Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
• Community
• Sponsorship Scheme after 25th February 2021

Package B:


This package includes support to find employment, integration support and general ESOL
provision. ESOL support in package B: We help participants to find local ESOL classes that
meet their needs, and we make referrals to existing provision (e.g. AEB funded provision).
Where local provision may not be available, or where participants need to make progress
with their English more quickly, then we can provide additional ESOL lessons. We offer
service users within this package accredited ESOL and non-accredited English language
courses through our skills partners. These can be either online or in a classroom provision.


Eligible Refugee Schemes:


• Refugee Permission to Stay after 28th June 2022
• Refugee Family Reunion
• Mandate Resettlement Scheme after February 2021

Where needed, we can also offer wrap-around support for service users who are on AEB provisions, such as additional ESOL practice, conversational cafes, and test preparation. 

We are also able to refer service users to accredited ESOL support, below are some of these resources:

Triage Central Ltd

PATH Yorkshire

Get SET Academy

ESOL FAQs

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. It’s aimed at non-native English speakers, looking to take up a new language or validate their skills.

You can study ESOL in the UK or abroad.

ESOL is also a great way to reassure prospective employers that you have the English skills they are looking for. The course is also designed to be practical. So, it’ll teach you every day English, including punctuation and grammar, rather than things you won’t often be called up to use in the real world.

Additionally, improving your English will help you in other ways, for example:

  • Talking to English speakers
  • Helping your children with their schoolwork
  • Continuing your own education
  • Gaining professional qualifications
  • Integration into life in the UK

There are no formal entry requirements for ESOL, so it doesn’t matter if this is your first qualification.

However, you will have to complete an initial assessment when you apply for the course (BKSB). This will help the provider to know which level of entry is right for you and identify whether you need any additional support.

You should always choose a course which is accredited by a Government approved exam board and, ideally, is held at an accredited college.


There are courses at different levels. This means you can start at a level which suits your current English skills.


If you’re applying to be a British Citizen, you can take a combined ESOL and citizenship course to prepare you for the ‘Life in the UK’ test.

Approved tests and providers are listed and updated on the gov.uk website.

There are also a number of free courses available, many of which you’ll be able to take online. However, always bear in mind that completing an accredited is the only way to ensure it’ll be accepted by the Government or by certain employers.

ESOL prices will vary, depending on course provider.

However, funding options may also be available, depending on your background and current situation. For example, if you’re unemployed, on certain benefits, or have a low income, you may be eligible for assisted funding.

Depending on the level, your course could take between 4 months and a year to complete.

Once you’ve gained your ESOL certification, you’ll be able to progress to another course at a higher level. And, once you’ve achieved Entry Level 3, you can look for a job or take Level 1 college courses.

An ESOL certification won’t just help out in your day-to-day life. It’s also a great way to show your skills on your applications, and could be the difference between you and another candidate.


Benefits include:

  • Demonstrating that you are a fast learner
  • Showing how quickly you can adapt to new situations
  • Improving your communication skills
  • Learning a new language

So whether you want to validate your skills, set yourself apart or just learn something new, ESOL will work for you.