ESOL : English lessons for people who speak English as a second or other language
There are lots of places in Newcastle where you can learn English or practice your conversation skills, this is known as ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’ or ESOL,
Classes can be informal groups to help you build your confidence in speaking English or formal classes where you can get a certificate or qualification to show that you can speak English. A certificate can be useful to help you to get ready to work or apply for jobs.
Find English classes near you
Work and Thrive Central’s ESOL Service will help you find the right English language support for you. They’ll check your level of English, eligibility and give you different options. Based at Newcastle City Library and Community Hub. Email [email protected]. or book an appointment using their form
Eligibility: What does it mean?
Some of the places listed on this page give free lessons to everybody who needs them. Some places can’t give free lessons to everyone. This means some people get lessons for free and some people pay for lessons. You can have the lessons for free or a reduced price, if you are eligible. The place of learning will check if you are eligible for free lessons before you start studying.
ESOL classes in Newcastle
Here’s the classes that are available in Newcastle. If there is a cost for the lesson, we have included it in the list below.
Contact the organisation to find out more about what they offer. The time of sessions and venues may change.
English courses with a certificate or qualification
| Organisation | What’s available | How to use the service |
| Newcastle City Learning
Address: Westgate College, Westgate Road, NE4 9LU Telephone: 0191 277 3520 Website: newcastlecitylearning.ac.uk Email: [email protected] |
English as a second language (ESOL) Service:
Learn English reading, writing, speaking and listening. Includes language and skills required for everyday life, work and citizenship. Qualifications: from Entry 1 to Level 2. |
Contact them if you want to join these classes. They have classes for all levels. They accept new students 3 times per year, at the beginning of term.
Who can use the service? Adults who don’t speak English and who plan to stay in the UK. This can include the following people:
Cost: Free |
| Newcastle College
Address: Rye Hill Campus, Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5BR Telephone: 0191 200 4000 Website: ncl-coll.ac.uk Email: [email protected] |
English as a second language (ESOL) Service:
Learn English reading, writing, speaking and listening. Includes language and skills required for everyday life, work and citizenship. You must be able to attend 3 half days per week if you are doing a day time class or 2 evenings if you are doing a night class’. You can also do Digital IT and other short courses Qualifications: City & Guilds ESOL Awards from Entry 1 to Level 2 |
Attend an Open Event to find out more about courses and when the next start dates are. Open events are usually from March to July and take place once per month. You can find open events on their website here
Who can use the service: 16 to 18 year olds can study ESOL full time Cost: Free for most people. Talk to Newcastle college at an open event to find out more |
| The Chinese Centre
Address: 117 Westgate Road, NE1 4AG Tel: 0191 230 3158 or 07856 295 987 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChineseCentreNE |
English as a second language (ESOL) classes. If you pass you get a qualification.
Entry level 1 to Level 2 Fast track learning with online resources. |
Who can attend: You can attend if you are eligible for adult education funding and you are not studying in another college.
Cost: free |
| Newcastle International School
Address: Northumberland House, NE1 8ER Tel: 0191 435 1014 Email: [email protected] |
Free support classes
English Conversation Class English for Work class |
Who can attend: contact for more information and eligibility
Women only classes are available Cost: free |
English to prepare for work
| Organisation | What’s available | How to use the service |
| JET (Jobs, Employment and Training)
Address: Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road, Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8XS Email: [email protected] Website: jetnorth.org.uk Tel: 0191 273 5761 |
Help to learn English, grammar and useful workplace language.
You will get help to prepare for work. This includes: careers advice, job search, job interview and CV support. They can help you to settle into life in the UK. |
Who can use the service: adults who don’t speak English as their first language
Cost: free for people on Universal Credit sent via their Job Coach at the JobCentre. How to use this service: contact them for more information |
| Work and Thrive Central
Address: City Library, Charles Avison Building, 33 New Bridge Street West, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX Telephone: 0191 277 4125 Website: workandthrivenewcastle.org.uk |
Help to prepare for work.
Training to learn new skills ESOL support service can help you to learn English. Careers advice and help to find and apply for jobs. |
Who can use the service: open to everyone
Cost: free How to use this service: contact them for more information Opening hours |
English classes in the community
| Organisation | What’s available | How to use the service |
| Action Foundation
Address: CastleGate, Melbourne Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 2JQ Telephone: 0191 231 3113 Website: actionfoundation.org.uk Email: [email protected] |
English courses in Newcastle and online Zoom lessons
Suitable for beginners to advanced English speakers Childcare: Not available |
Check the Action Language website for information about the next registration date.
or Text or WhatsApp ENGLISH to 07518 460198 Email [email protected] You need to bring your identification (ID) documents when you enrol. Who can use the service: Everyone can attend these classes if you are not studying at another college. Cost: Free |
| English for All UK
Website: englishforall.uk Email: [email protected]
|
Free online and face to face English lessons for different abilities
Online classes on Zoom Monday 10.30am Fortnightly Community Forum Face to Face class Thursdays 10.30am to 12.30pm English Class in person at DiverCity Hub, Buckingham Street |
Who can attend: refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who want to learn English.
They run a women only session How to access: Email or message them on Facebook to get the link to online sessions Cost: free
|
| International House
Address: Room 9 at International House Newcastle, 7-15 Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4SG Tel: 0191 232 9551 Website: ihnewcastle.com Email: [email protected]
|
Free English classes
Upper level (B2) classes from 7th October to 20th December. Monday to Friday 2pm to 4pm. The classes are given for free by people who are learning to teach English. |
Who can attend: open to all
Cost: free
|
| Justice and Peace (Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle)
Address: Our Lady of Lourdes Deaf Centre, 2 Summerhill Grove, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6EE Phone: 07427 838813 |
English conversation classes:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11.30am to 12.30pm |
Who can attend: open to all
Cost: free |
| Newcastle College
Address: Teaching Development Centre, George Street, NE4 7JL Tel: 0191 200 4000 Website: ncl-coll.ac.uk Email: [email protected] |
Free English classes
Entry level 2 classes from 8th October 2019. Tuesdays 12.15pm to 3.15pm (attend when you can). The teachers are on a teacher training course.
|
Who can attend: open to all
Cost: free
|
| North of England Refugee Service
Address: 1 Charlotte Square (rear), NE1 4XF Email: [email protected] Website: refugee.org.uk Tel: 0191 245 7301 |
English Classes:
Beginners and all levels:
Advanced level: Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm |
Who can attend: Adults. Everyone is welcome.
There are no eligibility restrictions. Students can attend any time they like. |
| The Conversation Group – Newcastle
Address: Tuesdays in Newcastle City Centre, 4pm to 5.30pm Email: [email protected] Facebook: The Conversation Group – Newcastle |
English conversation sessions for informal conversation, English language practice and for sharing information together. | Who can attend: adults
How to attend: email for more information and to find out how to take part Cost: free |
| Reviving the Heart of the West End
Address: John Buddle Work Village, Buddle Road, Telephone: 0191 226 7300 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] |
Reviving the Heart of the West End run free Let’s Talk sessions every Tuesday and Friday.
Practice your spoken English in a fun, relaxed and non judgemental environment.
|
Who can attend: adults When: Wednesday 12.30 to 2.30pm How to attend: contact for more information Cost: free
|
| Riverside Community Health Project
Address: Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road, Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8XS Main Telephone: 0191 226 0754 |
refugees and asylum seekers welcome at regular drop ins and are eligible for some courses | Who can attend: adults
How to attend: contact for more information Cost: free |
| St Vincent’s Centre Newcastle
Address: Blackfriars Centre, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2TQ Telephone: 0191 261 6027 Email: [email protected] |
Beginners ESOL
Adult English classes, to help you build your confidence speaking and listening to Everyday English. You can get lots of practice using real-life situations. |
Who can attend: adults
When: Mondays 1pm to 3pm How to attend: Contact the centre to book a space Cost: free |
| Roots For Change at St Vincent’s Centre Newcastle
Address: Blackfriars Centre, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2TQ Telephone: 07960 287 537 Email: [email protected] |
Basic and Advanced ESOL Classes
Join these classes to improve your English and make new friends. A hot meal and free clothes are also offered. |
Who can attend: adults
When: Fridays 12:30pm to 3:30pm How to attend: Contact to book a space Cost: free
|
English reading groups
| Organisation | What’s available | How to use the service |
| Reading group for English learners
Main Telephone: 0191 277 4100 Email: [email protected] Newcastle City Library, Charles Avison Building, 33 New Bridge Street West |
Reading groups for English learners.
Read aloud to help improve confidence, pronunciation, and to enjoy a good story. |
Who can attend: adults
How to attend: contact for more information Cost: free |
English conversation groups
| Organisation | What’s available | How to use the service |
| Brunswick Methodist Church
Address: Brunswick Methodist Church, NE1 7BJ Email: [email protected] Website: www.iscnewcastle.org.uk |
English Practice Classes for international students and their family members Tuesdays and Wednesdays during term time 10am to 12pm |
Who can attend: adult international students and their family members
Cost: free |
| Heaton Baptist Church
Address: Heaton Road , NE6 5HN |
English conversation classes
Small group and one-to-one options available for face-to-face or online. Thursdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm |
Who can attend: open to all. Small group and one-to-one options are limited
Cost: free |
| NEST
Address: Newcastle University Students’ Union, NE1 8QB Email: [email protected] YouTube Channel: NEST Beyonds Barriers Telephone: 0191 239 3900 |
Learn English conversation, speaking, listening and writing. Range of taught classes, English conversation and creative sessions.
Online classes and face to face classes available Outreach, trips and outings for learners throughout the year.
|
Who can use the service: all welcome.
How to use the service: watch their videos on YouTube or email to join face to face sessions and activities Cost: free |
| Northumbria University
Address: Room 450, 4th Floor, Northumberland Building, Northumbria University, NE1 8SG Contact: 07712169328 or 07502222045 |
English conversation classes
Thursdays 5.30pm to 7.30pm |
Who can attend: open to all
Cost: free |
| Jesmond Library
Address: Catherine Cookson room, St Georges terrace, Jesmond, NE2 2DL Website: jesmondlibrary.org Email: [email protected] |
English language classes, conversation groups.
children’s play area, board games and social space available. |
Who can attend: Open to all. Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cost: free
|
Women only English Classes
| Organisation | What’s available | How to use the service |
| The Angelou Centre
Address: The Angelou Centre, NE4 5NR Email: a[email protected] Website: angelou-centre.org.uk Tel: 0191 226 0394 |
Weekly English conversation café every Wednesday morning.
ESOL classes Childcare: crèche sometimes available. Ask if it’s available each term. |
Who can use the service: women only
Cost: free |
| English for All UK
Website: englishforall.uk Email: [email protected] |
Free English lessons online on Zoom
Wednesday 1pm Women only conversation |
Who can attend: refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who want to learn English.
They run a women only session How to access: Email or message them on Facebook to get the link to online sessions Cost: free
|
| West End Women and Girls Centre
Address: The Stephenson Building, 173 Elswick Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6SQ Website: westendwomenandgirls.co.uk Email: [email protected] |
Free English Classes provided by Action Foundation, all levels welcome.
Twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30pm to 2:30pm |
Who can attend: women not attending college only.
How to attend: contact for more information and to register. You will need to bring with you your identification, passport, visa, proof of any government benefits
Cost: free |
| First Step North East
Address: 435 Westgate Road, NE4 8RN Tel: 0191 226 1213 |
English classes for women.
Creche facilities available for 2 hour sessions |
Who can attend: women only
How to attend: Contact them for more information about enrolment. Cost: free. There may be a small cost for materials such as £1 when using creche to pay for drinks and biscuit. |
| Newcastle International School
Address: Northumberland House, NE1 8ER Tel: 0191 435 1014 Email: [email protected] |
Free support classes
English Conversation Class English for Work class |
Who can attend: contact for more information and eligibility
Women only classes are available Cost: free
|
English sessions outside Newcastle
| Organisation | What’s available | How to use the service |
| Sunderland City of Sanctuary
Email:[email protected] Tel: 0784 6099 643 |
Fridays
Beginners: 3:30pm, Interfaith Centre, Sunderland University, Charles St, SR6 0AN Elementary to Advanced: online session at 4pm |
Who can attend: contact for more information
Cost: free |
| The Buffalo Community Centre Blyth
Address: 55 Regent Street, Blyth, NE24 1LL Tel: 01670 363 858 Email: j[email protected] |
Wednesday, 9:30 to 11:30am | Who can attend: contact for more information
Cost: free |
| Being Woman Ashington
YMCA , North View, Ashington, NE63 9XQ Tel 07786472333 Email:[email protected] |
ESOL classes, Wednesday at 10:00am | Who can attend: contact for more information
Cost: free |
You can search our Events & Activities for ESOL classes and English conversation groups near you
The services listed on this page are provided by organisations independent to the council. We update this information regularly, but opening times and availability can change. Before attending a session we recommend you check it is running and that you’re eligible to receive the service. Some services are only for adults or rough sleepers. Please note there may be a limit to the number of times you can access a service due to high demands in Newcastle. You can read more about InformationNOW’s Terms and Conditions.
English for health
Involve NE developed the English for Health videos series of videos and workbooks to help people who don’t use English as a first language to understand the NHS. The videos cover:
- an introduction to the NHS
- how to use a GP and find the right help
- pregnancy and the post-natal journey for new parents: find out more about the health checks for you and your baby
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Action Foundation, Newcastle City of Sanctuary Newcastle ESOL service at Work & Thrive central and English Unlocked for working with us to develop this article.
Last updated: June 11, 2025
Share on Twitter
