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

Search for English language (ESOL) organisations


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:

  • who have lived in the UK for over 3 years
  • with indefinite leave to remain
  • asylum seekers who have been in the UK for 6 month
  • refugees
  • members of the EEC Economic area

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:

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
10am to 5pm Monday to Friday

English classes in the community

Organisation What’s available How to use the service
Action Language run by 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: 

 

Free online and face to face English lessons for different abilities

Online classes on Zoom

Monday 10.30am  Fortnightly Community Forum
Tuesday 10.30am English (basic English)
Wednesday 1pm Women Only Conversation
Wednesday 6.30pm  Evening Class (all levels of English)
Friday 1.30pm  Drop-in (all welcome)

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:

  • Mondays 10.30am to 12.30pm
  • Thursdays 2pm to 4pm

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,
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8AW

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: Tuesdays 12pm to 2pm

Fridays 11am to 1pm

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]

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

Telephone: 0191 2812385

Website: 

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: 

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

Telephone: 0191 273 4942

Website: 

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:


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.

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Last updated: September 24, 2024