When children arrive in our city, they will learn English in school or college primarily through the curriculum. However, older teenagers and adults may need specific lessons to learn English. These are known as ‘ESOL’ lessons, which stands for ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’. There are many classes available in the city – some are informal and may just focus on conversational English, other classes lead to national qualifications. Some have eligibility requirements, whilst others are free and open to all, and other classes may charge.
Below are some of the opportunities that you might have to learn English, although this is not an exhaustive list.
ESOL courses
Providers of English classes for adults in the Portsmouth area 2024-25:
Portsmouth City of Sanctuary offer ESOL lessons at three city locations throughout the week to refugee and asylum-seekers and other migrants. All lessons are free.
Contact them on [email protected] or drop in on their hub at All Saints Church, 336 Commercial Road, PO1 4BT from 10am – 1pm on a Monday for a chat.
Visit the Portsmouth City of Sanctuary website to learn more.
The WEA offers many courses all over the city (including Landport and Somerstown Central Community Centres) at different levels, including sessions like ‘Beginners’ Art for ESOL’, courses based around conversation or literature etc. All ESOL courses are free once you have paid £15 membership.
Visit the WEA website or call on 0300 303 3464.
The Learning Place, Derby Rd, North End offer classes run by the Community Learning Service, part of Portsmouth City Council. Some classes are free or offered at a very reduced cost depending on your circumstances.
Phone 02392 621860, email [email protected] or visit the Learning Place website.
City of Portsmouth College also run ESOL courses. Some courses are free depending on your circumstances. ESOL is also offered specifically for citizenship, food hygiene work, health workers and taxi drivers.
Apply online via the City of Portsmouth College website.
Email [email protected] or phone 023 9238 3521.
Havant and South Down College run courses in Havant, in Alton and at the Victory Business Centre in Fratton.
For more information on the courses, look at the HSDC website or contact their team on 02393 879999.
Portsmouth has several private, fee-paying language schools. They offer a range of English courses to suit different levels.
Here are details of two:
- Spinnaker School of English, Isambard Brunel Rd, City Centre. For further details, visit the Language International website.
- TEG English, Edinburgh Rd, City Centre. For further details, visit the TEG English website.