English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
An Introduction to ESOL
At City of Bristol College, we offer comprehensive ESOL courses for both adults (19+) and 16-18-year-olds.
These courses support learners at different stages, from pre-entry, through intermediate levels and up to GCSE-level English, giving you a pathway to further study, employment or vocational training.
How Our ESOL Courses Work & What They Offer
Flexible Learning
Many courses are part-time or short courses to suit work or family commitments.
Tailored to Your Level
We assess your English level before enrolment, so that you enrol on a course that fits your current skills; from beginner (pre-entry) to more advanced levels.
Vocational Relevance
Our vocational ESOL courses integrate English with real-world skills and workplace vocabulary. They are ideal if you want to work in customer service, care, hospitality, hair & beauty, education or use digital skills.
Pathways to Progression
Whether your goal is better everyday English, GCSEs, vocational training, or improved job prospects, our ESOL provision offers stepping stones into Higher Education, apprenticeships, vocational courses or employment.
An Overview of ESOL Courses That We Offer
ESOL for Adults
Our part-time ESOL for Adults course is ideal if you want to build everyday English skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Classes are adjusted to suit your current English level, from complete beginners (Pre-Entry) up to Level 2. Maths classes are also available alongside ESOL if needed.
This flexible course is designed to fit around work or other commitments and successful completion can prepare you for higher-level ESOL study, vocational courses, further training or improved job prospects.
ESOL for 16–18 Year Olds
For younger learners whose first language is not English, we provide a full-time ESOL programme aimed at helping you to progress in education or work.
Pre-Entry to Level 1: ESOL for 16–18
The ESOL for 16-18 course supports learners from the earliest stages of English, building fundamental language skills in a structured, supportive environment. It’s suitable for students whose first language is not English and who need time to develop confidence and fluency before progressing further.
GCSE: ESOL GCSE for 16-18 Year Olds
For those ready to take their English further, the one-year full-time ‘ESOL GCSE’ course provides study towards GCSEs in English, plus options for Maths and Science. Entry requires a prior Level 1 in English and Level 1 in Maths, plus a suitable assessment.
Alongside exam preparation, students benefit from enrichment activities, support with confidence-building, wellbeing and familiarisation with life in Bristol and the UK, giving a well-rounded foundation for further study, apprenticeships or employment.
Vocational & Vocational-Pathway ESOL Short Courses
If your aim is to combine English improvement with job-focused skills, our ESOL vocational short courses offer a great opportunity. These are typically part-time, 10-week (or longer) courses that meet once a week and cover both language and sector-specific vocabulary and practice.
ESOL & Digital Skills
Our ‘ESOL & Digital Skills’ course introduces learners to essential computer and digital literacy, including use of devices, basic hardware vs software, formatting documents, email, use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), online safety and more. It’s ideal for those with at least a basic ESOL level (Entry Level 1 or above) who want to become more confident using technology for work or everyday life.
ESOL for Working in Education
For learners interested in working in schools, nurseries or educational support roles, the ‘ESOL for Working in Education’ course teaches relevant vocabulary and phrases, introduces concepts like child development and safeguarding, and gives insight into working as a teaching or learning assistant. Entry typically requires Entry Level 2 English or above.
ESOL for Customer Service
If you’re looking to find work in business or service sectors, ‘Adult ESOL for Customer Service’ helps you to learn crucial language skills for customer-facing roles, from handling telephone conversations, formal emails, understanding body language to writing or updating your CV. This 10-week course is ideal for learners at Entry Level 2 or above.
ESOL for Care
For those interested in the care sector, ‘Adult ESOL for Care’ (also known as preparing to work in adult social care) offers language and vocational guidance tailored to care work, including terminology related to caring roles, understanding care settings in the UK and preparing for job applications and interviews.
ESOL for Cookery / Hospitality
Our Adult ESOL for Cookery short course combines English learning with practical cooking and hospitality vocabulary, a useful stepping stone if you are aiming to work in catering, cafés or restaurants. It helps learners to understand British recipes, kitchen language and work environments, helping you to prepare for jobs in the hospitality industry.
ESOL for Hairdressing Industry
The ‘Intro to the Hairdressing Industry for ESOL’ course combines practical hairdressing training with English language support; ideal for adults who want to enter the hair and beauty industry. Over 15 weeks you’ll learn basic hairdressing skills (consultations, shampooing/conditioning, styling, roller-setting), build confidence working in a salon environment and may progress to further hairdressing qualifications. Entry requires functional English and Maths at a baseline level.
