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Learning English

Improve your English with English classes with John

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There are several major providers operating in Birmingham offering English language courses for non-native speakers (ESOL). They cover all levels:

  • Pre-Entry (A0)

  • Entry Level 1 (A1)

  • Entry Level 2 (A2)

  • Entry Level 3 (B1)

  • Level 1 (B2–)

  • Level 2 (B2)

 

🔹 1. Joseph Chamberlain College (JCC)

  • Levels: from Pre-Entry to Level 2

  • Format:

Face-to-face classes (daytime, evening)

Online and blended formats

Intensive short courses and part-time throughout the year

Funding: most courses are free (AEB funding) for those on low incomes or receiving benefits

👉 What to do: call or write to arrange an initial assessment (level test). After that, you will be enrolled in the appropriate level (from Pre-Entry to Level 2).
 

🔹 2. Birmingham Adult Education Service (BAES)

  • Levels: Entry 1 – Level 2

  • Format:

Face-to-face classes (daytime, evening)

Online and blended formats

  • Programs:

Pathways to English — language courses in grammar, reading, writing, and communication

Additional: Conversation Clubs, IT skills, Life in the UK, career support

  • Address (main center): Brasshouse Languages, 50 Sheepcote Street, Birmingham B16 8AJ (there are also many centers in different areas of the city)

  • Contacts:

    Phone: 0121 303 4318

Email: information@baes.ac.uk

Details: BAES ESOL

👉 What to do: call or email, request a new Course Brochure (September 2025) and arrange an entrance test.

 

 

🔹 3. Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet)

  • Levels: Entry 1 – Level 2

  • Format: separate modules

    Speaking & Listening — September–December

    Reading — December–March

    Writing — March–June

    Additional: ESOL for work, IT, health, employability skills

  • Contacts

    Address (Matthew Boulton Campus): Jennens Rd, Birmingham B4 7PS

    Phone (via ESOL Hub): 0121 303 4318

    Details: BMet ESOL via ESOL Hub

     

    👉 What to do: register via ESOL Hub (phone or website) for an entrance test and receive a referral to the course.

     

🔹 4. Chinese Community Centre (CCC) and JCC

  • Levels: Entry 1 та Entry 2 (Speaking & Listening)

Schedule: Thursday, 9:30–11:45 a.m.

  • Duration: September–June

  • Address: Q-Lorc Resource Center, 99 Bradford Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B12 0NS

  • Contact details:

Phone: 0121 685 8510

WhatsApp/Mobile: 07536 171393

Email: service@chinesebirmingham.org.uk

 

👉 What to do: come to register in September with your passport/ID and proof of address.

 

🔹 5. South & City College Birmingham (SCCB)

  • Levels: Pre-Entry – Level 1

  • Format: Full-time and part-time

  • Address: Highgate Campus, Digbeth Campus та інші філії

  • Contacts:

👉 What to do: register via the website or call the main number and make an assessment appointment.

🔹 6. Fircroft College

  • Levels: Entry Level 3, Level 1

  • Format: short intensive (10–12weeks), day time

  • Address: 1018 Bristol Rd, Birmingham B29 6LH

  • Contacts:

    Phone: 0121 472 0116

    Email: admissions@fircroft.ac.uk

    Details: Fircroft ESOL

👉 What to do: go to the website or call, select the September–November 2025 course, and submit your application. What to do: go to the website or call, select the September–November 2025 course, and submit your application.

 

 

🔹 7. ESOL Hub Birmingham

This is a central service that helps you find courses throughout Birmingham.

👉 What to do: Contact us if you are unsure which college to choose. ESOL Hub will help you find the nearest course and register you for a test.
 

✅ Step-by-step guide on how to register for ESOL in Birmingham

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Select a provider (JCC, BAES, BMet, SCCB, Fircroft, CCC).

 

  • Call or email to arrange an initial assessment.

  • Bring the following documents:

Passport/ID/BRP

Proof of address (bill, tenancy agreement, council letter)

Proof of income and benefits (if you want it for free)

Take the entrance test — it will determine your level (Pre-Entry — Level 2).

Get a place on the course — classes usually start in September, but there are also intakes throughout the year.

 

📌 Formal ESOL courses (registration and placement test required)

These courses offer structured learning with level assessment and certification.

1.1 Fircroft College of Adult Education

  • Levels: Entry-Level 1 → Level 2

  • Schedule: from September 10 to November 26, 2025

  • Address: Fircroft College, 1018 Bristol Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6LH

  • Accessibility: free

  • Contacts:

    Phone: 0121 472 2016

    Email: neena.chauhan@fircroft.ac.uk

    Website: fircroft.ac.uk()

1.2 Solihull College & University Centre

  • Levels: Entry-Level 1 → Level 1

  • Schedule: various dates and times, starting in September 2025

  • Address: Blossomfield Campus, Blossomfield Road, Solihull B91 1SB

  • Accessibility: free

  • Contacts:

    Phone: 0121 678 7000

    Email: ESOL@solihull.ac.uk

    Website: solihull.ac.uk()

 

🗣️  Informal conversation clubs and volunteer organizations (no prior registration required)

These programs are open to everyone, do not require prior registration, and are free of charge.

1. Moseley for Ukraine — English Classes

 

  • Levels: Beginner → Intermediate

  • Schedule:

    • Every Tuesday:

      • 10:00–13:00 ESOL classes with John in Moseley Hive. Live communication, grammar, audio, video for any levelbeginners-intermediate+ 

      • Classes are free of charge and do not require prior registration.

    • Friday: Walk and Talk — walks with English practice

    • Friday: Speaking Club with native speakers. Moseley Hive from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • Address: 93A Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham B13 8DD

  • Accessibility: free

  • Contacts:

    Email: moseleyforukraine@gmail.com

    Website: moseleyforukraine.org/learning-english

 

2. Grace Church Stirchley — English Club

Levels: Beginner → Intermediate

 

3. Six Ways Baptist Church — English Speaking Course

 

4. North Birmingham for Ukraine (NB4U) — English Classes

  • Levels: Beginner → Intermediate

  • Schedule: щопонеділка 10:00–11:45

  • Address: Sutton Coldfield Library, Red Rose Centre, 45 Lower Parade, The Parade, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B72 1XX

  • Accessibility: free

  • Contacts:

    Phone: 07971 622 634

    Website: nb4u.co.uk/esol/

 

 

✅ Step-by-step instructions for participation

  1. Choose a program: Decide whether you want to take a formal course with certification or join an informal club.

  2. Contact the organizers: Use the contact information provided to get more information or clarify details.

  3. Attend classes: For informal clubs, simply show up at the specified time and place. Formal courses may require prior registration or an entrance exam.

  4. Prepare the necessary documents: Bring your passport or other ID, as well as proof of address, if required.

  5. Participate in classes: Actively participate in classes, ask questions, and practice English.

 

Recommendation: 

To enroll in formal college courses, it is best to contact your chosen institution as soon as possible or contact ESOL Hub Learn English in Birmingham - Birmingham ESOL Hub to check availability and dates of upcoming entrance tests, as many courses for September may already be full in the summer.

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For more information about possible English language courses, please visit the Migrant Advice Portal: West Midlands.

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