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Cartoon illustration of person swinging from tree branch to tree branch. Illustration by Quentin Blake. Text on side says: "Proudly part of refugee week".

Learning English in London as a New Arrival: Free ESOL Classes and Support

Refugee Week 2026: Why Learning English Takes Courage

Moving to a new country takes courage. If you’ve recently arrived in the UK, you’ll know that even small everyday things, asking for directions, filling in a form, chatting to a neighbour, can suddenly feel like big challenges. That’s especially true when you’re also learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture.

For many people, learning English is one of the hardest parts of starting again in the UK, and that can feel intimidating, especially while you’re also finding your feet in a new system. It’s not just grammar and vocabulary, you need that language to live your daily life, and that adds extra pressure.

This year’s Refugee Week (15 to 21 June 2026) explores the theme of Courage, and it’s a theme we recognise in our students every single day. At ELATT, we know how challenging learning a new language as an adult can be, which is why our ESOL courses come with wraparound support designed to make that journey a little easier.

If you’re a new arrival looking for free English classes in London, you’re not alone, and there’s more support out there than you might think. Whether you’re just starting out or want to build on what you already know, free ESOL classes in London can help you feel more confident, more connected, and more at home in your community.

What Is ESOL and Who Is It For?

ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. It’s a type of course designed specifically for adults who speak another language at home and want to improve their English for everyday life, work, or study.

ESOL courses are different from general English classes you might find online or in a private language school. They’re built around real situations you’ll come across living in the UK, such as:

  • Talking to doctors, schools, or landlords.
  • Filling in forms and writing emails.
  • Understanding your rights as a UK resident.
  • Preparing for jobs, volunteering, or further study.

Who Can Join Free ESOL Classes

Free ESOL classes are usually open to adults aged 19 and over who are living in London and want to improve their English. This includes:

  • Refugees and people seeking asylum.
  • New arrivals and migrants settling into life in the UK.
  • Parents who want to support their children’s education.
  • Anyone who feels their English is holding them back from work, study, or daily life.

You don’t need any formal qualifications to start. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some English, there’s usually a level that’s right for you.

Where to Find Free English Courses in London for Adults

London has a good number of organisations offering English courses for adults free of charge, particularly through colleges, charities, and community organisations. Here’s what to look out for when searching.

What to Look for in a Free ESOL Course

When you’re comparing options, it helps to check:

  • Levels offered. Courses usually run from Entry Level 1 (complete beginner) through to Level 2 (more advanced, closer to GCSE level).
  • Location and format. Some courses are in person, some online, and many offer both so you can choose what fits your life.
  • Class sizes. Smaller classes often mean more one-to-one attention, which can make a big difference if you’re still building confidence.
  • What happens after the course. Good providers will help you think about your next steps, whether that’s another course, volunteering, or work.

Free ESOL Courses at ELATT

At ELATT, we offer free English skills and ESOL courses from Entry Level 1 to Entry Level 3, both online and in person at our centres in Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and across West London.

Our classes cover the everyday English you need for life in London, alongside speaking and listening practice, conversation clubs, and workshops on topics like wellbeing and community life. You don’t just learn grammar, you build the confidence to use English in real situations.

Beyond the Classroom: Wraparound Support for New Arrivals

Learning English is a huge step, but it’s often just one part of settling into a new life. That’s why many ESOL providers, including ELATT, offer extra support alongside classes.

Wellbeing Support

Adjusting to a new country can bring stress, isolation, or worry, and that’s completely understandable. Wellbeing workshops can help with things like:

  • Managing stress and anxiety.
  • Connecting with others in a similar situation.
  • Building emotional resilience through mindfulness, movement, and group activities.

These sessions are usually informal and welcoming, and some learners go on to lead workshops themselves, building their confidence, language and leadership skills along the way, supported by ELATT’s Wellbeing Service.

Careers and Employability Support

Once your English starts to improve, thinking about work can feel less daunting. We also offer:

  • One-to-one CV and job application support.
  • Interview practice.
  • Volunteering opportunities to build UK work experience.
  • Workshops with employers and recruiters.

Community and Belonging

One of the most valuable things a good course can offer is community. ELATT’s Equal Voices project is a great example. It combines ESOL classes with community organising, helping learners not just improve their English, but use it to speak up on issues that matter to them, from housing to healthcare access.

In the last year alone, Equal Voices learners reported real, measurable progress, including increased confidence living in the UK and using English day to day. Many went on to volunteer, find work, or take on leadership roles in their communities.

Real Stories: Courage in Action

Refugee Week’s theme this year is Courage, and we see it every day in our classrooms. Learners who arrive feeling unsure of their English go on to write CVs, attend job interviews, support their children’s schooling, and even speak publicly about issues affecting their communities.

As one ELATT ESOL learner put it:

“When I joined my class, I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t share my experience. I felt shy. Now I’ve beaten my shyness.”

Another learner went from finishing an ESOL course to volunteering, completing a further qualification, and eventually landing a job as a Teaching Assistant. These journeys don’t happen overnight, but they show what’s possible with the right support and a bit of courage to take the first step.

You can read more learner stories on our success stories blog and find out how study and community life can fit around a busy schedule.

Celebrating Refugee Week 2026 at ELATT

To mark Refugee Week and celebrate our students’ achievements, ELATT’s Life Skills students are coming together for a special celebration day at Haggerston Community Centre in Hackney, with this year’s theme of Courage running right through the programme.

It’s a day built around connection, recognition and culture, and a perfect example of why ELATT feels less like a college and more like a community. You can read more about how ELATT builds a sense of belonging through learning.

How to Get Started

If you’re thinking about joining a free ESOL course in London, here’s a simple way to begin:

  1. Have a think about your current level. Are you a complete beginner, or do you already have some English?
  2. Check what’s available near you. Look for courses with both online and in-person options if location or travel is a concern.
  3. Ask about support beyond the classroom. Good providers will offer wellbeing, careers, and community support alongside lessons.
  4. Reach out and ask questions. It’s completely normal to feel unsure at first. A good provider will talk you through your options without any pressure.

Take the First Step Today

Learning English in a new country takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. At ELATT, our free ESOL courses are designed to help you build confidence in English while connecting with a supportive community around you.

If you’d like to find out more or talk through which course might suit you, visit our English Skills / ESOL course page, call us on 0800-0420-184, or email hello@elatt.org.uk. Whatever stage you’re at, there’s a place for you here.

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New courses coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, Health & Social Care, and Youth Work — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

Register your interest