Language Support
There are many available courses to improve your English, some of them are online and some in person, there are a variety of formats and more information can be found in each section below.
Free Online courses
The following online courses are free.
The BBC has provided material to help individuals improve their English. There is a range of material available, including podcasts, stories and quizzes.
Future Learn is a website which provides access to multiple short courses to learn English, free of charge. Different courses become available throughout the year, offering a unique way to advance English language skills.
www.futurelearn.com/subjects/language-courses/learn-english
The Open University also offer several free English courses online, some of them will give you a free statement of participation on completion.
In person course providers
The following providers offer ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses, most of which charge a fee.
New Directions College Reading
330 Northumberland Avenue
Whitley
Reading
Berkshire
RG2 8DH
Station Road
Langley
Berkshire
SL3 8BY
St Leonards Road
Windsor
Berkshire
SL4 3AZ
High Street
Egham
Surrey
TW20 9DR
Bracknell and Wokingham College
Church Rd
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 1DJ
Kings Road
Reading
RG1 4HJ
Berkshire School of English – Can provide English lessons for carers if more than 10 students
The Broadway
Newbury
RG14 1BA
Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead – Community Learning and Skills Service
There are several sites for this:
The Curve
Wellington Street
Slough,
SL1 1XY
01753 476611
Britwell Centre
Wentworth Avenue
Slough SL2 2DS
07909 875915 or 01753 476611
_learningcentre@slough.gov.uk
Cippenham Library
Elmshott Lane
Cippenham
Slough SL1 5RB
Langley Library
Trelawney Avenue,
Langley,
Slough,
SL3 7UF
Informal language support
Most of these informal sessions are either free or require a small donation to attend and are a good chance to learn, improve and practice your English skills.
English Language Cafe Bracknell
Improve your English conversation, over a cup of tea or coffee, with others like you who have English as their second language. Cost £1.50 per session. Mondays and Thursdays at Bracknell Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane, Bracknell, RG12 7GR
An English language cafe – iCaf – meets every Wednesday 2.00-3.30 during term time. Come and practise understanding and speaking English in a friendly environment. Abbey Baptist Church, Reading, Abbey Square, Reading RG1 3BE
Email juliabinney@outlook.com for more information.
iCaf Trinity is a ‘café’ where all nations are welcome. You can come to practise English, meet people and share stories in a fun and relaxed environment. Monday 1.00-2.30pm. Trinity Church, Chalfont Close, Earley, Reading RG6 5HZ
Email sam.ruckpender@trinityearley.org.uk for more information.
Bridges English Language Classes – Carey
Conversational English classes in person. Creche for students’ young children. At the moment our classes are free of charge but if you would like to you can make a donation to help cover our costs. Wednesday OR Thursday Morning classes, 9:30 -11:30am. Carey Baptist Church, Carey Street, Reading RG1 7JS
Email Helen at internationals@careybaptistchurch.org.uk for more information.
Introduction to English Classes
A Free 5 week introductory course, in a small group for adults who have recently arrived in the UK and want to improve their English and learn about British culture or a 5 week improvers course. (A £5 cash deposit will be refunded on completion of the course). Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive, Reading, RG6 4HB
Email training@earleycrescent.org for more information.
An opportunity for those wanting to improve their English language skills in a friendly setting. Attendance is free – all are welcome. Wednesdays from 1:00-2.15pm. The Gate Sindlesham, 1 Bearwood Road, Sindlesham, RG41 5BB
For more information contact admin@thegate.uk.com
This is NOT a lesson but a relaxed ‘café’ environment where we play games whilst practising English, make new friends and build relationships. This is a FREE event with a coffee! We meet on 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 4.30pm – 6.00pm. Reading Biscuit Factory Unit 1A , Queens’s Walk Reading RG1 7QE
Bridges English Language Classes – Argyle
After you register we invite you to take an online test to check which class would suit you best, and we will contact you to explain how the classes work. We operate a waiting list so it may not be possible to join immediately. Argyle Community Church, Argyle Road Reading RG1 7YL