FAQs

What is ESOL?

ESOL means English for Speakers of Other Languages. It is the teaching of English to someone with a different first language who is living in an English-speaking country. Classes are taught in English and focus on four skills areas: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

How do I arrange an English language assessment?

Learning English Together partners regularly run assessment sessions in Blackburn and Darwen. If you would like to arrange an assessment for you or for someone you know, click Register and fill in the contact form.

When we receive your form, we will contact you within five working days to arrange an assessment.

Where will classes take place?

ESOL classes take place in lots of different venues in Blackburn with Darwen – including community centres, children’s centres, providers’ own venues, and in college.

Use this website to find the best class for you – on the Classes page you can enter your postcode to find a class close to your home. You can also view all classes on a map.

Is there any help available for travel costs?

Some ESOL providers can help with travel costs depending on your situation. When you find a class that’s right for you, ask the provider if they can help with money towards your travel costs.

Who teaches ESOL classes in Blackburn with Darwen?

There are many organisations teaching ESOL in Blackburn with Darwen. Learning English Together is a partnership between these ESOL providers:

Al Hayat Languages
ARC Project Blackburn
Blackburn College
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Darwen Asylum & Refugee Enterprise (DARE)
IMO
Re:Source Blackburn

How much will classes cost?

Some ESOL classes are free, but some providers will charge for classes. When you find a class that is right for you, ask the provider if there is a fee.

Am I entitled to free ESOL classes?

Some people will be able to attend ESOL classes for free, depending on their situation. When you find a class that is right for you, ask the provider if you are eligible for free classes.

Is childcare available while I am in a class? Will I get help with my childcare costs?

Some providers of ESOL classes in Blackburn with Darwen can help with childcare while you are in a class. When you find a class that is right for you, ask the provider if they offer childcare, such as a crèche, or if they can help with money towards your childcare costs.

Will classes fit around times when my children are in school?

Learning English Together partners offer lots of different types of classes at different times of the day, including during the daytime and in the evening.

I have additional support needs. Is there a suitable class for me?

When you find an ESOL class that you’re interested in, speak to the provider about your additional needs and they will do what they can to support you.

What is Learning English Together?

Learning English Together is a partnership of different learning providers that offer ESOL classes in Blackburn with Darwen. We are working together to make it easier for you to get assessed, then find a class at the right level, in a venue that suits you, and with shorter waiting times.

Our local partners are:

Al Hayat Languages
ARC Project Blackburn
Blackburn College
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Darwen Asylum & Refugee Enterprise (DARE)
IMO
Re:Source Blackburn

Learning English Together is part of Our Community, Our Future, the social integration programme for Blackburn with Darwen.

Funded by the Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government, this three year programme brings together a wide range of local partners working together to strengthen relationships between people from different backgrounds, to help the borough become a place where diversity is valued, and where people’s faith and cultures are understood and respected.

Helping residents to improve their English language skills can support Blackburn with Darwen’s social integration goals, by building people’s confidence to get involved in local life – through accessing healthcare, entering training and employment, volunteering, supporting their children’s education, and more.

Find out more about the Our Community, Our Future social integration programme.

I’ve found a class I want to attend. What should I do next?

You can get in touch with the class provider yourself – their telephone number and email address are on the class page. Tell them what ESOL level you are at, and ask them about starting the class.

Alternatively, click ​‘I’m interested in a class’ and fill in the contact form. We will contact you to tell you what you need to do next.

I have enrolled on a class, but might not be able to attend every week. Is this OK?

You will learn better if you attend every class. However, we understand that some people have family, work and other commitments that sometimes mean they can’t attend classes. When you find a class that is right for you, ask the provider if it is a problem for you to miss some classes.

I can’t find a class near my home. Might there be a class near me in the future?

Yes, we’re adding new classes to this website all the time. Leave us your details and we will contact you in the future with information about a class that’s suitable for you – fill in this contact form.