r/Glasgow Tools

Title
Author	hox113
Comment	Hey, depending on your friend’s residency status (migrant, refugee, leave to remain, uk citizen) it’s likely they’re entitled to free ESOL education. Generally the first step is to get a language test to ascertain their level. They may have already done that as you think they’re at pre-intermediate level? If they have done so they should have a yellow (likely handwritten) certificate. If they haven’t done so getting tested in these times of Covid might be a bit challenging. GCC libraries run basic courses and testing (new arrivals to Scotland are often directed there first before accessing college), maybe contact the Mitchell Library and ask to speak to their ESOL team? The Nan MacKay Hall and Kinning Park Complex may also be able to help. There are a number of other places too. Once they’ve got their certificate they need to get their name on the Glasgow ESOL register - http://www.learnesolglasgow.com/glasgow-esol-register.html# This register is the centralised point from which ESOL places at one of the three Glasgow colleges are allocated (City of Glasgow, Glasgow Clyde College and Kelvin College). Do this very soon as term starts soon and places fill up very quickly. Worth noting that classes also often start in January, so if they don’t get in now start looking for another place at the end of November. You may find that your friend can get on the register before being tested, worth a look before trying to find a test. Once they’ve got a place in college they’ll be entitled to a term time bus pass, and free childcare if required, dependent on their residential status. They colleges are full of hard working people who genuinely want to help people learn, but sometimes it can be a bit challenging to speak to the right person. Be persistent, especially in these difficult times. Best of luck to your friend. The ESOL journey can be a long one, but can lead onto opportunity and finding new communities. Source: I used to work admin for ESOL in one of the Glasgow colleges. Note, it’s been a while since I worked there, I hope my info is still relevant and is helpful.
Reddit Link	https://www.reddit.com/r/glasgow/comments/in7xyr/advice_on_esol_classes_in_glasgow/g47qckb/
Created	Sun 6th Sep 2020 9:21am
Status	normal ()

Hey, depending on your friend’s residency status (migrant, refugee, leave to remain, uk citizen) it’s likely they’re entitled to free ESOL education.

Generally the first step is to get a language test to ascertain their level. They may have already done that as you think they’re at pre-intermediate level? If they have done so they should have a yellow (likely handwritten) certificate.

If they haven’t done so getting tested in these times of Covid might be a bit challenging. GCC libraries run basic courses and testing (new arrivals to Scotland are often directed there first before accessing college), maybe contact the Mitchell Library and ask to speak to their ESOL team? The Nan MacKay Hall and Kinning Park Complex may also be able to help. There are a number of other places too.

Once they’ve got their certificate they need to get their name on the Glasgow ESOL register - http://www.learnesolglasgow.com/glasgow-esol-register.html#

This register is the centralised point from which ESOL places at one of the three Glasgow colleges are allocated (City of Glasgow, Glasgow Clyde College and Kelvin College). Do this very soon as term starts soon and places fill up very quickly. Worth noting that classes also often start in January, so if they don’t get in now start looking for another place at the end of November.

You may find that your friend can get on the register before being tested, worth a look before trying to find a test.

Once they’ve got a place in college they’ll be entitled to a term time bus pass, and free childcare if required, dependent on their residential status.

They colleges are full of hard working people who genuinely want to help people learn, but sometimes it can be a bit challenging to speak to the right person. Be persistent, especially in these difficult times.

Best of luck to your friend. The ESOL journey can be a long one, but can lead onto opportunity and finding new communities. Source: I used to work admin for ESOL in one of the Glasgow colleges. Note, it’s been a while since I worked there, I hope my info is still relevant and is helpful.