Course Overview
ESOL Functional Skills English classes are designed for adults from overseas who are now settled in the UK and want to learn or improve their English.
You’ll study in a friendly, supportive environment where you can build vocabulary, develop grammar skills, and practice English through practical, everyday citizenship topics. Courses are available at different levels on different days.
To join, you need to press the red “Apply Direct” button and fill out the Course Application. You will need Proof of Nationality (your passport) and Proof of Immigration Status (an Immigration Share Code, BRP or Home Office official documents). If you have difficulty completing the Course Application you can come to the Reception Desk at the front of Strode College, and our friendly Reception staff will help you.
Once you have applied, you will be invited for an interview and assessment. Based on the result, the teacher will recommend the most suitable course and exam for you. If you have any questions you can email the teacher on pughf@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk during term time and strodeadultskills@strode-college.ac.uk during the summer holidays.
Late starts may be possible if spaces are available; however, you must be able to attend until June to complete all parts of the Functional Skills English exam. For this reason, the course is not suitable for those staying in the UK for only a short period.
Topics may include:
- Grammar
- Conversational language.
Assessment Methods
As part of this course, you will take Functional Skills English exams in Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You need to pass all three parts to achieve a qualification.
Progression Options
There are five levels of exam from Entry 1 to Level 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.