Below is a list of local English Language classes.
Disclaimer: The inclusion of any other organisations in a document or weblink is for signposting purposes and does not imply any endorsement of them.
We are working with Winchester City Council and partners to respond to English language class need locally for all sanctuary seekers, including Ukrainians, as demand has rapidly increased.
Seeking English Language support – If you are a refugee or are supporting a refugee locally in Winchester and they need to access to English language classes, please get in touch by signing up to the form below and we will try to facilitate access locally or introduce you to teachers to add you to a waiting list for when more classes begin shortly. You can also independently get in contact with any of the contacts from the courses listed below.
Sign up here – English registration form or Ukrainian registration form
Volunteer – If you speak Ukrainian or Russian we can try to put you in touch with a Ukrainian/Russian speaking english language teacher locally. If you are an ESOL/EFL teacher who can volunteer some time for sessions please also get in touch via [email protected]
Face-to-face classes in Winchester
English for adults who want to improve their communication, listening and speaking skills.
For info only. THIS COURSE IS FULLY BOOKED.
Days and times: Tuesday 13th September – 6th December (12 weeks)
Level: Entry Level 1 (able to speak some English and want to improve their communication, listening and speaking skills).
Location: The Arc, Jewry St, Winchester, SO23 8SB
Cost: Free
Contact: To register your interest go to https://bit.ly/3jb1ZR8
Intermediate English Language Classes, free English language class for all nationalities (including refugees and asylum seekers), Entry 3/Level 1 English (ESOL)
For info only. THIS COURSE IS FULLY BOOKED.
Days and times: Wednesdays, 12.00-2.00pm (term-time only)
Level: Intermediate (Entry 3/Level 1 ESOL)
Location: Room UWBS 108, West Down Centre, University of Winchester, SO22 5HT (opposite the hospital)
Cost: Free
Contact: Carol Dale (01962 888547 or 07484266262) or email [email protected]
Itchen College Intensive ESOL Course, if English is your second language and you would like to improve your spoken and written English then this intensive course is for you!
Days and times: Monday 12th September 9:30-2:30 for 5 weeks (12th, 19th, 26th September and 3rd and 10th October)
Level: Intermediate
Location: Winchester Club: Highfield Lodge, Worthy Lane, Winchester SO23 7AB
Cost: Free
Contact: ltchen College Adult Education on 02380 435636 or email [email protected]
Itchen College Intensive ESOL Course, if English is your second language and you would like to improve your spoken and written English then this beginner’s course is for you!
Days and times: 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th of September, from 9:30-2:30
Level: Anyone.
Location: Winchester Club: Highfield Lodge, Worthy Lane, Winchester SO23 7AB
Cost: Free
Contact: ltchen College Adult Education on 02380 435636 or email [email protected]
Face-to-face classes in Southampton
Itchen College basic english language skills free course for Ukrainian refugees. This course is for learners who have very little or no English at all.
Days and times: Monday’s and Tuesday’s, starting 12th September, from 9.30 – 2.30pm.
Level: Basic – This course is for learners who have very little or no English at all.
Location: Masonic Hall, Albion Pl, Southampton, SO14 2DD
Cost: Free
Contact: ltchen College Adult Education on 02380 446156 or email [email protected]
Itchen College – This course is for learners who have some understanding of English already.
Days and times: Mondays and Thursdays, starting 19th September, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Course ends 13th October.
Level: This course is for learners who have some understanding of English already.
Location: Masonic Hall, Albion Pl, Southampton, SO14 2DD
Cost: Free
Contact: ltchen College Adult Education on 02380 446156 or email [email protected]
Family friendly classes
English with Toddlers, 4 – Week course. English Language and British culture course for parents with children between 1 and 5, any country of origin, daytime class, children welcome to accompany adults.
Days and times: TBC (this class will only start when there is demand for it so please contact Carolin at [email protected] to let her know if you would like to attend.
Level: Beginner
Location: University of Winchester campus (room detailed provided once contact made with Carolin Esser Miles.
Cost: Free
Contact: [email protected] the course will be delivered by Irene, a Irene is CELTA certified tutor.
Peter Symonds College
Unit 12
English for basic communication, free classes for refugees
Days and times: Mondays and Thursdays, 5-6 pm
Level: Elementary:
Location: Winchester City (venue to be confirmed):
Cost: Free:
Contact: Email: Elena Popova (Mobile phone: 0739 2956951)
Online classes
English communication course for adults 1, free English language class that focuses mainly on speaking and listening skills, hosted by a ‘Homes for Ukraine’ host and English academic.
Days and times: Sunday, 6-7 pm
Level: A1/A2 Elementary (You are able to speak a little English, for example introduce yourself, ask for the time, or go shopping)
Location: online via Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free
Contact: Email [email protected]
English communication course for adults 2, free English language class that focuses mainly on speaking and listening skills, hosted by a ‘Homes for Ukraine’ host and English academic.
Days and times: Tuesday, 6-7 pm
Level: A2/B1 Pre-intermediate
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Contact: Email [email protected]
English communication course for adults 3, free English language class that focuses mainly on speaking and listening skills.
Days and times: Friday, 6-7 pm
Level: A2/B1 Intermediate
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Contact: Email [email protected]
English for basic communication, free classes for Ukrainian refugees
Days and times: Mondays and Thursdays, 8-9 pm
Level: Beginner/Elementary
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Contact: Elena Popova (Mobile phone: 0739 2956951)
Additional online courses
Free online courses for refugees – OpenLearn – Open University
British Council LearnEnglish self access courses
English Language Schools
Local English Language Schools are providing intensive English Language courses for adults alongside summer schools for children. To find out more about what they can offer and the cost of classes please contact them directly as they may be able to provide courses at discounted rates (or occasionally free) for those seeking asylum or refuge in Winchester and the local area.
Europa School of English – English school in Bournemouth (europa-school.co.uk)
Resources
You can use google translate for free
You can also use the duolingo dictionary for help with translating some words
Here are some free twinkl language resources for using with children. They are available in lots of different languages
You can download Say Hi app at the app store for simultaneous translations.
The Refugee phrasebook, available online for free, has lots of different words/phrases in it in different many languages. They have several different phrasebooks including ones for helping refugees to orientate themselves in a new place, a medical phrasebook, a juridicial (legal) phrasebook, and a phrasebook for helpers. which hosts may find particularly useful.
For new arrivals, the most recent Ukrainian translations of the refugee phrasebook are available here.
Additional resources
Thousands of free eBooks and audiobooks
In order to provide Ukrainians with a range of free reading, listening, learning and entertainment opportunities, multimedia content provider Odilo launched a free app for both Android and iOS in early April. Available across Europe, the app includes 3000 e-books and audiobooks in a variety of genres, including 1,700 Ukrainian titles and 500 in English. There is material for both children and adults. Kraal: ‘We hope that everyone – from social workers to host families – will draw the attention of the refugees to this app. To offer them the support, pleasure or comfort of reading, learning and listening in these difficult and uncertain times.”
Links to the app:
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=es.odilo.ukraine
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ukraine-unlimited-learning/id1615037168
Interpretation or translation support
If you need support with interpreting or translating you can contact translators for Ukraine here where you can access a live database of volunteer translators and interpreters.
List of volunteer translators and interpreters (updated live)