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Accessing English classes for asylum seekers |
Asylum seekers wishing to access ESOL courses
As an asylum seeker you can access a free ESOL course at your local Further Education College as long as you do not have a ‘no study’ bail condition on a Bail 201 letter and you have been here for at least 6 months and are still waiting for a response to your asylum claim.
Colleges in Hertfordshire (West Herts College, in Watford and Hemel Hempstead), North Hertfordshire, Oaklands, Hertfordshire Regional College, Broxbourne and Luton (Barnfield) take in students in September and sometimes in January and after Easter. They assess potential students to estimate which is their most appropriate certificated course. The process of assessment usually takes about one and a half hours. Assessments for September usually start in July
Courses are offered for adults 19 +. Potential students aged between 16 and 19 can enrol for a course as soon as they arrive, rather than waiting until they have been here for 6 months providing the college can accommodate them.
When you go for assessment, you must have some proof of identity. ARC (Asylum Application Registration Card) or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) are best, but a letter from the Home Office with your name on it (a section 95 letter) is fine. The ASPEN card is also helpful. The Colleges will accept a range of documents. They just want to be sure that you are who you say you are. The process of enrolment can be lengthy and complicated. First book in for assessment to find out the appropriate level of course. The College should then help you through the process, filling in an enrolment form then a financial declaration form before finalising enrolment. If you do not understand what you need to do, go into the College and seek assistance.
If you need childcare in order to be able to attend ESOL classes, free education and childcare for 2- 3- and 4-year-olds should be available, although places fill quickly.
Asylum seekers with a child under school age are eligible for free childcare. Make a direct application for a place by contacting a nursery or other childcare option listed as approved by the Local Authority. https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/childcare-and-advice-for-parents/free-early-education-and-childcare/childcare-and-free-early-education.aspx
Your child must have an NHS number and the nursery will probably ask for your NASS number
As an asylum seeker you can access a free ESOL course at your local Further Education College as long as you do not have a ‘no study’ bail condition on a Bail 201 letter and you have been here for at least 6 months and are still waiting for a response to your asylum claim.
Colleges in Hertfordshire (West Herts College, in Watford and Hemel Hempstead), North Hertfordshire, Oaklands, Hertfordshire Regional College, Broxbourne and Luton (Barnfield) take in students in September and sometimes in January and after Easter. They assess potential students to estimate which is their most appropriate certificated course. The process of assessment usually takes about one and a half hours. Assessments for September usually start in July
Courses are offered for adults 19 +. Potential students aged between 16 and 19 can enrol for a course as soon as they arrive, rather than waiting until they have been here for 6 months providing the college can accommodate them.
When you go for assessment, you must have some proof of identity. ARC (Asylum Application Registration Card) or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) are best, but a letter from the Home Office with your name on it (a section 95 letter) is fine. The ASPEN card is also helpful. The Colleges will accept a range of documents. They just want to be sure that you are who you say you are. The process of enrolment can be lengthy and complicated. First book in for assessment to find out the appropriate level of course. The College should then help you through the process, filling in an enrolment form then a financial declaration form before finalising enrolment. If you do not understand what you need to do, go into the College and seek assistance.
If you need childcare in order to be able to attend ESOL classes, free education and childcare for 2- 3- and 4-year-olds should be available, although places fill quickly.
Asylum seekers with a child under school age are eligible for free childcare. Make a direct application for a place by contacting a nursery or other childcare option listed as approved by the Local Authority. https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/schools-and-education/childcare-and-advice-for-parents/free-early-education-and-childcare/childcare-and-free-early-education.aspx
Your child must have an NHS number and the nursery will probably ask for your NASS number
Page last updated July 2024
