Course Levels

We offer English courses at the following levels:

  • Pre-Entry Level
  • Entry Level 1
  • Entry Level 2
  • Entry Level 3

Course Details

Duration and Schedule:

Our main courses run for 30 weeks over the academic year (September – July):

  • 4 hours per week, or
  • 2 hours per week with crèche

Students work towards Trinity College London exams in:

  • Speaking and Listening
  • Reading and Writing

Crèche Provision

We offer a limited number of crèche places for children aged 6 months to 5 years on the Pre-Entry/Entry 1 course, funded by Southampton City Council.

Regular attendance is very important as places are limited and in high demand.

Course Availability

All our main courses are currently full, so we are not accepting new referrals at this time.

Teaching and Support

Our Tutors and Volunteers:

All teachers are qualified and experienced ESOL tutors, supported by a team of skilled and dedicated volunteer classroom assistants.

Learning Approach

Our courses provide intensive support to help students build confidence and develop a strong foundation in English.
We specialise in teaching learners who cannot read or write in their first language and signpost to other providers when learners are ready to progress to Level 1 or need additional help.

Fees and Funding

Course Cost:

Thanks to funding from Southampton City Council, our courses are free for:

  • People seeking asylum (if your appeal claim is more than 6 months old)
  • Those referred by an IDVA
  • Participants in the UK Government Afghan Resettlement Programme
  • Participants in the Hong Kong BNO Scheme

You must have been in the UK less than 3 years, and ESOL funding must not have been claimed by another provider.

Contribution:

For our 30-week courses, we ask for a small contribution at the start:

  • Approximately £150 total (£5 per week)

This includes:

  • All teaching and exam fees
  • A crèche space (if needed and available)
  • Class resources
  • Free access to other other courses and activities at CLEAR

Eligibility

Am I Eligible?

Due to funding restrictions, you are not eligible for a free place if:

  • You hold a spouse visa (less than 3 years old), or
  • You are an asylum seeker with an appeal claim less than 6 months old

How to Apply

Online Enquiry Form:

If you are interested in learning with us, please complete the online enquiry form.

Enquiry Form

Referrals

Referring Someone to Learn ESOL at CLEAR:

If you are referring someone else, please complete the referral form, indicating that you are applying on behalf of another person.

Assessment Process

Attending the Assessment:

Once we’ve checked your eligibility, we will:

  1. Book you in for an assessment
  2. Ask for information about your confidence in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
  3. Recommend the most suitable course for you

If a space is available, we will enrol you and share course start details.
If we cannot offer you a place, we will explain why and suggest alternative ESOL providers.

When spaces become available, we will update our website and reopen the online enquiry form.

Learner Handbook

You can access a copy of our Learner Handbook here.

Other Places to Learn English

Explore other ESOL providers in the South East of England using the interactive map available here.