Free ESOL Course Providers in London
A list of organisations offering free English (ESOL) classes for refugees and migrants across London, updated September 2026. Each entry links through to the provider’s own website — please contact them directly to check current availability, eligibility and start dates. Use the map at the bottom of the page to see where each provider is based.
As far as we know, all these providers offer free ESOL classes for asylum seekers. If you have leave to remain, try your local college.
Many libraries run conversation groups or have information about local ESOL classes, so it’s worth trying there as well.
North London
Elatt
Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and across West London, plus online.
To apply, fill out the online application and English assessment. You must live in Greater London. Courses run from Entry 1 to Level 2, some accredited.
260 Kingsland Road, London E8 4DG
Email: hello@elatt.org.uk
Phone: 0800 0420 184
Visit website →Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants
16-18 Cross Street, Islington N1 2BG
Visit website → Register for the waiting list →New Citizens Gateway (NCG)
Based in Hendon, with online classes as well as face-to-face.
8th Floor, Hyde House, Edgware Road, London NW9 6LH
Email: sara@ncgateway.org.uk
Phone: 0208 905 9002
Visit website →Waltham Forest College
Community ESOL classes.
707 Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17 4JB
Email: ksinfield@waltham.ac.uk
Hackney Adult Learning
For advice on ESOL classes in Hackney.
Hackney Service Centre, 1 Hillman Street, London E8 1DY
Email: adultlearning@hackney.gov.uk
West London
West London Refugee Centre
Hammersmith.
Hammersmith, London
Email: hello@westlondonwelcome.com
Visit website →South London
Croydon Adult Learning (CALAT)
Asylum seekers should contact the team below to arrange an assessment.
Strand House, Zion Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey CR7 8RG
Email: linda.gray@croydon.gov.uk or claire.smith@croydon.gov.uk
Visit website →Refugee Action Kingston
All levels. You must live in Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Sutton or Wandsworth.
Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 6LX
Email: admin@refugeeactionkingston.org.uk
EasyStepUK
Free practical English class, beginners welcome.
100-104 Lewisham High Street, 2nd Floor, London SE13 5JH
Sign up on Eventbrite →All Saints Kingston
English conversation club.
14-16 Market Place, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1JP
Email: william@allsaintskingston.co.uk
Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers
Peckham — basic ESOL classes.
Copleston Centre, Copleston Road, Peckham, London SE15 4AN
Visit website →South London Refugee Association
Streatham.
The Woodlawns Centre, 16 Leigham Court Road, London SW16 2PJ
Visit website →