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If you want to improve your English skills for work, further study, to support your children with their homework, or to simply make everyday life a bit easier, then you’ve come to the right place.
Why study English with Skills & Learning?
Developing your English skills with us is about more than just improving your reading, writing, spelling, punctuation and grammar; it also helps you gain the confidence to communicate effectively. We offer daytime and evening courses across Dorset at all levels up to GCSE, with both classroom and online study options.
If you do not yet have an English GCSE grade 4 (C) or above, your study will be fully funded by the Government. It is important that you make the commitment to attend your course every week. Find out more about our finance options here.
All learners enrolling on an English course must undergo an admission session first to help us understand your ability and put you on the best course to help you achieve.
How can an English course help me?
Taking an English course with Skills & Learning can help you in many ways depending on your goals. An English course can help you to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing and communication skills for work and everyday life. We offer a wide range of courses from ESOL courses to help you become more confident using English as a second language to GCSE and Functional Skills courses for those looking to gain a qualification for work or higher education.
What does an English course entail and what will I learn from it?
Our English courses cover the study of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It may also cover literature, composition, critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural communication. The specific topics covered will vary depending on the level of the course.
How long is the course?
Our English courses run for anywhere from 9 weeks to 35 weeks depending on the level of study.
How often do the English courses run?
We have courses running throughout the year. Our GCSE courses are open for enrolments in between June and August for a September start.
Studying English could lead to…
New qualifications
At Skills & Learning, we offer a range of qualifications to suit all abilities, including portfolio-based units, stepping-stone assessments, Functional Skills and GCSE.
More confidence for communication
Developing your reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills can help give you confidence when communicating at work, in interviews or in everyday situations.
New job prospects
Gaining qualifications and skills can help you improve your job prospects and open up new opportunities and pathways.
Entry 1 – Entry 3
English for Everyday
Small supportive classes suitable for learners who want to develop basic knowledge and confidence.
Entry Level 1 to Level 2
Improve your English
Up to 36 weeks term-time only.
A range of courses at different levels from Entry Level 1 to Level 2. For those who want to improve skills and work towards a qualification.
Level 2
English Fast Track Online Level 2
Advanced course for those who want an opportunity to achieve a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in 17 weeks.
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English Express Online
GCSE
GCSE English
September start only.
For those who want a more academic GCSE qualification and can commit to a significant amount of independent study.
How do I enrol?
1. Once you know you would like to study English with us, please book yourself an admission session. This is a chance for us to meet you, assess your current working level and ensure you are placed on the best course for you.
2. After your admission session, we will offer you a place on a course best suited to your ability. You can then enrol for this online. We will try our best to offer you a course at a convenient time and place for you based on your needs.
“The course was great. Very well structured and organised. We had a lot of support, feedback and motivation. There were lots of materials and resources to learn. One of the best courses I’ve ever taken and I’ve taken many.”
“Since completing my Course with you it gave me a huge confidence boost which made me want to continue with further study but I wasn’t sure what until I stumbled across an access module course through the open university. Well, I still can’t believe it but I completed my first assignment a few weeks ago and received my grade yesterday. I still can’t believe it and spent most of yesterday in happy tears but I received 91%!”
“I’m more confident reading to my daughter. I always dreaded bedtimes and story books. Now I’m, ‘Which book tonight?”
“Because of going to English, I have started voluntary work in a shop.”
“This course has been fantastic for me. It has made me really want to better myself and continue being in education as I really enjoy learning.”
“My confidence has improved dramatically since starting courses with Skills & Learning and even though I’ve had some health problems that have made it difficult, I have been supported all along the way.”
“I have felt inspired to learn and comfortable to ask for clarification when needed.”
“I have achieved my Level 1 and I’m working towards my Level 2 in 2019/20. My confidence has improved and I have a new and better job.”
“I never realised how great English was until I stepped into your classroom. Thank you.”
