English for speakers of other languages classes and support

Connect Here guide to ESOL courses

Edinburgh has a network of providers offering English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes. These classes can help people with limited or no English language to improve their skills. Some also offer an academic qualification.

These organisations offer ESOL classes:

  • Edinburgh College – campus and community based
  • The City of Edinburgh Council
  • The Welcoming
  • Sanctuary English Language
  • Workers Educational Association (WEA)

These organisations provide English language support as part of their wider programme:

  • Amina Muslim Women Resources Centre
  • Crisis Skylight
  • Life Is Good in Scotland
  • Linknet
  • Saheliya

Other help and support

If you are settling in Edinburgh from overseas, you may find the Connect Here directory of community resources useful.

Please note

Including services or projects in this guide is in no way a commercial endorsement on the part of the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership or NHS Lothian. We are unable to guarantee the quality of service provided by the organisation listed. If you have concerns about a service listed here, please contact the service provider in the first instance and their professional body, if one exists.

Please email an experience update to us. We'll consider it when the next guide. While we make every effort to makre sure the information is accurate and reliable, neither Edinburgh Health and Social Care or NHS Lothian can accept liability for errors or omissions and any resulting harm.

Email ConnectHereUpdates@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk