Learn English in Devon

DCC’s ESOL and Engagement Team, set up in 2022, works to improve access to English language learning opportunities, for all refugees and other migrants across the county. We provide resources, signposting, and expert advice to ESOL learners, ESOL practitioners and to any organisation seeking guidance 

As there is no single educational organisation with the capacity to meet all of Devon’s English language learning needs, our team works with providers from all sectors. You can find details of all English language classes on offer in Devon on our interactive map. Use the contact details listed to sign up for a class.  

If you need information or advice about ESOL, including help with finding the right English language class, please contact ESOL@devon.gov.uk  

Mainstream (accredited) ESOL

If you would like to study towards a recognised qualification in English language, you can sign up (subject to eligibility) for courses at one of the Further Education (FE) colleges listed below, or with the county council’s own Adult Education provider, Learn Devon.  ESOL courses offered by these providers are usually free for eligible learners.

Exeter College: Contact adultESOL@exe-coll.ac.uk or lauragrix@exe-coll.ac.uk and check out their website

PETROC (Barnstaple and Tiverton):Contact: adultsuccesscoaches@petroc.ac.uk and check out their website

City College Plymouth:Contact info@cityplym.ac.uk and check out their website

South Devon College (Torbay): Contact Enquiries@southdevon.ac.uk and check out their website

Learn Devon: Contact learndevon@devon.gov.uk and check out their website

Community ESOL

Devon is lucky to have many voluntary and community organisations and groups that support refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers by offering free English classes and conversation groups. While most of these classes do not lead to a qualification, community ESOL classes are usually taught by well-qualified and experienced teachers. As well as helping learners to improve their English, they also support integration by helping to build strong connections in the local community. You can find details of all English language classes on offer in Devon on our interactive map. Use the contact details listed to sign up for a class.

Online ESOL and an app

Online classes at different levels are available for learners who face difficulties accessing face-to-face English classes in their local area.

Online classes are offered by:

For studying at home there is also a free app – AILEM – that has been created by refugees to support other refugees and asylum seekers. Click here to download

Check out our free additional support below: