Train to teach English (ESOL)
About this programme
The Mayor of London, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), is making free teacher training available to help the ESOL sector meet the demand for English language provision in London.
The programme began in March 2023 and seven providers have been funded to provide free places to eligible Londoners in the region over this time.
The Level 5 Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) is currently the most widely-recognised qualification for entry level ESOL teaching positions in London.
Find out more about CELTA, and how you can prepare for both the CELTA interview and the course.
Who qualifies for a free course
To be eligible for a free course, trainees must be:
- aged 19 years old or over on their first day of learning
- resident (and intend to work as an ESOL tutor) in London
- able to attend the course's full duration
- in the UK on a long-term visa, or not subject to immigration restrictions
- receiving income-based benefits, a salary below the London Living Wage (currently £27,007.50 annual gross) or unemployed and fall outside benefits arrangements.
They must also:
- not already hold a Level 5 (or higher) ESOL qualification
- intend to teach in London after qualification
- meet additional requirements each CELTA provider sets out.
The application window for funded places is likely to close by Autumn 2024, so we recommend applying soon if you qualify.
Once you've completed a course, your training provider will offer employment support for graduates to help you get your first ESOL teaching position. You can also subscribe to the GLA's ESOL and EAL jobs and volunteering bulletin.
Find a London CELTA provider
Find London-based CELTA providers receiving funding from the Mayor to offer free training to eligible Londoners. If you are eligible for funding but are unable to find a suitable course, you can let us know through our CELTA training gaps feedback form.
There are a number of CELTA providers in London. Not all CELTA providers in the city have been funded through the ESOL Capacity Fund, however. This means, if you choose to do a CELTA course with one of the providers listed in this section or on the Cambridge English CELTA provider Map, there will be a fee to pay for the course. Cost varies by provider. Some providers offer Advanced Learner Loans. Courses may be part-time, intensive or online.
You can find your most local CELTA provider using the CELTA provider Map on the Cambridge English website.
Listed below are CELTA providers which received funding from the Mayor of London through the ESOL Capacity Fund between 2023 and 2024. They no longer have free places available. Please visit the links below to find out more about their CELTA offer.
College of North East London (CONEL)
Subscribe to ESOL jobs and volunteering bulletin
The GLA's ESOL Jobs and Volunteering Bulletin connects those who would like to work in the ESOL sector to ESOL job vacancies. Bulletins are shared as and when vacancies arise, usually weekly.
The bulletins include positions for those at any stage of their ESOL career – from those with no experience of ESOL teaching, to those who are looking to move into a management or teacher training position.
The bulletin includes ESOL vacancies from both the formal and informal ESOL sector, such as:
- paid and voluntary roles
- full time, part time, sessional, fixed term and permanent positions
- day time, school time and evening positions.
Although most positions require an ESOL teaching qualification, or a commitment to complete one within a timeframe, some do not.
To post an ESOL vacancy to the ESOL Jobs and Volunteering Bulletin, visit our Supporting the Sector page.
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