First set up in 2008, the Stepping Up ESOL Study Programme is specifically designed for 16 – 19 year old students whose first language is not English and it is delivered at six levels from Pre-Entry to Level 2. While the main focus is English (ESOL), students also study Functional Skills Maths and ICT, ‘Personal and Social Development’ (including aspects of citizenship) and Employability/Work/Study Skills.

A wide variety of enrichment activities are offered and students also prepare for starting other vocational courses, progressing to Higher Education or going into employment. Occasionally, under 18 students may be in a class with some adult students (19+) but they will welcome you and help with your studies.

Students will develop all aspects of their English, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and the four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), working in pairs & small groups to develop fluency.  Students will have regular progress tests throughout their studies and will have individual tutorials with their tutor to discuss their learning and development.  Students are expected to complete homework every week and will be prepared for their exams, (most of which are compulsory).

When are the classes?     

There are 16 hours of classes per week taught over 3 or 4 days.

What level of English will I study?     

Before you start a class you will be invited to college to take a language placement test. The

test will show us your level of English. You will be offered a place in the class which best suits you:

Pre-Entry Level, Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 or Level 2.  No formal qualifications are needed before starting the course.

What exams will I take?    

Students are prepared for nationally recognised Trinity ESOL Skills for Life examinations. The exams are offered at five different levels:  Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2.

ESOL exams take place in the weeks beginning 11 February and 24 June 2019

Additional costs for your studies

Students will need a pen, pencil, paper, writing notebook and folder which they can buy from our college shop, costing approximately £2.

Term dates for 2018-19

5 September – 28 June (36 weeks) 

Holidays and Vacations

1 week holiday – 22 October – 26 October

2 weeks holiday – 20 December – 2 January

There will be no classes on Friday 19 October or Friday 15 February

1 week holiday – 18 February – 22 February

2 weeks holiday – 8 April -22 April

There will be no classes on Monday 6 May or Monday 27 May

How much will the course cost?

The course is free of charge to students who are 16 – 18 years old at the start of the academic year and who are assessed as eligible for home fees.  Some students can also claim a weekly college bursary fund to help with course-related costs and travel.

No formal qualifications. Language is assessed through a short interview and test.

Information for Under 18’s

Many students at Colchester Institute are under 18. In the English Language department, we have a mixture: some students are under 18 and some are adults. You may be in a class with some adult students. They will welcome you and help you with your studies. Your teachers will also work hard to keep you safe.

Commitment to Safeguarding

Colchester Institute believes the health and safety of all our students is important. All of the English Language staff are trained to help keep students safe, happy and healthy in college.

Well-being and keeping safe

Bullying [using words or actions to make someone feel bad] is not allowed in the college. The College is committed to making our classes a place where all students are respected and where bullying is not allowed. If a student has a problem or complaint, we will listen to them and work to solve the problem quickly and fairly.

What should I do if I have a problem?

If a student has a problem or complaint they should speak to their teacher or the Student Services Welfare Team (B66a, Ground Floor, Main Building, Colchester Institute). At The College at Braintree, please go to Student Services A56. Student Services are very good at solving students’ problems.

We hope you will enjoy your studies with us and that you will always feel safe and happy to study here.

While Stepping Up study programmes provide a range of general skills, further study on a specific vocational course is advised. As a well-established course, progression onto vocational courses from Stepping Up has, in recent years, included business, IT, construction, engineering, music technology, catering, hair and beauty, health and social care, art and design, sports studies, accountancy and photography.

What our learners say about us

Alexandra Radita
(from Romania)

We were like a family and we supported each other. I feel very bad now that I have finished and I wish I could go right back to the very first day to start again

Zahid Bakhtini
(from Afghanistan)

Thank you for guiding me, inspiring me and making me what I am now!

Hannan Seid
(from Ethiopia)

I have improved a lot since I started ESOL and it’s with your help I have come so far. Thank you very much