Education and Learning English
Everything you need to know about education and learning English in Yorkshire and Humber region.
Compulsory education (ages 5 to 16)
Information for BNO parents on how to apply for a school place can be found in the Hong Kong BNO Welcome Pack.
Detailed information on support available for children with special needs can be found on gov.uk website.
Education for adults and young people (above 16)
Options for young people finishing high school are explained on the National Careers Service website.
Prince's Trust is a charity helping young people up to the age of 30 get into jobs, education and training, including setting up their own business. Support is free and available across the UK. For more information, see the Prince's Trust 'Opportunities near me' page, call 0800 842 842 or use the Princes Trust online chat.
Open University offers a number of free courses that can be accessed online. Courses cover a wide range of subjects, from English skills for life and supporting children’s mental health and well-being, to the importance of interpersonal skills and planning a better future.
Drop-in session on education
Post-16 education options - 14 December 2022
We explored different education options available to young people in the UK and were joined by organisations specialising in guiding and supporting young people in choosing the right educational paths and providing career advice.
Click here to view the 'Post-16 education options ' and 'Prince's Trust: Post-16 education options' presentations.
Support for children with SEND - 16 November 2022
We were joined by a speaker from a local Special Education Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS), who spoke about support and resources available to children with SEND in the UK, including:
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An overview of the SEN support system
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Understanding how to request an education, health and care (EHC) plan
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Using a SEN assessment from Hong Kong
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Impact of the NRPF condition
School culture - 30 March 2022
This session covered information on supplementary schools, overview of school system and culture, communicating with schools and more.
English Classes
To find local English class at your level in your local area, visit the Learning English in Yorkshire and Humber Directory. You can search by area/ postcode, and can also select criteria such as ‘evenings only’, or ‘classes with childcare’.
Some classes are free for everyone, while others, especially accredited courses, will have eligibility criteria based on residency and/or income.
A BN(O) visa holder cannot access free English classes or any courses that are funded through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) for the first 3 years or their residence in the UK. After that, the eligibility for English classes and wider courses is based on learner’s income. Course providers check this eligibility during the admission process.
Most local authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region have opened their English learning provision to BN(O) visa holders.
Most formal and informal classes are run during school term only, with no classes during school breaks and summer holidays. However, it is always best to check this with the course provider directly.
English learning opportunities for Hongkongers in the region:
Calderdale (including Halifax)
Calderdale Council is providing a range of formal and informal classes BN(O) visa holders can join. For more information check their website Part-time and short courses at CAL | Calderdale Council
Doncaster
Doncaster Council is providing a range of formal and informal classes BN(O) visa holders can join. For more information check their website Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages - City of Doncaster Council and to join contact James Sandford: James.Sandford@doncaster.gov.uk
Hull
Hull Council is providing a range of formal and informal classes BN(O) visa holders can join. To view available course check their website Home - Hull Training and Adult Education (hcctraining.ac.uk). To access classes, contact Hull Training And Adult Education to arrange an assessment on 01482 615 349 or in person – the Avenues Adult Education Centre, Park Avenue, Hull, HU5 4DA
Kirklees (including Dewsbury and Huddersfield)
Kirklees Council is providing a range of different English courses BN(O) visa holders can join. This is delivered through This Way for English (TW4E), where English language ESOL needs are assessed. The assessment also aims to identify more holistic needs. The programme will refer or signpost participants to appropriate ESOL provision and refer participants to other relevant organisations or programs to facilitate their integration into the local community. To join the programme, contact TSL Kirklees This way for English - Third Sector Leaders Kirklees (tslkirklees.org.uk)
Additionally, the council runs new Confidence with English courses in communities across the borough. The courses are not accredited but designed to develop confidence with writing, reading, listening and speaking skills. To sign up contact the council on ESOL@kirklees.gov.uk or 01484 225016
Leeds
BN(O) visa holders can access a wide range of English learning courses funded by Leeds City Council (there is a limit of hours per person). All courses can be found at https://www.leedsadultlearning.co.uk/
Leeds City College is also allowing BN(O) visa holders to join their formal ESOL provision. Leeds City College.
North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Council is providing a range of formal and informal classes BN(O) visa holders can join, including online provision. Courses can be found on their website Course List | ontrack: Learner Hub (northyorks.gov.uk). To sign up for courses you are interested in, contact adultlearningservice@northyorks.gov.uk
Sheffield
Sheffield Council is providing a range of formal and informal classes BN(O) visa holders can join. To arrange an assessment, contact The Family, Adult Community Education Service (FACES) on 0114 229 6144 or faces@sheffield.gov.uk . You can find out more about courses available on FACES website FACES Information Advice and Guidance (padlet.org)
Wakefield
Wakefield Council is providing a range of formal and informal classes BN(O) visa holders can join. To register your interest, complete an online form available at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) - Wakefield Council or call 01924 303 302
York
York Council is providing a range of classes BN(O) visa holders can join. To sign up, contact York Learning English for Speakers of Other Languages - York Learning on 01904 554277 or email york.learning@york.gov.uk
If your local authority is not listed above, or you have difficulties accessing your local English learning provision, please get in touch.
Self-Study
It is important to find some time to study on your own, even if you are attending regular classes. There are lots of resources available on Learning English Plus – go to the ‘Resource Hub’ and you can find videos, links and resources. You could also ask your ESOL teacher if they have any recommendations for self-study.
To find out more about activities and events for Hongkongers in Yorkshire and Humber download our Calendar of activities.
Drop-in session on learning English
Learning English in Y&H - 5 January 2022
This event provided an overview of a Migrant English Support Hub (MESH) website where you can find all English classes run in Yorkshire and Humber area. It explained how to look for free local classes and contact providers to sign up.
Back to Hong Kong Hub main page
Last updated: 05/07/2024