Each local authority has its own approach to coordinating ESOL provision. Generally, the process of booking an ESOL class revolves around the following key steps:

1. Contact your local authority to say you are interested in ESOL language classes. You may also be referred on by, say, a social worker or caseworker. At the bottom of this page is a list of various ESOL coordinator contacts. If you are struggling to contact your local authority about ESOL, you can email hongkongBNO@cosla.gov.uk and we will put you in touch with the relevant contact. 
2. You will then be assessed to determine what your English level/proficiency is, and which course would be suitable for you. 
3. You will then be offered a place on an ESOL programme. 

Please keep in mind that there may be waiting lists depending on your local authority and the type of course you are looking to take. Your local authority will be better able to advise on potential waiting times. 

If you are looking for ESOL classes, please get in touch with your local authority in the first instance and they will be able to refer you onwards. Below is a list of contact details and webpages for ESOL classes in various Local Authorities:

• City of Edinburgh Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Edinburgh
  Contact Karen Buist at karen.buist@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0800 085 7672.
• Aberdeenshire Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Aberdeenshire
  Contact cld@aberdeenshire.gov.uk 
• Glasgow City Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Glasgow
  Call 0800 027 6402
• East Renfrewshire Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in East Renfrewshire
  Contact adult.learning@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 577 3306 
• Renfrewshire Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Renfrewshire
  Contact als.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 618 2873
• West Lothian Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in West Lothian
  Contact adultlearning@westlothian.gov.uk or call 0800 731 1831
• Midlothian Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Midlothian
  Contact CLL@midlothian.gov.uk or call 0131 271 3713
• East Lothian Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in East Lothian
  Contact elworks@eastlothian.gov.uk or call 07890 066391
• East Dunbartonshire Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in East Dunbartonshire
  Contact learningandskills@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call 0141 777 3082
• Dundee City Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Dundee
  Contact Mitchell Street on 01382 435808
• North Lanarkshire Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in North Lanarkshire
  Contact cld@northlan.gov.uk
• South Lanarkshire Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in South Lanarkshire
  Contact slcboost@glow.sch.uk
• Fife Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Fife
  Contact Lucy Wilson (ESOL Coordinator) at lucy.wilson@fife.gov.uk or call 01334 659363
• Falkirk Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Falkirk
  Call 01324 506607. 
• Perth and Kinross Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in Perth and Kinross
  Email: learningcurve@pkc.gov.uk, call 01738 477092, or text 0777 555 3245
• North Ayrshire Council
  Learn more about ESOL classes in North Ayrshire
  Fill out a referral form here

 If your Local Authority is not listed above or you are having trouble contacting your local ESOL coordinator, please email hongkongBNO@cosla.gov.uk directly and we will put you in touch with your local ESOL coordinator to arrange English language classes. 

FAQs:
Are ESOL classes online or in person?

ESOL classes can be both online and in person. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many classes have moved online, although this varies depending on where you live.  

How long will I have to wait for a place on an ESOL course?

This depends on the availability of courses in your area and your skill level. Once you are assess, your ESOL coordinator should be able to advise how long you may have to wait for an ESOL course.