Language Schools and Classes Across the UK
Learning a language can help with travel, work, study, family connections and meeting new people. Whether you are starting from scratch or building existing skills, explore language schools, adult education, online courses and community classes. Sixpence Support UK provides this information free of charge. Some courses are free or funded; other providers charge.
Languages you can explore
- English and ESOL
- French
- Spanish
- Italian
- German
- Portuguese
- Dutch
- Greek
- Polish
- Romanian
- Ukrainian
- Russian
- Turkish
- Arabic
- Hebrew
- Persian/Farsi
- Mandarin Chinese
- Cantonese
- Japanese
- Korean
- Hindi
- Urdu
- Punjabi
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Vietnamese
- Thai
- Indonesian
- Malay
- Swahili
- Somali
- Welsh
- Scottish Gaelic
- Irish
- British Sign Language (BSL)
This is a broad starting list, not every language in the world. Ask providers about other languages, dialects and writing systems. Availability depends on the provider, level and location. BSL is a language with its own grammar; it is not signed English.
Choosing your class
Look for beginner, intermediate or advanced learning; group lessons or one-to-one tuition; daytime, evening or weekend sessions; online or in-person classes; and conversation practice or structured courses. Tell the provider your goal: everyday conversation, travel, work, connecting with family, or an examination. Ask whether a placement assessment is needed.
Finding classes near you
Contact your local council’s adult learning service, further education colleges, language schools, libraries and community centres. Search using your chosen language plus your town or postcode. For children and families, ask about age-appropriate tuition and community language schools. Check safeguarding arrangements and supervision before booking for a child.
Find council contact details, then look for adult education or community learning. This tool does not list every language course and council routes differ across the UK.
Free online starting points
The Open University’s free online language learning resources and introductory courses. Check the current catalogue for languages and levels offered; it does not cover every language listed above.
English classes — ESOL
ESOL means English for Speakers of Other Languages. Courses can focus on speaking, listening, reading and writing for everyday life, work or further study. Ask local colleges and adult learning services about assessment, enrolment and funding.
Explore online and classroom English courses. Confirm eligibility, regional availability and the cost of your chosen course directly with WEA.
British Sign Language
If you want an assessed qualification, check the qualification name, awarding body, level and whether the centre is approved. A short introductory course or participation certificate is not automatically equivalent to a regulated qualification.
Explore BSL qualifications and use Signature’s current course/centre information to find training.
An online introduction and practice resources; check price and certificate details before enrolling.
Welsh, Scottish Gaelic and Irish
Explore Welsh learning opportunities and course information.
Scottish Gaelic learning resources and course information.
For Irish, ask local colleges, community organisations and language providers about suitable classes.
Fees and funding
Ask about tuition, books, exam fees, subscriptions, cancellation terms and refunds before paying. Ask whether a free place, concession or funding is available. Eligibility varies by course, age, residence, location and personal circumstances; receiving benefits does not automatically make every class free.
Accessible learning
Ask about captions, hearing loops, large-print materials, dyslexia-friendly resources, slower-paced lessons, breaks and physical access. For online learning, check device requirements and whether lessons work on a phone.
Before you book
Check teacher experience, class size, course level, timetable, total fees and learning goals. Confirm any qualification with the awarding body and check recent feedback. Avoid promises of guaranteed fluency in a few days.
Our role
Sixpence Support UK offers information and links. We do not run classes, book lessons or guarantee providers, qualifications, funding or course availability. Contact the provider for current details.
Links checked: 3 October 2026.