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Understand ESOL Teaching Qualifications

If you are thinking about becoming an ESOL teacher, understanding the different qualifications available is an important first step.

There are several recognised routes into ESOL teaching in the UK. Courses are offered at different levels and are designed for people with a range of experience, from those exploring teaching for the first time to those developing an established career.

The guide below will help you understand the main types of ESOL teaching qualifications, what each level involves, and where they might lead.

Understanding ESOL qualifications

There are several routes into ESOL teaching, with courses offered at different levels depending on your experience and career goals.

The guide below compares the main qualification levels and explains who they are for, what you will study and where they can lead.

Select a question to see how the qualification levels compare and find the route that may suit you best.

A bit more about them:

The baseline qualification for teaching ESOL in the UK

Who is it for?

Anyone interested in finding out more about teaching ESOL

What is the qualification?

An example is Ascentis Award in English for Literacy and Language Teaching.

What do I need to do it?

Level 2 English (ESOL, Functional Skills, GCSE).

How long does it take?

Between 10 weeks and a year.

What can I do after?

Go on to further training and volunteering.

Example courses

Add links or course details here.

Who is it for?

If you are volunteering in an ESOL class and want to progress to paid work.

What is the qualification?

e.g. Certificate in Education and Training (L4)

What do I need to do it?

Level 2 English (ESOL, Functional Skills, GCSE). Working in a classroom teaching practice

How long does it take?

Normally 1 year p-t

What can I do after?

L5 teaching qualification

Example courses

Calderdale College

Who is it for?

If you want to get a job as an ESOL teacher

What is the qualification?

e.g. Trinity TESOL Certificate, Cambridge CELTA or Cert Ed

What do I need to do it?

L3 qualifications (eg A levels) + English at least at Level 2/CEFR C1

How long does it take?

Varies from 4 weeks intensive to 6 months p-t

What can I do after?

This is the baseline qualification level to teach ESOL in the UK.

Example courses

Bradford College

Who is it for?

If you already work as an ESOL teacher

What is the qualification?

e.g. Certificate in Education (Lifelong Learning)

What do I need to do it?

You need to be working as a teacher and have at least L3 (L5 for ESOL specific classroom)

How long does it take?

Normally 2 years part-time

What can I do after?

Develop your career in ESOL

Example courses

Wakefield College

Who is it for?

If you already work as an ESOL teacher OR a graduate interested in teaching ESOL

What is the qualification?

e.g. MA TESOL. Sometimes combined with L5 Trinity TESOL for practical skills.

What do I need to do it?

A degree in a relevant subject (eg English)

How long does it take?

1 year f-t/2 years p-t

What can I do after?

Develop your career in ESOL, or entry into teaching if relevant teaching practice included

Example courses

Hull University

Who is it for?

A graduate interested in teaching ESOL

What is the qualification?

PGCE 14+ with specialism in ESOL/Literacy PGDip w specialism in ESOL/Literacy

What do I need to do it?

A degree in a relevant subject (eg English)

How long does it take?

1 year f-t/2 years p-t

What can I do after?

Teach across the ESOL sector

Example courses

Bolton University, Bradford College

An important note:

Many employers in further education and adult learning expect teachers to hold a Level 5 ESOL teaching qualification or an equivalent qualification that includes supervised teaching practice.

How ESOL qualifications compare

The information below explains the different terms used in English language teaching, including ESOL, EFL, EAL and ESL.

These terms describe different learner groups, teaching settings and contexts where English is taught.

Select a question to explore how these contexts differ and understand the environments where English language teaching takes place.

A bit more about them:

ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages

EFL

English as a Foreign Language

EAL

English as an Additional Language

ESL

English as a Second Language

ESOL

Those that have settled or are seeking settlement in the UK. Including refugees and asylum seekers

EFL

Those interested in learning English in their own country, or while visiting the UK.

EAL

School-age children settled in the UK who need support to learn English. Includes Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC)

ESL

ESL is a general term commonly used internationally (inc USA) or in academic contexts, to describe learning English in a country where it is the primary language.

ESOL

You teach English, but embedded in wider skills development, developing confidence, employability, and offering pastoral support to learners

EFL

You teach English in a range of non-specific contexts, or in contexts such as English for Business

EAL

You support learners with English to facilitate their integration into the mainstream school curriculum.

ESL

Focused on English proficiency for academic purposes

ESOL

FE colleges, Adult Learning Centres, Third sector community organisations

EFL

Private Language schools both in the UK and abroad

EAL

Primary and secondary schools

ESL

Private language schools or institutions in English-speaking countries around the world

ESOL

Niama is a 28-year-old, Arabic speaking, refugee woman from Sudan living in the UK. She needs to learn English for all parts of her life in the UK but would also like to regain her nursing qualification, already achieved in Sudan, so that she can work in the UK.

EFL

Mariko is a 45-year-old woman learning English in Japan. She wants to learn English to help in her career as a tour guide.

EAL

Morid is a 12-year-old Kurdish Iranian boy living in the UK. He attends secondary school where he needs support with English to help him take part in other lessons.

ESL

Teo is a young Spanish professional, living and working in Dublin. He needs to improve his fluency and make more friends in the city where he lives.

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