Teaching English has always been at the centre of our work and over the last 28 years we have provided tens of thousands of free, high quality English classes to refugees and people seeking asylum.
Each week, we offer 17 English classes with three in-person and 14 online. Classes focus on key skills, such as speaking, listening, writing, grammar, gaining confidence with shopping, traveling, speaking to healthcare professionals, and much more.
With improved English, learners grow a sense of personal empowerment, independence and confidence to begin to rebuild their lives and advocate for themselves in the UK.
Our classes are practical, offering vital vocabulary people need to negotiate life in the UK. For example, our ‘Wellness Wednesday’ class was created in response to the high number of questions about health issues, while our ‘Mindful Monday’ classes focus on wellbeing. Once a week we offer an online class through our partners at Speak Street.
The majority of our classes are only open to people registered with us. We operate a waiting list which opens each September. To be notified when our waiting list for next year opens, please sign up here with your email.
Not Registered with Us?
Join us for our weekly in-person English class open to all refugees and people seeking asylum in Islington – including people who are not on our register.
- When: 10.30am – 12noon every Thursday during the academic school term
- Cost: Free
The English class is followed by tea and biscuits until 1pm, except on the first Thursday of every month when we offer a free hot meal.
To join our Thursday English class please come along one Thursday, or email Izzie on izzie.islingtoncentre@gmail.com.
Across the last academic year we had:
The Islington Centre is working to fill the gaps left by more traditional language schools.
There is a severe shortage of English classes. Additionally, financial, and basic literacy constraints make it incredibly hard for many to join standard English classes.
Feedback from attendees has shown that our hybrid model of in-person and online classes allows for increased access for those who may live far away, have a busy or unpredictable schedule, or can’t afford travel costs.
Attending the English class has helped me improve my English so that I no longer need an interpreter. Now I can do everything for myself, for example communicating with my solicitor.
Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants 