National 5 ESOL exam preparation

Course overview

Edinburgh College is one of Scotland's largest year-round providers of English Language courses. The British Council accredits all College-based ESOL classes for the teaching of English.

 You will develop general language skills for speaking, writing, listening and reading and work on your grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation in preparation for the SQA National 5 ESOL exam. You will complete the SQA National 5 ESOL exam in May

 You will do a lot of learning in pairs and groups but will also be expected to work independently through self-directed study.

This is a part-time course. 

The ESOL Course Fees page provides more information about ESOL course costs. You will also be expected to buy the course materials as specified by your tutor (approximately £45).

Please note these courses are for applicants whose first language is not English. 

The average class size is 18 – 20 with a maximum of 23. You must be aged 16 or older to study ESOL courses in college.

Support for students aged 16 and 17

• All 16 and 17-year-olds are given a 24-hour emergency number.
• Information on ‘Keeping yourself safe in Edinburgh’ is provided at induction. A tutorial system is in place for students to discuss progress or any problems with their teacher.
• Students are supervised in class, on class trips/activities, and during work placements.
• Parental consent is required for class trips and work placements. Outside these hours there is no supervision of 16 and 17-year-olds.

What you will learn

• English language skills of speaking listening reading and writing
• You will develop grammar at National 5 level
• You will extend your vocabulary at National 5 level
• Preparation for SQA National 5 ESOL exam

How the course is assessed

• There will be regular assessment tasks throughout the course to monitor your progress, including National 5 practice assessments, which test reading, writing, listening and speaking 
• The Prelim exam in February will prepare you for the final exam in May 
• The final SQA NAtionla 5 ESOL exam is in May.

Number of days per week

• 2 days per week (10 hours)

Entry requirements

• You should have a clear idea of your future study or work plans 
• International students (students from outside the UK without Settled or pre-settled status excluding asylum seekers, refugees and Humanitarian Protection Status) will need to check visa requirements. Please go to the International section of the website.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• You will be invited to attend a test and interview where your language level and suitability for the course will be checked 

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Progress to mainstream college courses at NC or HNC 
• NQ ESOL for Study Level 6