The Covid-19 pandemic has changed not only the habits of work, but also those of leisure. Having spent more time at home for much of the past two years, we have all shown a renewed enthusiasm for reading and book buying. More than 200 million print books were sold in Britain in 2020 – worth £6.4 billion. The familiar pleasure of turning the pages of a book have not been replaced by screens. Thank goodness. The old-fashioned technology of the written word is the entertainment of the age – and for all ages. Let’s get Essex reading – in every family, every business, every community.
Lifelong learning with ACL Essex
Many people who have poor literacy skills have had poor experiences in education or have not had the support available before, ACL offers a positive environment with the dedicated support of our tutors to give you the learning experience you deserve. Improving literacy skills can have many benefits, improved confidence, shared experiences with your children, and improved communication skills in all areas of life. It can be very difficult to take that first step to reach out for support – but you’re not alone and ACL is here for you. Those who have not gained a GCSE C grade could received a fully funded course.
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Our Courses
English Courses
Whether applying for a job, helping children with their homework or just reading a newspaper or online article. Our free* English courses will help to blow away the cobwebs, improve your confidence and gain a qualification.
ESOL Courses
For Speakers of Other Languages, these courses will help you to develop your English skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening to gain a qualification and to become functional in your everyday lives and work.
Family Learning English
Understanding of the different subjects’ children are learning at school. With experienced tutor support, they also aim to improve parents’ or carers’ ability to support children’s learning and development.
10 Signs Someone Finds English Difficult
Illegible Writing
Writing is illegible or very childlike.
Spelling Problems
Says they are rubbish at spelling, or you notice several spelling errors or mixed letters.
Writing Worries
Worries about writing a covering letter or email and is uncertain about commas and other punctuation.
Difficulties Pronouncing
Has difficulty pronouncing long or complex words – names of places etc.
Work Not Completed
Never completes forms/documents/reading books/journals
Poor Vocabulary
Feels that everyone else has a better vocabulary or knows better words to use.
Often Find Excuses
Often finds excuses to read material at home, or says they haven’t brought their glasses, or that they don’t like reading out loud.
Difficulty Expressing Ideas
Has difficulty expressing simple ideas or abstract concepts. Prefers to memorise information rather than write it down.
Struggled at School
Says they were never good at English at school.
Asking for Support
Asks a friend to summarise/read things for them or asks for visual instructions rather than written
What People Say about Our Courses
I’m originally from India and moved here 14 years ago. Whilst my kids were growing up I volunteered in schools. In order to progress to other roles I knew I needed to get GCSEs in English and maths. I have today achieved a grade 9 in my English exam which I am over the moon about. ACL provided me with the opportunity to work around my family life and I have never had such a good tutor in all my life – amazing! I had no idea that I would get the highest possible grade, I am an introvert by nature so this is just such a shock for me. I would advise anyone who is thinking about learning with ACL to do it today!
GCSE English Learner
I am about to start a teacher training course at Moulsham High School teaching Computer Science. I was all set to follow my dream of becoming a teacher but realised that I was lacking a GCSE pass in English. I heard about ACL and was able to enrol on the course easily. Angela, our teacher was amazing and really effective and as a result I have today received a grade 7 – hurray! I would advise anyone that needs a GCSE to think about ACL, very professional and we all worked as a team in class.
GCSE English Learner
Before I started I was very apprehensive, I didn’t know what it would be like, if I would like the classes and the teacher. I was a student who had zero level of English. And it was so difficult for me. You helped me a lot, maybe you don’t know how much. But this way of teaching was essential to my growth. You know how to humanize your work, with affection you teach your students, and that is your differential. The way you make your English classes lighter makes you enjoy learning English. I just have to thank you for that, and for making me grow in English.
ESOL Learner
I want to update you, in particular for thanking you once again for last year classes. As I was telling you, I’ve begun the Uni in Padova in October, an English course about food and wine. I’ve passed successfully all exams of the first semester and I have to say that thanks to school and the general experience up there I’ve reached an English level never thought!
ESOL Learner
Start improving your English Skills today for FREE*
Get tutor support
Gain a recognised qualification
Your qualification could be FREE*
Gain Confidence
Develop reading, writing, speaking and listening
Work in groups with others