Learn to speak, read and write English: Homes for Ukraine
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-03)

Resources and training to learn English.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) resources

You can also contact your local council (https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council) to find out more about ESOL courses.

Some charities also offer a range of English courses. The courses available differ across the country, for example:
- Free ESOL courses online (https://www.esolcourses.com/)
- The Open University have free online resources for Ukrainians settling in the UK and Ireland (https://www.open.edu/openlearn/supporting-ukrainians)
- Duolingo (https://www.duolingo.com/): you can learn English using this online course or download the app from the app store or google play. You can also learn Ukrainian or Russian.
- Collaborative learning (http://www.collaborativelearning.org/activities.html) have various free resources and activities that help promote language practice and conversational skills for all learners including new arrivals
- Flash Academy (https://flashacademy.com/eal/)
- Oxford University Press produce Project books (https://elt.oup.com/teachers/project/?cc=global&selLanguage=en) from level 1 to 5, with workbooks and interactive resources
- Racing to English (https://racingtoenglish.com/)
- The Bell Foundation EAL Framework (https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/resources/eal-assessment-framework/)
- ILT Education Polylino’s HelpUkraine campaign (https://www.ilteducation.com/us/news/polylino-is-now-available-for-ukrainian-refugees-to-use-with-their-family-for-free/) gives families from Ukraine, access to their multilingual book platform for free. This includes audio books too.
- Specialised Training and Employment Programme (STEP) (https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/get-help/specialised-training-and-employment-programme-step/) operates in some areas of the UK.
There are also ESOL websites and apps for different age groups:

Younger children
- Free printable books for early reading (https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/learn-english-free-books/)
- LearnEnglish Kids (https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/): Free games, stories and activities for children. There is also advice for parents on supporting children to learn English, and information about English courses for children
- Learning Village (https://www.learningvillage.net/): Resource for supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) students between 6 to 16 years old. Also provides resources for SEND learners
- Twinkl (https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/inclusion-teaching-resources/eal-inclusion-teaching-resources): Teaching and learning resources to support EAL in early years, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
- Badger Learning (https://www.badgerlearning.co.uk/blog/free-reading-resources-for-ukrainian-pupils) is publishing 6 eBooks in a dual-language format, with English and Ukrainian text side by side. Suitable for children in key stages 2 and 3. Badger Learning is offering these as free resources to schools to support
Teenagers
- Language nut English (https://www.languagenut.com/en-gb/) offers free language learning resources for supporting Ukrainians to learn English at school or independently (covers proficiency levels CEFR A1 to B2)
- Future Learn (https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/basic-english-elementary): Free online 4-week course to help people learn basic individual skills (join with ‘limited access’ for the free 4-week course)
- LearnEnglish Teens (https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/): Improve English with reading, writing and listening practice, tips for exams, grammar and vocabulary exercises, and games and videos
- News in levels (https://www.newsinlevels.com/): Learn 3,000 words in English by reading and listening to news articles at different levels
- Babbel (https://uk.babbel.com/) is an online language learning platform offering native Ukrainian speakers the opportunity to learn German, Polish or English through free self-study lessons
- The Duolingo English Test is a CEFR-aligned test of English proficiency and is recognised by some universities and education providers who can get this test for free for their Ukrainian students. They provide information about how to access free Duolingo English Test coupons (https://www.englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants)
Your local public library will also offer a range of learning services (https://www.gov.uk/local-library-services).

English language and employment support programme - STEP programme

Understanding English Language will help you when adapting to life in the UK.

The UK government is funding the STEP programme which is a completely free, 12 or 24 weeks virtual English language and employment support programme for Ukrainians and Hong Kong British National (overseas) (HK BN(O)) visa holders in England. Thousands of Ukrainians and HK BN(O)s have already benefited from previous programmes such as STEP Ukraine and the Hong Kong Welcome Programme, achieving improved job prospects and English language skills whilst here in the UK.

Support will be adapted to individual needs, with flexibility around childcare, caring responsibilities, and work schedules. The aim is to improve English proficiency, build confidence, and support access to more stable or better-suited employment.

Who is eligible for STEP

Ukrainians from all backgrounds and HK BN(O)s who are over the age of 18.

Those living in the England under the 4 humanitarian Ukraine schemes, including the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme launched in February 2025, as well as the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (HK BN(O)) visa scheme.

What does STEP involve

The programme offers two levels of provision:
- Intensive: English classes 5 days per week for 10 weeks, plus up to 12 hours of 1-to-1 employability support over 12 weeks
- Less intensive: English classes 3 days per week for 24 weeks, also including up to 12 hours of tailored employability support
All classes are remote, and teacher led. They are streamed so you will be with classmates at a similar level.

STEP is delivered by World Jewish Relief and the British Council.

How to join STEP

For more information, or to apply, contact the provider World Jewish Relief (https://www.worldjewishrelief.org/step/). There, you can access and complete the online application form. Once submitted, you will receive an email confirmation of receipt.

If you have any questions about your application or eligibility, contact World Jewish Relief using the details below:

World Jewish Relief54 Crewys RoadLondonNW2 2AD

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx