English courses for Hong Kong BN(O)s

Understanding the English language will help adults navigate life in the UK and fully contribute to the country's economy and social life. The government has allocated demand-led funding to support adults on the HKBN(O) Visa Route who want to access English language learning.

Funding details

Up to £800 can be claimed to help access English Language courses from April 2025 to March 2026.

Who can apply? 

Funding is available for courses (commencing after 1 April 2025) if an adult (19 years or older) has Hong Kong British National (Overseas) Visa status and has been resident in the UK for fewer than three years. 

BN(O) Visa holders who have been resident in the UK for more than 3 years can access the Adult Skills Fund (subject to employment and earnings thresholds) to improve English and access broader learning opportunities.

Payment

Up to £800 per adult is available for ESOL courses taken with one provider. To avoid double claims, an eligible adult can learn either with one chosen college (listed below) or with the Oxfordshire County Council's English lessons, not both. You do not need to pay for the course; we will reimburse the provider upon completion of the course.

Before you apply

When choosing a college, consider the following:

• Course availability: some courses may have waiting lists, so find out about current availability
• Course duration: the length of courses can vary, ranging from one month to a few months. Consider the start time of the course and the time commitment required for each option
• Enrolment time: courses are offered all year round, but each provider has different enrolment times. Make sure you are clear about this before applying 

Approved ESOL providers

We have collaborated with colleges to provide both face-to-face and online ESOL courses. To start a course, contact one of these providers directly: 

• EMBS Community College - Oxford and Banbury: offers face-to-face English courses in Oxford and Banbury. Cantonese support is available. Contact Ms. Cecilia Chan or call 01865 776041 or 07737 851962.
• Abingdon and Witney College - Abingdon, Witney and Oxford: offers face-to-face English for Speakers of Other Languages classes (ESOL)
• Activate Learning - Banbury: provides face-to-face ESOL classes in Banbury Contact Annie Broe
• WEA (Workers Educational Association): A national provider offering online ESOL classes. For further enquiries, contact Ms. Jennifer Backhouse

Oxfordshire County Library English Lessons

Oxfordshire County Council offers English lessons in several county libraries, including Bicester, Didcot, and Oxford City Westgate Library. These lessons are also funded by the £800 HKBN(O) English funding. To sign up, please contact hkesol@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Outside Oxfordshire

If you live outside Oxfordshire, contact the Hong Kong Welcome Hub in your region or your local authority to learn more.