The English Language Centre

Our very experienced English Language Centre teachers work with students from all over the world. Their experience of working and living in many different countries means they are specialists in their subjects and are ready to help you to achieve your goals.

Let us help you take your next step in life, work and study - we offer two flexible study options: EFL and ESOL

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is designed for those who plan to use English internationally – it is for you if you:

• Need English for work in your own country
• Want to improve your academic skills for studying English
• Are looking for a short or long course

Download our  pdf English Language Centre Guide (4.49 MB)

 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is designed for those who live and work in the UK – it is for you if you need to use English in everyday situations

ESOL courses:

• Are funded by the UK government – you may have to pay a small fee.
• Run from September to June but you can sometimes start and finish at different times (we will advise you when you apply).

 

Meet our teachers

• Bridget da Silva ESOL and EFL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in 2019.

  I took a gap year between school and university and spent the year in Sri Lanka teaching English. I absolutely loved it so when I left university, I trained as a teacher and never looked back!

  I hold qualifications in teaching English as a foreign language and have a special interest in literacy development and have taken courses to allow me to help dyslexic ESOL learners with their language learning.

  I like reading, gardening, walking and watching my children play football and rugby.

• Alison Phillips ESOL Lecturer

  I have been teaching at New College Durham since 2014. My first teaching job was in Spain in 1998.

  Since my first teaching job in Spain, I've taught English in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Queenstown, New Zealand! I studied languages at university and I have a Level 7 Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults and subject specialism certificates in ESOL and Literacy.

   

   

• Sara Barbin ESOL Lecturer

  I joined the team at New College Durham in 2020.

  I hold a PgCE, a CELTA qualification and a Degree in Modern Foreign Languages and Literature.

  I can speak four languages - English, Italian, French and German.

  I enjoy relating to people from other cultures, and in my spare time I love cooking and practising karate.

  I taught English in Italy as a private tutor, and I have gained experience teaching English, French and Italian in the UK. 

   

• Natasha Emmer ESOL Lecturer

  I have been at New College Durham since February 2016. My experience includes teaching in schools, colleges and universities in the UK and abroad.

  I have taught English primarily for 30 years but have also delivered teacher training modules on TESOL and PGCE programmes and other subjects including ICT, Business & Administration, Chinese and Japanese. My first degree is in Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese and I hold a Masters in Education.

   

• Tom Hudson Adult ESOL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in 2019.

  I started teaching English when I worked overseas for a non-profit organisation. It was a stimulating and rewarding experience. I enjoy relating to people from other cultures, communicating with them and helping them develop their own skills in speaking, reading and writing.

  I hold a CELTA qualification and studied to complete a PgCE. I also have a Certificate in Community Interpreting.

  In my spare time, I go cycling, walking and running, and coach & play tennis. I also enjoy public speaking.