Shortlist
ReciteRecite

ESOL Higher: NQ

Two female students sit at a desk in a classroom. One student in a pink sweatshirt and a black headscarf is gesturing as she speaks, while the other in a patterned dress listens attentively with a pencil in hand
Qualification Qualifications Explained
NQ
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

1 Academic Year
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn
Apply now

Course overview

Take your English to the next level and prepare for study, work, or university.

The Higher ESOL (SCQF Level 6) course is designed for learners who already have achieved ESOL National 5 at Grade A or B (or an equivalent qualification) and want to develop advanced skills for further study, professional settings, or progression to Higher Education.

This is a challenging and rewarding course that focuses on improving your accuracy, fluency, and confidence across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You will work with more complex texts, develop extended writing skills, and take part in discussions and presentations that reflect real academic and workplace situations.

Throughout the year, you’ll build the language skills needed to succeed in college, university, or employment, with a strong focus on communication in formal and semi-formal contexts. You’ll also develop independent study skills, helping you manage coursework, meet deadlines, and work confidently at a higher level.

This course is ideal for learners who are ready to progress and want a recognised qualification to support their next step in education or work.

This course is ideal if you:

  • Have achieved ESOL National 5 at Grade A or B (or an equivalent qualification)
  • Are planning to move into college, university, or professional training
  • Want to improve your academic and workplace communication
  • Are confident working independently and completing challenging tasks
  • Need a recognised Higher-level English qualification

What you will learn

You’ll develop your English skills across four key areas — listening, speaking, reading, and writing — along with:

  • Grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary
  • Communication for everyday life and work
  • Topics such as living and working in the UK, citizenship, and culture

You’ll take part in group activities, practical communication exercises, and projects related to real-life situations.

You will also complete:

✅ Regular homework

✅ Oral and written progress tests

✅ Qualifications Scotland Higher ESOL exam

✅ Qualifications Scotland Higher ESOL unit assessment (optional)

Throughout the year, students are encouraged to join cultural events, some of which are organised by ESOL learners themselves.

You’ll also have access to the College gym, sports facilities, and the Student Association for wider involvement.

Higher ESOL tutor interviewing an ESOL student in a classroom about his learning experience and future goals at Glasgow Kelvin College.

Higher ESOL at Glasgow Kelvin College 🌍

Meet Heather, one of our ESOL lecturers, and Mehran, who shares how studying ESOL has helped him build confidence, improve his communication skills and prepare for the next step in his education.

After successfully completing National 5 ESOL, Mehran talks about his ambition to work in mental health and wellbeing, and how learning English has opened the door to new opportunities.

Our new Higher ESOL course is designed for learners who want to develop advanced English language skills for further study, higher education and the workplace.

Confidence. Communication. Opportunity.

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ You must have achieved ESOL National 5 at Grade A or B or an equivalent qualification (click here to see equivalent qualifications)

✅ You will be invited to a short interview and level test after you apply.

Career Opportunities

This course helps you:

🌍 Improve your English for daily life and work

🎓 Prepare for further college study or vocational training

💬 Build communication skills to use in community and professional settings

Future prospects

Higher ESOL students can progress to:

  • Further Education and vocational courses
  • Employment or volunteering opportunities
  • Higher Education 

Other Courses You Might Consider

Find out about our ESOL Department

Read What Our Students Said

Video Transcript – Heather and Mehran: Higher ESOL

Heather: Hi, my name is Heather and I am a class tutor on our brand new ESO Higher course here at Kelvin College. 

Mehran: Hi, I'm Mehran. I'm a student of ESOL.

Heather: You've just completed your National Five. What kind of thing are you thinking about doing in the future?

Mehran: My aim is mental health and well-being. Just recently done my interview. Hopefully get selected for next year.

Heather: What sort of workplace would you like to work in in the future?

Mehran: I would love to work with the people, you know, direct communication.

Having volunteered for three years in community made me realise, based on my life experience and the way people help me find my way in life, I think it's a time to give something back.

Heather: That sounds really exciting. Speaking to you, I would definitely say that your English level is the level that we're looking for on our new Higher ESOL course.

Is that something that you would be interested in looking at?

Mehran: Next year, coming from different countries, it's very challenging to settle down.

This course massively helped me to believe in myself. It's very essential to have a good communication, to express who you really are, your feelings and your emotions.

This course opened the door for the new opportunity.

Heather: I think you would be a great candidate for our new Higher ESO course. We are looking for students who have already completed the National 5, Grade A or Grade B, and we're looking for people who want a qualification to show that they are a higher level.

`