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Big Class boosts English skills for ESOL learners
Dozens of people from all over the world are improving their language skills through Big Class sessions being run by North Ayrshire Council.
Participants turn up on the day and are allocated a group – based on their English level - to join with other learners.
The programme is supported by the Council's ESOL team, which includes Community ESOL tutors and volunteer tutors, through the Connected Communities service.
The weekly Big Class was set up at Irvine’s Volunteer Rooms in response to a demand for ESOL services, and attracts people from places including Syria, Hong Kong, Poland, Ukraine, India, South America and China.
Quote: There is no doubt that learning – or improving – their English skills helps people to settle in and adapt when they are living in a new country. Simple, daily chores that many of us take for granted - such as phoning your local GP surgery to make an appointment or making arrangements with your child’s school for a day trip – can be very difficult for anyone who does not have English as their first language. I would encourage anyone who feels they can benefit from the Big Class, or any other ESOL support, to get in touch with the team. You will always receive a warm welcome!
Quote from: Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing & Islands
The Volunteer Rooms was chosen as the venue for the meetups as it is central and can be accessed by people who live across North Ayrshire.
Ruslana, from Ukraine, attends the sessions and said: “I like this class because it has helped me to overcome the barriers in communication with English-speaking people.
“The lessons give me confidence in speaking, and have helped me to gradually learn new words. I am starting to understand English better by ear, and I feel more comfortable in everyday situations.
“I would recommend it to those who come from another country, and would say don’t be shy as you get teacher help and support.”
Valentina, also from Ukraine, didn’t study English at school or university and said the class has been great for developing her language abilities due to the constant support from the Council’s tutors.
“My English is getting better and better, and I would recommend the Big Class to other people,” she said.
Places are available for those with beginner and intermediate-level English. The Big Class sessions take place in the Volunteer Rooms, Parterre, Irvine, on Mondays from 10am to noon.
There is no need to book a place, simply go along to the venue on the day or follow “ESOL North Ayrshire” on Facebook.
Published: 12 March 2026