Want to learn English at home? Here are a few useful resources to get you started!
YouTube Channels
BBC Learning English - The BBC's official channel for learning English has a huge range of videos, including videos on pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and more! There are even videos helping you build your English skills in context, for example through news reports.
British Council Learn English - British Council is a worldwide leader in English teaching, and their YouTube channel is full of practical videos helping you to use English in everyday conversation as well as in your professional life. If you're interested in learning English with your kids, you can also try their dedicated children's channel.
Business English Pod - Looking to specifically build your English skills for the workplace? This YouTube channel has everything you need to navigate the world of work in English, with videos on finance, project management, marketing, and more.
Easy English - Language classes are great, but nothing beats actually hearing native speakers. This channel interviews real British people on the street to ask them about a given topic, and provides the answers with subtitles so you can learn as you listen.
Apps
Duolingo - The world's most popular language app is number 1 for a reason. Duolingo lesson are short, fun, and free.
Learn English Grammar - This app from British Council is great for getting to grips with English's grammar.
HelloTalk - This app connects you with native language speakers around the world so you can exchange your knowledge - you help someone with their Spanish or Portuguese, and they can help you with your English!
Memrise - A fun app focused on teaching you new words in an intuitive way.
Extra Support
English Language (ESOL) for Resettlement: Guidance document for London - Guide to ESOL (English as a Second Language) Learning for people entering the country via a resettlement, asylum, or refugee scheme.
Want to learn Spanish at home? Here are a few useful resources to get you started!
YouTube Channels
FluentU Spanish - This channel is filled with short, fun videos that help you learn Spanish through movies, TED talks, TV shows, and more.
Lirica - With videos showing original Spanish lyrics with English translations, this is the best way to learn Spanish for music fans - there's even a whole playlist for Reggaeton!
Websites
Speaking Latino - Want to speak Spanish like a local? This website explores the unique slang and grammar of different Latin American countries.
Forvo - For those who are working on their pronunciation, Forvo has a huge library of recordings, so you can hear exactly how to pronounce any word.
Apps
Duolingo - The world's most popular language app is number 1 for a reason. Duolingo lesson are short, fun, and free.
SpeakEasy Spanish- A simple phrasebook with all the basics you need to communicate. There's even flashcards so you can practice!
HelloTalk - This app connects you with native language speakers around the world so you can exchange your knowledge.
Memrise - A fun app focused on teaching you new words in an intuitive way.
The following free websites and services are fantastic ways of learning new skills at home.
Free Courses for Jobs - This government resource contains information on free courses you can do to gain employment in various areas.
Coursera - Coursera partners with leading universities around the world to provide first-rate courses on a wide range of subjects, many of them free.
FutureLearn - Similarly to Coursera, FutureLearn has a vast catalogue of free courses developed by high-level experts.
Google Digital Garage - Google's free education platform focuses on digital marketing, with simple videos accessible to everyone. Particularly useful for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Codecademy - The best free resource for people who want to learn coding, with tutorials for every experience level, including complete beginners.
Open Yale Courses - Dozens of full courses from Yale University, each made up of several filmed lectures. Everything from literature to history, economics, and science.
Stanford Online - Similar to Open Yale Courses, with a vast catalogue of courses from Stanford University.