Looking for a career teaching English?
Introduction to Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL)
Our TESOL course is exactly what you are looking for if you are:
- thinking about a career teaching English as a Second Language (ESOL)
- working as a volunteer ESOL teacher
- interested in finding out more about ESOL teaching / becoming a volunteer teacher
Read more: Looking for a career teaching English?
Curriculum Intent
Curriculum Intent
Birmingham Adult Education Service offers personalised learning programmes for all residents and with a particular focus on the most disadvantaged and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
Our courses are designed to:
- Improve everyday life and work skills of Birmingham residents – English, Language, maths, digital
- Equip people for sustainable careers, enterprise, and increase workforce upskilling
- Reduce health/wellbeing inequalities and promote independent living
- Increase social mobility and reduce gaps in life chances between groups of the population
- Improve social inclusion and community engagement
- Develop residents’ cultural/social capital as empowered & enriched citizens
Our Community Learning provision is designed to improve social mobility and inclusion, working with public/voluntary sector partners to continue to reduce social isolation, grow our volunteer network and deliver localised responses through community outreach and the Citizens’ Curriculum. Our Family Learning provision supports prevention and early intervention in family life.
Our Skills provision is designed to equip people for securing real jobs and improve skills for those in work, delivering careers advice, employment related courses and the Route to Work programme. We focus on delivering literacy, numeracy, ESOL and digital skills to target groups, and empower people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to be independent and/or into sustained jobs.
Who we are and what we do
Who we are and what we do...
Birmingham Adult Education Service (BAES) is part of Birmingham City Council and is one of the largest adult learning providers nationally.
Since August 2019 its funding has come through the West Midlands Combined Authority and learners on some courses also pay fees towards the full cost of their course. Around 13,000 adults study each year with adult education.
Range of learning opportunities provided
BAES is a first steps provider, mainly delivering qualifications up to level 2 (GCSE equivalent). Many learners attend to gain skills and qualifications for work. There is also a significant range of non-qualification courses which support health and well-being. Courses run during the day, evening and on Saturday.
Courses in essential skills - English maths and IT - are free, as are other qualifications for those on income-related benefits, or those who earn less than £9.00 per hour. English language courses (ESOL) run across Birmingham and are also free. Some learners are mandated to attend by JCP. The range of vocational subjects includes IT, and Business, Creative Crafts, Health and Social Care. We also have a programme for learners with special/additional educational needs.
BAES embeds enrichment activities and wider skills into their courses to improve the quality of education that learners receive. For 2020-21, BAES will offer more intensive packages of learning for adults to develop their readiness for employment with English, maths and IT skills, together with specialist ICT or Health and Social Care programmes which include work-related placements and activities.
We aim to engage with all communities. Our programme of non-qualification courses provide activities that encourage social inclusion and for people to become engaged and active in their local community thereby improving the health and well-being of the city. The approach to studying a foreign language through Brasshouse Languages at the Library of Birmingham includes activities to improve understanding of cultural difference and community cohesion. This provision, with a national reputation, offers courses in 20 different languages.
In addition to direct delivery provision, BAES works with partners to engage those who are unlikely to join mainstream courses. For example, we run Family Learning courses in partnership with local schools and children’s centres, engaging parents and children in learning together.
Careers Information, Advice and Guidance
We have fully qualified staff who can provide careers guidance and labour market information to help people make informed decisions about their career path.
Support available to learners
There is financial support available for childcare whilst learners study for qualifications. We can also support those on low incomes with things like exam fees and course materials.
We provide equipment and adjustments where it is needed for those who require this help. We assess learners for dyslexia if a need is identified.
Information can be accessed via 0121 303 4318, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Community Hub
Helping to bring the communities of Birmingham closer together
The Community Hub has been set up as a go to place for the people of Birmingham to find a wealth of information & support.
The BAES Community Hub is a live resource and is being added to and updated daily. Our Learner Services team are busy researching and sourcing lots of valuable and much needed information and ideas to help us all get through these exceptional and difficult times together.
You don't need to be a BAES Learner to access the Community Hub.
We want to really make these resources available to everyone. You just need to click the button below and then use the following information.
Username: Baesguest1, Password: CommHub
At a touch of a button you can access a list of resources and information links. There is a diverse choice to choose from such as contact details for food-banks, community support networks, how to keep safe and debt advice. We have also brought together some ideas for keeping fit and fun things for you and your family to try. We think there is something for every age and ability to explore and enjoy.
There is also an interactive area where you can share ideas or leave suggestions. If you have any questions or need extra support you can contact us directly and one of our team will get back to you during working hours. We can then signpost you to the most appropriate service for you, offer reassurance or just listen.
Remember we are all in this together.
