ENGLISH COURSES
People Learning Academy provides test preparation for all UKVI requirements and assistance with booking SELT (Secure English Language Tests) exams.
The SELT exams are a requirement for anyone looking to gain a Visa or citizenship in the UK. Part of the Visa process states that students, who have moved to the UK to study, must successfully complete the exam before enrolling on an educational course at college or university.
We offer preparation courses for the following exams:
- A1 GESE Grade 2
- A2 GESE Grade 3
- B1 GESE Grade 5
- A2 GESE Grade 3 – (visa extension)
- B1 GESE Grade 5 – Indefinite Leave to Remain – ILR (Settlement/Permanent Residency)
- B1 GESE Grade 5 – British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
Please note: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires non-EEA nationals to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in speaking and listening at level A2 after 2.5 years in the UK, in order to qualify for further leave to remain on the five-year partner or parent route to settlement.
Before starting your GESE preparation course, you will sit a test to determine your current language level. This will help us assess which areas you are good at, and which need improving. We can then calculate the number of lessons you need, helping you understand the exam structure and building your confidence.
Taking the GESE preparation course will help you to determine which areas need improvement and understand how to respond to exam questions.
There are a number of different requirements for each of the Visa applications so please check or see below for a full list of which exam you may need.
Application type | CEFR* level required | Skills required/Exam |
Further Leave to Remain: § Family life as a partner of a settled person (Spouse/Partner) § Family life as a parent (Parent of a dependant) This is the current A1 English language requirement. | A1 | Speaking and listening |
| Representative of an Overseas Business visa | A1 | Speaking and listening |
Further Leave to Remain (visa extension): § Family life as a partner of a settled person (Spouse/Partner) § Family life as a parent (Parent of a dependant) An A2 English language SELT is required for family route Leave to Remain applications after 2.5 years in the UK. | A2 | Speaking and listening |
| Indefinite Leave to Remain — ILR (Settlement/Permanent Residency) | B1 | Speaking and listening |
| British Citizenship (Naturalisation) | B1 | Speaking and listening |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, writing, |
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, writing, |
| Tier 2 (General) visa | B1 | Reading, writing, |
| Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | B2 | Reading, writing, |
| Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | A1 | Speaking and listening |
Tier 4 (General) Student visa — below degree level Although UKVI requires a B1 test, some institutions require B2 — please check with your sponsor | B1 | Reading, writing, |
| B2 | Reading, writing, | |
Tier 4 (General) Student visa — degree level and above Although UKVI requires a B2 test, some institutions require C1 — please check with your sponsor | B2 | Reading, writing, |
| C1 | Reading, writing, |
- CEFR= Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- SELT = Secure English Language Test
- ISE = Integrated Skills in English
- GESE = Graded Examinations in Spoken English
A1 SELT – GESE Grade 2
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level A1 in Speaking and Listening for:
- Further Leave to Remain
- a Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa
- a Representative of an Overseas Business visa
You will have a conversation with the examiner for 6 minutes.
A2 SELT – GESE Grade 3
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level A2 in Speaking and Listening for:
- Further Leave to Remain (visa extension), required two and a half years after passing an A1 test.
You will have a conversation with the examiner for 7 minutes.
B1 SELT – GESE Grade 5
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) in at least CEFR level B1 in Speaking and Listening for:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (to settle) or British Citizenship
You will have a conversation with the examiner for 10 minutes.
The exam consists of two parts:
1) The Topic Discussion: you choose a subject that interests you and prepare in advance. In the exam, you hold a discussion on that chosen topic with the examiner.
2) The Conversation: you will talk with the examiner on two pre-selected topics.
We will help you to fully prepare for each of these exams and give you the confidence to pass.
B1 SELT – ISE I
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at least CEFR level B1 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening for:
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa
- Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa
- Tier 2 (General) visa
- Tier 4 (General) Student visa(although UKVI requires a B1 test, some institutions require B2 — please check with your sponsor)
ISE I-Test of 4 skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening
B2 SELT – ISE II
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at least CEFR level B2 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening for:
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa
- Tier 4 (General) Student visa(although UKVI requires a B2 test, some institutions require C1 — please check with your sponsor)
ISE II-Test of 4 skills: Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening
C1 SELT – ISE III
You must pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at least CEFR level C1 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening for:
- Tier 4 (General) Student visa
ISE III-Test of 4 skills: Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening