College of Skills & Learning, Birmingham, UK

Want to gain real English skills that unlock daily life, work, and citizenship? At the College of Skills & Learning in Birmingham, you’ll find courses that go beyond the classroom. From ESOL lessons that strengthen your everyday communication to Citizenship training that prepares you for life in the UK, every programme is designed with practicality in mind. Here, learning is community-focused, affordable, and supported by teachers who understand the challenges faced by new learners. It’s not just about passing a test—it’s about building confidence, independence, and the language you need to thrive at work, at home, and as part of society.

Overview & History

• Established: 2009. The college was founded to meet a growing local demand for ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and Citizenship classes, especially for those aiming for permanent residency or naturalisation in the UK. scoot.co.uk
• Location: 364 Witton Road (Rear), Handsworth / Witton Road, Birmingham, West Midlands, B6 6PD. scoot.co.uk+2thebritishlanguageschool.com+2
• Accreditation & Credentials:
  • Approved by Edexcel in 2009. scoot.co.uk
  • Accredited by ASIC (2010) scoot.co.uk
  • Works with various local voluntary and community organisations to deliver ESOL qualifications. scoot.co.uk

What They Do & Who They Serve

• Provides ESOL and Citizenship English classes: helping non-native speakers improve their English for daily life, legal / immigration & naturalisation purposes. scoot.co.uk
• Aimed largely at local communities in Birmingham; people who need to meet speaking / comprehension requirements for Home Office or civic life. scoot.co.uk

Facilities, Teaching & Support

• Facilities & Location Details:
  • Premises at Witton Road. Opening hours are roughly 9:30am-5pm on weekdays; shorter hours (e.g. Saturday) sometimes for certain services. thebritishlanguageschool.com+1
  • Contact number: 0121 403 3018. Website: cslearning.org.uk. birmingham.cylex-uk.co.uk+2scoot.co.uk+2
• Teaching & Learning Style:
  • Likely group classes targeted to levels (beginners to intermediate) in ESOL & Citizenship English. The focus is on practical English: speaking, reading, writing, listening. scoot.co.uk
  • Advice & guidance: they provide student support before and during the course to help you make the most of your study. scoot.co.uk
• Support Services:
  • Citizenship / legal English assistance: helping students understand the legal / administrative English needed for official processes. scoot.co.uk
  • Works with community & voluntary organisations to help expand reach. scoot.co.uk

Student Feedback & Reputation

• Online Reviews: Mixed to poor. On Yably, the average rating is ~1.67/5 with multiple complaints about service, cancellations or alleged communication issues. yably.co.uk+1
• Common Complaints / Concerns: Some reviews mention problems with exams bookings, cancellations with short notice, lack of responsiveness from staff. yably.co.uk+1
• What to Take with Caution: Given the negative reviews, it’s especially important to verify recent feedback, see current students’ experiences, and check whether improvements have been made.

Daily Life & Cultural Environment

• Birmingham Setting: A major UK city, multicultural, highly diverse. Studying here gives opportunity to practice English in real life: shops, public transport, community services.
• Community Vibe: Because CSL serves local communities, you are likely studying with many people in similar life situations, which can increase comfort, relevance, and peer support.
• Cost of Living: Compared to London, Birmingham is significantly less expensive for rent, food, transport. Homestays or local commuting are more likely.

Comparison: How It Stands Out — And What to Check

Practical Information

• Contact Details:
  • Address: 364 Witton Road, Birmingham, B6 6PD. scoot.co.uk+1
  • Phone: 0121 403 3018. birmingham.cylex-uk.co.uk+1
  • Website: cslearning.org.uk (need to confirm latest operating details). scoot.co.uk
• Opening Hours:
  • Mon-Fri: ~9:30 am – 5:00 pm. birmingham.cylex-uk.co.uk+2thebritishlanguageschool.com+2
  • Saturday: limited hours (for specific services). birmingham.cylex-uk.co.uk
• Course Costs / Funding:
  • For many UK residents or those eligible for ESOL funding, courses may be free or subsidised. scoot.co.uk
  • For others, there may be fees (exam fees, materials, etc.). Because of reviews alleging payments and booking issues, ask for full written breakdown before enrolling.
• Levels & Entry Requirements:
  • Entry likely from beginner levels. Assessment (oral / written) should be offered to place your correct level. scoot.co.uk
• Qualification & Outcomes:
  • ESOL and Citizenship English qualifications (needed for legal / immigration / life in UK). scoot.co.uk
  • Advice / guidance during course.
• Reliability & Transparency:
  • Because of past complaints, check cancellation policies, proof of enrolment / exam bookings.
  • Seek recent student testimonials / local reviews.

Sample Profile Copy for Prospective Students

“Feel heard, gain English, build your future in Birmingham”
At College of Skills & Learning, you’re not just learning grammar—you’re preparing for citizenship, everyday conversations, and official English needed for legal and community life. Since 2009 the college has helped many non-native speakers improve their English through ESOL and Citizenship programmes, bringing together local people in Birmingham into classrooms that aim to support, not overwhelm.

Before you commit, ask to speak with current students, check recent results and exam booking experiences, and make sure what you pay covers what you need. If you’re looking for practical English, local support, and a course that understands your life, this could be a strong choice among language schools in the UK focussed on real outcomes.