Start learning English with confidence. Build practical communication skills for everyday life, work and social situations through a supportive and structured learning programme designed for beginner-level learners.
Your pathway to confident communication
Designed for adults who are new to English or looking to build a stronger foundation, our Beginner English course helps you develop the language skills and confidence needed to communicate effectively in everyday situations. With expert guidance, practical activities and personalised support, you'll make steady progress at a pace that works for you.
What you'll get
- Expert guidance from experienced English language teachers.
- A supportive learning environment that builds confidence from your first class.
- Practical speaking, listening, reading and writing activities based on real-life situations.
- Personalised feedback to help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Self-study activities between lessons to reinforce learning and accelerate development.
- Admission to our in-person and online English Club for extra English study practice.
- Make-up lesson options if you are busy and unable to attend a class.
How the course works
- Join the course at any time, with modules available throughout the year.
- Choose the full 96-hour programme to be eligible for Continuing Education Fund (CEF) reimbursement. Alternatively, take individual 24-hour modules.
- Study in face-to-face classes at our Admiralty or Tsim Sha Tsui centres.
- Attend either two 1.5-hour lessons or one 3-hour lesson each week.
- Learn with the same teacher and classmates throughout each module, helping you build confidence and develop your skills together.
Course levels
You’ll be placed in a level that best matches your current ability:
Starter (Pre-A1)
Ideal for learners with no previous experience of studying English.
- Learn the basics of speaking and listening through regular conversations and video-based activities.
- Develop reading and writing confidence.
- Build essential vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation skills.
Beginner (A1)
For learners who already have some basic knowledge of English.
- Develop speaking and listening skills through everyday topics.
- Improve pronunciation, including challenging sounds, word stress and intonation.
- Practise reading and writing simple sentences and short texts.
Elementary (A2)
For learners preparing to move to a higher level of English.
- Extend your communication skills through longer conversations and fuller sentences.
- Expand your vocabulary and grammatical range.
- Develop reading, listening and writing skills for everyday communication.
Continuing Education Fund (CEF)
In support of lifelong learning and career competitiveness, the Continuing Education Fund (CEF) provides significant assistance for your professional development.
Eligible applicants can receive a subsidy of up to HK$25,000, allowing you to upskill and enrol in high-quality courses at a fraction of the cost.
Our Certificate of Foundation English course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF), expertly designed to help you tackle the IELTS exam.
The CEF institution code of British Council is 306 and the course code of Certificate of Foundation English (Beginner) is 38C170748 and Certificate of Foundation English (Elementary) is 38C17073A.
To be eligible for Continuing Education Fund (CEF) reimbursement, you must:
- Attend at least 70% of the total course hours
- Achieve at least a 50% overall course mark
- Achieve at least band score 3.0 (Beginner) / 3.5 (Elementary) in the IELTS Academic Module exam or a score of at least A1 (Beginner) / A2 (Elementary) in the Aptis ESOL General test.
Qualifications Framework
- This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.
- This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 1).
- QR Registration Number: 26/000405/L1 (Beginner) / 26/000404/L1 (Elementary).
- Validity Period: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2028