Free English speaking practice for the B1 test in London and Surrey

Some people need to prove their English to settle in the UK. If that is you, you may want a lot of speaking practice before the day. This page lists free places to practise speaking. It is practice. Nearly Fluent does not run the test, prepare you for it, or give a qualification.

What the requirement is

The government page on English language lists what proves your English. One is "an English qualification at B1, B2, C1 or C2 level". Another is a degree taught or researched in English. Some people do not need to prove their English.

Only approved tests count. The government page on approved qualifications names the Secure English Language Test (SELT). You take it with an approved provider. It says GCSEs, A levels and NVQs are not accepted. Read both pages before you book anything.

• English language requirement
• Approved English language qualifications

Free practice we found

These are run by other people. This is what each page said on 18 October 2026. Check before you go.

• Toynbee Hall English Conversation Club. Thursdays, 2pm to 4pm, at the Community Centre, 28 Commercial Street, E1 6SL. It is for adults aged 18 and over. They must live in Tower Hamlets and have some English. The page gives no cost. To ask about joining, use the contact on its page. See the Toynbee Hall page.
• All Nations over 50s English conversations café, Haringey. Tuesdays, 2pm to 4pm, at Stonebridge Communal Lounge, N15 5PB. Free. It is for Haringey residents over 50. The page does not say if you must book. See the Haringey page.
• Wood Street Library, Waltham Forest. A weekly English club on Tuesdays. Free, just turn up. The listing shows "Ended on Tuesday 14 July 2026", so check with the library first. See the Waltham Forest page.

Practise with a partner or a table

On Nearly Fluent you meet native English speakers who want to learn your language. You speak English for half the time. They speak your language for the other half. It is free, and you meet in a public place.

A table is a small group of four to six, hosted by a member. You can listen first and speak when you are ready. See English conversation practice in London and English practice for expats.

What to practise

Short answers are hard to give on the spot. Practise saying two or three sentences on each topic. The first table cards list ten topics to start with. Try these:

• Your daily routine.
• Your job or studies.
• A trip you took.
• Your home town.
• Something you plan to do next month.

Check your level

Take the English level quiz. It gives a level from A1 to C1 and suggests a table type. It is a guide, not a test.

Ready?

Join free and say hello to someone who wants to practise your language.