Language learning apps for people living in the UK
Whether you're improving your English for work, maintaining your children's home language, or learning Welsh as a new Welsh resident, the right app or platform makes consistent practice easy. This directory covers the tools most useful to people in or moving to the UK.
Every provider below has been reviewed by our editorial team before listing.
3 providers listed
Online — Worldwide
Rosetta Stone
One of the world's most trusted language learning platforms, offering immersive courses in over 20 languages using its proven Dynamic Immersion® method. Builds real-world communication skills through interactive lessons and speech recognition technology.
Global platform offering live 1-on-1 online classes with expert tutors in English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Arabic and more. Flexible lessons tailored to your goals — whether exam prep, Business English or a new language from scratch.
The British Council's official digital learning platform, specialising in IELTS preparation and Business English. Expert teachers deliver live online classes, self-study modules and personalised feedback to improve exam skills, grammar and fluency.
IELTS PreparationBusiness EnglishLive ClassesOfficial BC Platform
Language learning apps for expats in the UK — what works
For most expats in the UK, language learning needs fall into one of two categories: improving English for professional and social contexts, or maintaining the family's home language so children don't lose it. The best apps serve these needs very differently — a gamified vocabulary app like Duolingo is excellent for motivation and basic vocabulary, but poor for developing the professional register needed in a UK office environment.
For professional English, tools that focus on business vocabulary, presentation skills and formal writing tend to be more useful than general conversation apps. Platforms like Preply and iTalki connect users with human tutors for structured practice — particularly effective for accent work and professional communication.
For heritage language maintenance, consistency matters more than intensity. Short daily sessions using a structured app, combined with home language media (TV, books, podcasts), is typically more effective than occasional longer sessions. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone all cover major world languages to varying depths.
Welsh is a compulsory subject in Wales for all pupils in maintained schools, and there is significant government investment in Welsh language learning tools. If you are relocating to Wales, Duolingo Welsh and the Say Something in Welsh platform are well-regarded for adult learners.
For professional English, apps alone are rarely sufficient. The most effective approach combines a structured platform (Preply or iTalki for 1-to-1 tutoring) with deliberate practice in real work settings. BBC Learning English is a free, high-quality resource specifically for professional and academic English. Grammarly can also help with written English in a professional context.
Consistent daily exposure matters most. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel and Rosetta Stone cover major languages to conversational level and work well for motivated older children. For younger children, combining an app with home language TV, books and regular video calls with family back home is the most effective approach. Saturday language schools and community groups are also available in most UK cities for major languages.
Yes — Welsh is a compulsory subject in all maintained schools in Wales from Reception through to Year 11 (age 16). Children in Welsh-medium schools are taught most or all subjects in Welsh. English-medium schools teach Welsh as a second language. If you are relocating to Wales, your children will study Welsh regardless of their prior experience of the language.
Yes. The British Council offers free online English courses at various levels. BBC Learning English is a comprehensive free platform covering grammar, vocabulary, listening and pronunciation. Many local libraries offer free access to language learning platforms including Rosetta Stone. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes at FE colleges are often fully funded for eligible learners.
Apps alone are not sufficient preparation for IELTS or other English proficiency tests. IELTS requires specific test technique training — particularly for the writing and speaking components — which a dedicated IELTS preparation course (in person or online) will provide far more effectively. Apps can be a useful supplement for vocabulary and listening practice, but should not be the sole preparation method.
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