Beginners’ French Classes in Huddersfield

Forgot most of your school French? Or never studied it at all? There is room for both in beginner French learning at MLS.

Photo of Pont-du-Gard in France

You do not need a good school report in French

For many adults, French comes with memories of classroom exercises and a handful of phrases that have somehow survived the years. Others are starting completely from scratch. Either way, the first step is getting comfortable hearing and using the language, rather than worrying about how much you think you should know already.

Our French classes are based at the Modern Language School in Honley, close to Huddersfield. Beginner learning is about building confidence with ordinary conversations: saying hello, introducing yourself, understanding simple questions and making yourself understood.

Already remember more than you expected? We also teach beyond beginner level. The main French course page explains the wider range of classes.

Getting comfortable with French sounds

Written French can be deceptive. The words may look familiar, then sound quite different when someone says them aloud. In the early stages it helps to spend time listening, copying the rhythm and finding out which sounds deserve a little extra practice.

Alongside pronunciation, you will work with practical vocabulary for day-to-day situations. Think introducing a friend, asking for directions or making sense of a short exchange in a shop. Your vocabulary grows while you learn how to link ideas together.

We do not expect you to understand every word straight away. Listening develops gradually, and repeating a simple sentence confidently is often more useful than trying to memorise a long list the night before class.

Photo of Person Walking Through French Alps

The first French phrases that matter

Start with everyday language and grow more comfortable recognising the sounds as well as the words.

Start with the essentials

Get comfortable with bonjour, introductions and polite phrases you can use in everyday situations.

Understand what you hear

Become familiar with some of the sounds of spoken French, including the ones English speakers often find unusual.

Build a real exchange

Practise simple questions about home, interests and travel, rather than learning words only as separate lists.

French beginners in Honley

A Monday early-evening beginners’ French class appears on the 2026/27 timetable, with Melodie Golton. MLS also teaches French at higher levels for those who remember more than they think.

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Meet our French teachers

Learning French is easier when you can ask questions and make mistakes in a friendly setting. The school’s French teachers bring both classroom experience and personal enthusiasm for the language.

Melodie Golton is listed for the beginners’ French class, and Nina Roberts also teaches French at MLS.

Headshot Photo of Melodie

Beginners’ French tutor

Melodie Golton

Melodie studied French and German at university and has lived and worked in France, including Strasbourg and Brive-la-Gaillarde. She also has a strong interest in French cinema and culture. Her Master’s research looked at speaking anxiety in language learning, and she uses that understanding to make classes accessible and welcoming for people who are nervous about speaking.

French teacher at MLS

Nina Roberts

Nina grew up in southwest Germany near the French border and has taught French as well as German for many years. She studied Education with Psychology and English, qualified to teach in the UK and joined MLS in 2013. She also studies Italian herself, so she knows what it feels like to be the learner in the classroom.

Headshot Photo of Nina at Modern Language School

Looking for class levels, current availability or practical details? The French course page has the full information.

Questions about starting French

Here are a few things people often ask before joining a beginner group.

I was bad at French at school. Can I still join?

Yes. A difficult experience at school does not rule you out. Beginner classes give you a chance to approach the language again in a different setting.

What if I remember some GCSE French?

The school has multiple levels. Explain what you remember and ask which group is likely to be the best fit.

Will I have to speak in front of everybody?

You will be encouraged to practise, but nobody expects fluency. Simple exchanges and supportive feedback are part of learning.

When does the French beginner class meet?

A Monday early-evening session appears on the 2026/27 timetable. Please consult the main French course page for any updates.

Ready to give French a go?

Before enrolling, check the current French classes and course details for the latest information. You can also contact the school if you are not sure which level to choose.