Our ESOL Policy Work

The context

  • Over 5 million people in England and Wales speak English (or Welsh) as a second or additional language (ESL) – an increase of over 20% since 2011.

Diana Sutton

Director

Multilingualism is a valuable asset. It opens doors to education and employment, and can unlock a wealth of untapped skills and experience, contributing to a thriving, more cohesive UK. And yet, large funding cuts and a policy vacuum has left many ESL speakers facing an uphill struggle to access the support they need and are entitled to. Language support is critical to overcoming these barriers.
Even the letter which I received from the police when they let me know the date of the court. I pretty much understood only that sentence...there were words which I never...I didn't understand it. Victim of hate crime who speaks ESL

Latest evidence

Why are so many young refugees missing out on education?

Teacher with three students

In conversation | How to get refugees closer to the workplace

In numbers: The economic benefits of investing in ESOL