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English for Speakers of Other Languages Programme

Many speakers of English as a second or additional language (ESL) face barriers to accessing language support in the form of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). This includes issues around eligibility criteria or the timing and location of formal ESOL provision. The current landscape of language support is also greatly fragmented, and funding continues to be a considerable challenge.

Being multilingual is an asset for an individual, and for wider society. However, being unable to access the support needed to develop English language skills prevents some speakers of ESL from achieving their education or employment aspirations. It can also impact their wellbeing and social integration. The ESOL Programme seeks to improve the social, educational and employment outcomes for adults who speak ESL and are disadvantaged by systemic language barriers. 

The programme aims to influence policy and in doing so, increase opportunities for speakers of ESL to access ESOL provision and language support.  Working with partners, the ESOL Programme also seeks to fund and evaluate practical projects to build the evidence base on what works in effective and accessible language education, whilst informing the policy influencing work of the programme.  

Find out more about the ESOL Programme

A programme to improve outcomes for adults who use ESL.

Research into the outcomes for adults who use ESL.

Working in partnership with organisations to improve policy and practice in ESOL. 

We believe in diversity, valuing difference and tolerance. Discover more about our values, beneficiaries, strategy and how our programmes empower ESL speakers to overcome exclusion through language education.

Our partners

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The ESOL Programme seeks to improve the social, educational and employment outcomes for adults who speak ESL and are disadvantaged by systemic language barriers.