Celebrating excellence in ESOL provision: Beacon Award finalists
Through our partnership with the Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards, the Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL recognises innovative and impactful approaches in further education that are supporting English language development, inclusion, and both academic and personal success for learners of English as a second language. We are proud to showcase below the outstanding work of each of the 2024/2025 finalists.
As the sponsor-assessor for the award, I count myself extremely lucky to have met truly inspirational learners and passionate staff and leaders, and to hear their life-changing success stories. The three colleges rose to the challenge and have created high levels of confidence, engagement, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.Silvana Richardson, Strategic Advisor and The Bell Foundation’s Beacon Award for Excellence in ESOL Sponsor-Assessor
Discover the finalists
“Shakespeare transforms students’ lives and gives them confidence”
Bradford College was the winner of the award due to its ESOL programme, which has been developed with the Royal Shakespeare Company. The college uses Shakespeare’s works to enrich language learning. This long-standing initiative has helped over 230 learners build language skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
"Sport provides an outlet and an opportunity to do something completely different”
Recognised for its innovative approach to ESOL provision, New College Durham has made a significant impact on asylum seeking students through sport opportunities that have increased their confidence, English skills, and social integration into the local community.
“Our ESOL learners want to be in work”
Nottingham College impressed judges with its learner-centred approach and commitment to creating a welcoming, empowering environment for ESOL students from refugee and migrant backgrounds.