High Trees report: Improving access to ESOL for people in work
This report shares the findings from the research phase of a multi-year project led by High Trees and funded by The Bell Foundation exploring the barriers that prevent people in work from improving their English language skills through ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).
About this report
This report outlines new research conducted by High Trees in partnership with The Bell Foundation between May 2024 – April 2025 and exploring the barriers to accessing ESOL experienced by people who are in work, and how ESOL providers and employers can respond to these challenges.
Many of the community members who took part said that they are unable to access ESOL classes due to their working patterns, and so are unable to improve their confidence speaking English and progress in their careers. ESOL providers recognise these challenges but are limited in how they can respond under current ESOL policy.
Employers, on the other hand, acknowledge the problems caused by language barriers in the workplace but often implement ad hoc solutions that do not help their staff to improve their English language skills on the job. Through surveys and interviews, this research provides deeper insights into these challenges, and how to design alternative ESOL models for people in work.
About High Trees
High Trees Community Development Trust is a multidisciplinary charity, working with 1700 people each year in Tulse Hill and across Lambeth. As part of its wider offer of community services, High Trees provides English language classes to over 250 community members every year. High Trees is also a founding member of the Lambeth Community Research Network, a partnership working to ensure that research taking place in Lambeth is ethical, high-quality and action focused.