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.
