New Scots Refugee Integration Strategy: Delivery Plan 2024-2026 - Year 1 Report

Case study: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

The Scottish Government is leading on an action which commits to “Convene relevant experts to consider the findings of the independent review of Community Learning and Development as they relate to New Scots, and identify potential solutions for effective ESOL delivery, including a regional approach to language assessment, and the role of different stakeholders within this. These proposals will be shared for review at a small conference of wider New Scots stakeholders” (Action 2.2).

Publication of the report from the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development

The report from the Independent Review of Community Learning and Development (CLD) was published on 17 July 2024 and included a recommendation that:

“The Scottish Government working alongside New Scots partners, Colleges and Local Authorities need to take immediate action to tackle the current crisis in ESOL.”

The report made specific mention of the waiting lists in Glasgow, where evidence of high demand for ESOL is documented.

Scottish Government Response

In response to this, the Scottish Government agreed to provide funding of £500,000 to the Glasgow ESOL Strategy Partnership to support a short-term and immediate intervention in Glasgow. The Partnership is made up of the three colleges in Glasgow: Glasgow Clyde College, City of Glasgow College, and Glasgow Kelvin College; as well as Glasgow Life (on behalf of Glasgow City Council) and third sector partners ESOL Scotland and the WEA (Worker’s Educational Association).

Classes began in November 2024, initially running until March 2025. In April 2025, a further £247,200 was made available to the Partnership by the Scottish Government, to enable classes to continue until June 2025, so that learners could complete the 2024/2025 academic year.

Outcomes & Impact

The Partnership aimed to provide classes for an additional 800 learners. This target was exceeded with provision reaching over 1,300 learners in Glasgow, some of whom have been waiting up to five years to access English language classes.

Partnership staff reported:

“There were notable improvements in confidence for learners and in socialising with others using English. There was also an improvement in the mental wellbeing of learners who expressed their sense of relief in gaining English classes. They were able to cope in everyday life with greater confidence and came requesting specific help in real life challenges they faced. They were able to get support through their class teachers and enjoyed the structure provided in their classes.”

Learners’ feedback also showed that they feel they are improving their language skills, making progress, meeting new people, making new friends and are happy with the way lessons are delivered.

Quotes from learners:

“This programme has made a huge positive effect on me. I’m able to understand more and think before making choices, also communicate with others, hence more friends.”

“My reading and writing have improved a lot. I want to continue my studies.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to take part in this course. It has been a very good experience for me. I had been waiting a long time to join an English class, and this one helped me improve my speaking and understanding a lot.”

Next Steps

In June 2025, the Scottish Government confirmed a further £500,000 funding for the Glasgow ESOL Strategy Partnership to deliver ESOL classes for the 2025 /2026 academic year. The funding seeks to enable 800 learners to access or progress in their learning with classes beginning from August 2025.

In addition to this immediate response, longer-term work to engage with key stakeholders and partners to identify potential solutions for effective ESOL delivery across Scotland is also being taken forward, with the first meeting in September 2025.