Imagine arriving in a foreign country where you don’t fully understand the language, have no connections, and are struggling to navigate everyday life. Back home, you may have been a professional - a teacher, a lawyer, or even a doctor - but without the necessary language skills, those career aspirations seem distant.

On top of that, many individuals seeking refuge have endured unimaginable hardships on their journey to safety. Now, consider the frustration of having support and opportunities available, but being unable to access them due to a language barrier.

For many, this is the harsh reality of displacement. However, at Hull College, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and providing life-changing opportunities through our award-winning English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) curriculum.

A Curriculum Designed for Success

ESOL qualifications are designed to help students develop English skills and build confidence in using English in everyday life, education, and employment. Whether a student is new to the language or looking to refine their skills, Hull College provides courses from entry level through to GCSE, ensuring tailored support at every stage of learning.

With one of the highest achievement rates in the UK, our ESOL department is recognised for its exceptional teaching and student success. By focusing on both written and spoken English, our courses empower students to gain the confidence they need to integrate into their new communities, further their education, and access employment opportunities.

Embracing Technology for Inclusive Learning

At Hull College, we understand that learning a new language is about more than just vocabulary and grammar - it’s about communication, connection, and confidence. To enhance the learning experience, we have embraced digital tools, including Microsoft Translate technology, to support our students more effectively.

While using translation technology in education is not a new concept, our innovative approach ensures that these tools are used at the right time, for the right purpose, and in a way that truly benefits our learners. The impact has been profound, enabling students to engage with their studies in a way that was previously difficult or even impossible. Through digital advancements, we have created an inclusive, supportive learning environment where students feel valued and empowered.

And the results speak for themselves. Since introducing these digital innovations, we have seen remarkable improvements in ESOL learner outcomes:

• Attendance has increased from 65% to 91.5%, ensuring more students stay engaged in their education.
• Achievement rates have risen from 77% to 90%, reflecting stronger language proficiency and overall success.
• Among ESOL learners already in employment, 20% received a pay rise, demonstrating the career impact of improved English skills.
• Over 55% of eligible ESOL students successfully transitioned into paid work, opening doors to greater financial independence.
• 80% of working ESOL students reported that their studies helped them perform their current jobs better.
• 92% of students said their course helped them socialise, work, and communicate more effectively in daily life.
• 94% of learners felt that the course had positively supported their physical and mental well-being.
• Learner satisfaction has improved by 12% overall, highlighting the meaningful impact of our ESOL provision.

By combining expert teaching with innovative digital tools, we are not only breaking down language barriers but also empowering learners to build successful futures in their communities, workplaces, and beyond.

Recognised Excellence: Award-Winning ESOL Provision

Our commitment to excellence in ESOL education has been recognised nationally and internationally, earning us several prestigious awards.

In 2023, we received the ALT Award for Ethical Use of Technology, acknowledging our responsible approach to digital learning. Our success continued in 2024 with multiple accolades, including the AoC Beacon Award for Effective Use of Digital Technology in Further Education, the UCISA Award for Diversity and Inclusion, and the HullBID Innovation Award.

Additionally, we were honoured at the GESS Awards for Best Use of Digital Learning in the Classroom, and at the Learning Technologies Awards, where we won for Best Use of Social and Collaborative Learning Technologies and Best Digital Learning Transformation Programme.

These accolades reflect our unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, accessible education for those who need it most. By combining expert teaching with cutting-edge technology, we are helping learners to thrive, regardless of their background or previous experiences.

What Our Students Say

“Translate has been amazing. I don’t just use it at college, I use it everywhere now. I don’t need it all the time, but when I’m at the doctors or the local council I still don’t understand those types of words in English, it makes me less scared that I won't understand.”

“When the teacher used technology in the classroom I couldn’t believe it, there were ten of us all with different backgrounds and languages and we could all understand her. I hadn’t used technology much before I came to the UK, but this has helped me make friends and settle in. I was alone and now I’m not.”

A Community of Support

Beyond language learning, our ESOL provision fosters a sense of belonging and community. Hull College is more than just a place to study - it is a place where students can rebuild their confidence, forge new connections, and develop the skills needed to build a brighter future.

For many of our learners, ESOL is the key that unlocks a world of new possibilities. Whether they aspire to return to their previous careers, explore new job opportunities, or pursue further education, we are here to support them every step of the way.

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