News: ESOL – a national exemplar of best practice

With nearly 2,000 students enrolled (both adults and 16 – 18 full-time), the college has built a city-wide ESOL ecosystem, integrating referral, delivery, and progression services.

86% of the college’s full-time 16 – 18 ESOL students are classified as ​‘looked after’ or ​‘leaving care’. These vulnerable young people receive tailored support to overcome significant barriers to education and integration. Through BEGIN (the college’s hosted referral and support service), the college engaged 4,705 potential ESOL students in 2023/24, extending its impact beyond direct enrolments.

Recognised by Ofsted in 2022/23 for excellence, Nottingham College’s ESOL programme achieved a 96% success rate (national average: 86.8%) with 78% of leavers progressing to positive outcomes. 

19.4% of city residents were born outside the UK (significantly above national average), and of them around 500 are classed as destitute asylum seekers and 7,000 are refugees. Meeting the educational, social and economic inclusion challenges that our city faces, requires a truly holistic and innovative solution that delivers impactful change.

Beacon Award results will be announced in November.