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Language

Language skills are intrinsic to refugee integration and wellbeing.

Proficiency in the local language is crucial for refugees when adapting to life in the UK and integrating into a new community. All migrants recognise the value of improving language skills, as it aids with daily tasks such as understanding traffic signs, reading safety instructions, or shopping. It also helps with fostering trust with neighbours, accessing social support, and enhancing a sense of belonging. Migrants with poor language skills however, increase the risk of social exclusion and long-term dependency on support services.

Effective communication is also essential for accessing meaningful and rewarding work. For refugees with qualifications and experience in skilled professions, strong English skills are particularly important. Without them, they risk being unable to access work that fully utilises their qualifications and experience.

  • Develop social connections
  • Understand their rights
  • Avoid exploitation
  • Access Health and Care services
  • Feel safe and secure
  • Participate in shared cultural environments
  • Develop social connections
  • Understand their rights
  • Avoid exploitation
  • Access Health and Care services
  • Feel safe and secure
  • Participate in shared cultural environments

The most effective way for newly arrived refugees and asylum seekers to improve or learn English, is to join an English Language programme specifically tailored to the diverse needs of refugees and asylum seekers as soon as possible after arrival. Ideally learning will take place in a setting with people from a mixture of nationalities. By meeting others from different communities and cultures, and establishing new social networks refugees and asylum seekers will be encouraged to practise their English skills informally through conversation outside the classroom. The classes offered in Gloucestershire follow this model and should be supported to continue both formal and informal learning opportunities.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

In Gloucestershire, refugees and asylum seekers have access to courses and support that will help them to learn and improve their English skills, including the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses offered by the Gloucestershire Adult Education team.

  • Since 2021, the number of ESOL courses has doubled, with more than 40 courses available every term.
  • These courses cater to everyone, from beginners who speak no English to those with varying levels of proficiency.
  • Classes are held across the county, allowing learners to join groups of similar ability for a supportive learning experience.
  • For those who prefer, virtual learning options are also available.

In 2023-24, 740 people in Gloucestershire improved their English skills by taking adult education ESOL courses.

ESOL success stories

There are many inspiring success stories among ESOL learners.

Migrants from all backgrounds, including doctors, engineers, nurses, and architects, have become proficient in English by attending these courses with many going on to study in university.

Ricardo, an El Salvadorian and former ESOL learner, has now received his refugee status and is working as a supervisor in the construction industry. He is also going on to study for his level 2 ESOL qualification.

Yuliia, a Ukrainian refugee was a dentist before she left her home country. Through ESOL study, her English skills have improved dramatically. This has enabled her to secure a placement with a dental practice.

Ruby, a young mother from India, arrived in the UK feeling very anxious and didn’t go outside alone for a long time. She joined a family learning course as she wanted to be able to help her child show was in school in Gloucester. She continued to study, building her skills in both English and computing. She is now working and feels both happier and more settled.

Fatima and Aisha are asylum seekers from Saudi Arabia. They joined an ESOL course and are now improving their language skills by volunteering in a charity shop.

Language and employment support for Ukrainians

For Ukrainians living in the UK a Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP) offers a 12-week, virtual English language and employment programme, which has proved to be incredibly popular and highly effective and helping Ukrainians in Gloucestershire become proficient in English and successfully find work locally.

STEP is one of the best programmes I have ever had the opportunity to support and promote. It is one of the most efficiently run and effective schemes available. To date we have seen 412 people register and benefit from the programme.

Sara Oldroyd, GCC Migration Team

The Refugee Employability Programme (REP)

REP was launched nationally in early 2024 offering a virtual language and employment skills programme. It aims to replicate STEP Ukraine, offering support to a wider cohort of refugees. Due to its success, eligibility criteria were expanded to enable even more people to register and benefit from the support offered.