ESOL Update for London September 2026
NEWS
London Learner Survey: ESOL briefing
New findings from the 2024/25 London Learner Survey show that City Hall-funded ESOL courses are helping thousands of Londoners build confidence, improve their wellbeing and take steps towards further learning and work. Among Londoners whose main language is not English, 20% reported not speaking English well or at all, underlining why English language support remains so important in helping people participate more fully in London’s communities, economy and society. In 2024/25, there were 55,680 GLA-funded Adult Skills Fund ESOL learners. Among those fulfilling the London Learner survey eligibility criteria, 97% experienced a positive social outcome, including improved wellbeing, greater confidence and opportunities to meet new people. There were also clear routes into further learning and work, with 63% of learners moving into further learning. Among learners who were out of work before learning, 16% moved into employment, and among learners who were in work before learning, 35% progressed within work. Read the full ESOL learner briefing on the London Datastore. Find out more.
The Bell Foundation: Beacon Award for Excellence in ESOL
Applications are now open for The Bell Foundation Beacon Award for Excellence in ESOL, part of the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards programme. The award recognises outstanding ESOL provision in further education colleges across the UK, celebrating innovation, impact and inclusion in supporting learners who use English as a second or additional language. The award aims to raise the profile of excellent ESOL practice and promote the sharing of effective approaches across the sector. Application deadline: 9 September 2026. Find out more.
Reminder: Adult Skills Fund (ASF) for London: Rules 2026-27
The ASF Rules for London for academic year 2026/27 have been published. The ASF is the main source of funding for ESOL provision in London. Providers and subcontractors are encouraged to review the updated rules to ensure they are using the latest guidance to inform their planning, and assess learner eligibility. Feedback on impact is welcome: LSMP@london.gov.uk Find out more.
Reminder: register for the ESOL Demand Pulse Survey
The London Strategic Migration Partnership (LSMP) is seeking to develop a clearer understanding of the demand for both formal and informal ESOL provision across London. To support this work, we will be distributing a survey to organisations that deliver ESOL courses, ESOL Advice Services, and other organisations that support access to ESOL provision and manage waiting lists for prospective learners. The survey will be conducted on a termly basis to monitor trends, understand current demand, and build a picture of ESOL provision across the city over time. The information you provide will help build a clearer picture of ESOL demand across London and support ongoing discussions with strategic partners about access to ESOL provision and unmet need. To register your organisation to take part in the survey, please complete the short onboarding survey by 29 September 2026. Once registered, you will receive a unique survey link when the next wave goes live. Find out more.
PROVIDER SPOTLIGHT
Babel’s Blessing
Learn how Babel's Blessing, a community language school, uses income from its paid language courses to fund free English classes for refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants. Written by the Babel's Blessing team, this case study explores their innovative model of bringing learners from different language classes together in a shared community space, creating opportunities for language learning, social connection and community participation.
You can read more case studies on our webpage and submit your own.