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English language support in schools

Do schools have to admit children with English as a second language?

Schools must admit EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils if they have a vacancy in the pupil's year group. Pupils could be:

  • New to English 
  • More advanced bilingual learners
  • Refugees and asylum seekers

How do children with English as a second language get into schools?

Schools will follow the normal admissions procedures for an EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupil.

What support do schools give EAL students?

Local schools work with our skilled and experienced advisory teachers. The aim of the advisory teachers is enable statutory school age pupils, between 5-16-years-old, to access the curriculum in English. Our advisory teachers offer a variety of support options to schools and a regular programme of central and school-based training. Support and training can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the school.

Early years education settings, who work with children between 0-4 years-old, can get EAL advice and guidance from our Early years service.