English as an Additional Language (EAL)
“A pupil is recorded to have English as an additional language (EAL) if they are exposed to a language at home that is known or believed to be other than English. This measure is not a measure of English language proficiency or a good proxy for recent immigration.’ (DfE Schools, Pupils and their Characteristics July 2020)
Our school is proud of its diverse community. Over 60 languages are spoken by our students and their families, enriching the life of our school. We provide extensive support for students who are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), with the aim of ensuring every learner can access the full curriculum and thrive both academically and socially.
Our Approach
The EAL team creates a welcoming environment and ensures that students receive the right support from the moment they arrive. On entry, every student:
- Has their English proficiency recorded at interview.
- Takes part in an induction programme.
- Completes a baseline assessment of language skills.
This assessment determines their level of support:
- A Band (Beginners/early acquisition)
- B Band (Developing competence)
- C Band (Secure but below age-related expectations)
- D Band (Competent)
- E (Fluent)
EAL support is flexible and based on ongoing feedback from teachers and parents. Depending on need, students may receive:
- In-class assistance from specialist staff.
- One-to-one sessions to develop English skills.
- Small group interventions in English, Maths or targeted literacy.
We also encourage students to visit the EAL room before school, at break, and at lunch for reading practice, informal literacy activities, or homework help.
Our Aims
We are committed to:
- Early identification and assessment of EAL learners.
- Providing targeted support while ensuring access to a broad and balanced curriculum.
- Working with parents and guardians to maximise student success.
- Preparing students for further education and employment.
- Celebrating the cultural and linguistic diversity that enriches our community.
FAQs
When will my child attend EAL sessions?
Interventions are timetabled carefully to minimise disruption to key lessons. Support is agreed between the EAL team, subject teachers and parents.
Can my child take exams in their first language?
Yes. Where appropriate, students are supported to achieve qualifications in their home language.
How does EAL support prepare students for GCSEs?
At KS4, targeted support focuses on literacy and writing for GCSE English, alongside opportunities for Entry Level qualifications where appropriate.
Celebrating Success
Our EAL learners consistently make excellent progress. Many students who arrive with little or no English quickly become confident speakers and go on to achieve strong results at GCSE and beyond. We are proud of their resilience, ambition, and the contribution they make to our school.
