Dear members ,

Welcome to our October 2025 Update.

We have a busy and exciting autumn ahead, with new branch conferences, online forums, and sector news. You can find all the details below.

We are also thrilled to announce the dates for the NATECLA Annual Conference 2026! The event will take place on 26–27 June 2026 at Conference Aston. Save the date!

Read the whole update to find out about events, news and opportunities from the ESOL sector.

Commenting on the recent comments by Conservative Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, NATECLA Co-Chairs Naeema Hann and Paul Sceeny said:

“Even at a time when mainstream politicians are increasingly co-opting the language of the far-right, it is still shocking to hear a member of the Shadow Cabinet member openly complain about not seeing “another white face” in a part of Birmingham that's known for its ethnic and cultural diversity.

NATECLA deplores the ongoing hostile climate and scapegoating of refugees, people seeking asylum and others who have made their home here.

Dear members

Welcome to our September 2025 Update.

As we step into a new academic year, we are delighted to welcome everyone back after what we hope was a wonderful summer. We have plenty to share with you this month, including some exciting events and sector news.

First, our Autumn webinar programme is now live, offering opportunities to continue developing your practice and connect with colleagues online.

Read the whole update to find out about events, news and opportunities from the ESOL sector.

Do you work in ESOL in a UK college? Whether you've made a small change or led a major development, we want to hear from you! Applications are now open for the Beacon Award for Excellence in ESOL, sponsored by The Bell Foundation and run by the Association of Colleges. It's a chance to celebrate your work, share your impact, and raise the profile of ESOL.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our Monthly Update March 2025.

February was a fantastic month for NATECLA, with the Midlands Conference proving to be a huge success—thank you to all who took part! As we move into March, we’re wrapping up our Winter Webinar Series, sharing exciting updates on the Annual Conference 2025, and bringing you plenty of CPD and networking opportunities.

Read on for key dates, event highlights, and ways to get involved!

We are currently seeking a suitably experienced individual to support NATECLA National Centre in a number of areas of our work. We envisage these projects being carried out at different points of the year.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our Monthly Update March 2025.

February was a fantastic month for NATECLA, with the Midlands Conference proving to be a huge success—thank you to all who took part! As we move into March, we’re wrapping up our Winter Webinar Series, sharing exciting updates on the Annual Conference 2025, and bringing you plenty of CPD and networking opportunities.

Read on for key dates, event highlights, and ways to get involved!

Commenting on the UK Government’s Immigration White Paper and ‘Island of Strangers’ rhetoric that accompanied its launch, NATECLA Co-Chair Paul Sceeny said:

“Whilst the White Paper is unambiguous about wanting to reduce net immigration and tighten English language conditionality, it includes only one vague statement about ‘[making] it easier for those already in the UK ... to access classes for English language lessons’.

NATECLA has always championed inclusive ESOL and Community Languages provision, and especially the need for teaching, learning and assessment materials that reflect learners’ diverse realities whilst offering insights into differing life experiences and perspectives.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our Monthly Update March 2025.

February was a fantastic month for NATECLA, with the Midlands Conference proving to be a huge success—thank you to all who took part! As we move into March, we’re wrapping up our Winter Webinar Series, sharing exciting updates on the Annual Conference 2025, and bringing you plenty of CPD and networking opportunities.

Read on for key dates, event highlights, and ways to get involved!

Dear members ,

Welcome to our Monthly Update March 2025.

February was a fantastic month for NATECLA, with the Midlands Conference proving to be a huge success—thank you to all who took part! As we move into March, we’re wrapping up our Winter Webinar Series, sharing exciting updates on the Annual Conference 2025, and bringing you plenty of CPD and networking opportunities.

Read on for key dates, event highlights, and ways to get involved!

After a break due to the pandemic, NATECLA Midlands was delighted to host its first face-to-face Winter Conference It's ALL about the learner on 28th February 2025. The event brought together up to 100 ESOL professionals for a day of insightful workshops, networking, and resource-sharing.

In the latest edition of Language Issues you can read articles including:

• ‘Yes, what about me?’. A workshop that changed me as an ESOL tutor

  - May Milton

• Innovative programme: dual qualification in English as an Additional Language

  (EAL) and health services vocational qualification in Australia

  - Jyoti Sharma

• Using Study Diaries with Lower Proficiency ESOL Learners

  -Mathew Ashcroft

Please see our recent Featured Voices piece on the government’s proposed cuts to the Adults Skills Fund next year - published in FE News today (18th February 2025) by our Co-Chair Paul Sceeny:

Adult Skills Fund Cuts: Wrong-headed, counterproductive and the polar opposite of what’s needed

Reacting to news that the Adult Skills Fund in England is set to be cut by a further 2-3% in 2025-26.

"At a time when the government is prioritising growth, skills and productivity, as well as talking up the need to counter the dangers of populism and disinformation, it’s extraordinary they would consider taking even more away from further, adult and community education.

NATECLA is delighted to be playing a key role in judging this year’s Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL - part of the prestigious Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards to recognise Excellence in Further Education.

The Association of Colleges (AoC) and Bell Foundation have published an important report this week highlighting how devolved ESOL provision can help to close skills gaps and support the government’s plans to grow the economy.