We're delighted to launch Bridge to ESOL, our new accredited online course designed to support English language teachers making the transition into ESOL.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our Monthly Update July 2026!

We hope you´re all having a great summer and, if you´re taking a break, getting some time to relax. 

Three weeks after our Annual Conference 2026, we are still buzzing with energy! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a positive, welcoming atmosphere over what was surely one of the hottest NATECLA conferences ever! Despite the heat wave, everyone’s  enthusiasm and engagement made it a truly memorable event.

We’d also like to extend our thanks once again to our main sponsor, NOCN, and to our supporting sponsors: English Speaking Board International, Ascentis, City and Guilds, and Gateway Qualifications.

Read the full update to know more.

The DfE, with support from NATECLA, is currently gathering information on the effectiveness of ESOL content and qualifications as part of our commitment in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper to review the adult essential skills offer. 

They want to hear from a range of stakeholders and are particularly keen to hear from practitioners who are directly involved in the design and delivery of courses for adult ESOL learners funded through adult skills funding.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our April 2026 Update.

As we move closer to the summer, preparations for the Annual Conference are in full swing, and there’s still time to take advantage of our Early Bird tickets, available until 31st May.

We’re also pleased to share that applications for our Teachmeet are open: a great opportunity to share ideas and connect with colleagues in an informal and supportive space.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching our conference app, designed to help you make the most of your experience, from exploring the programme to planning your schedule and connecting with other attendees.

As always, you’ll find more details below, along with upcoming events and the latest news from across the ESOL sector.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces important changes affecting sessional tutors, hourly paid staff and ESOL providers. 

Most changes will take effect during 2026–2027, with further detail still being finalised. 

Dear members ,

Welcome to our April 2026 Update.

As we move closer to the summer, preparations for the Annual Conference are in full swing, and there’s still time to take advantage of our Early Bird tickets, available until 31st May.

We’re also pleased to share that applications for our Teachmeet are open: a great opportunity to share ideas and connect with colleagues in an informal and supportive space.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching our conference app, designed to help you make the most of your experience, from exploring the programme to planning your schedule and connecting with other attendees.

As always, you’ll find more details below, along with upcoming events and the latest news from across the ESOL sector.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our March 2026 Update.

As our webinar season wraps up, we’d like to thank everyone who has joined us over the past months. There’s still one final session to come, Participatory Photography in the ESOL Class, and tickets are still available to take part in this engaging and creative session.

We’re also thrilled to sharethe full line-up for the Annual Conference 2026. This year’s programme features over 40 workshops and presenters, offering a rich variety of topics and perspectives. You’ll find more details in this update, along with other events and sector news.

NATECLA's Annual Conference 2026 will play host to a small research poster exhibition where posters produced by members of our ESOL Community will be displayed prominently throughout the event.

We are looking for your submissions - submit your poster proposals by Monday 23rd March 2026 . 25% discount off a Saturday only Annual Conference ticket available to all successful contributors. There will also be space on the Saturday programme (27th June) for presentations of these posters to take place. 

The latest edition of Language Issues (36.2- Winter 2026), edited by Declan Flanagan, is now available. Featuring the cover article “The burden of fluency: ESOL in an era of conditional belonging” and a range of research and practice-focused contributions from across the ESOL sector.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our January 2026 Update, and a very belated happy New Year to you all.

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable break and are feeling refreshed as we begin 2026. We’re pleased to share that we have already kicked off our Winter Webinar Programme, sponsored by Ascentis. The programme brings together a range of engaging and practical sessions, and we look forward to continuing to welcome you over the coming weeks. Full details and booking information are available below.

NATECLA has voiced its opposition to the British Government's proposals to lengthen qualifying periods and ramp up English language requirements for Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain).

Proposals by the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority (GLCCA) to defund all of its adult ESOL provision would be disastrous for ESOL learners and providers in the county, as well as deeply damaging to community cohesion and the local economy, says NATECLA.

NATECLA's Co-Chairs have written directly to Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Andrea Jenkyns, outlining their concerns about her plans to scrap funded ESOL and reintroduce a three-year residency requirement for accessing adult education.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our January 2026 Update, and a very belated happy New Year to you all.

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable break and are feeling refreshed as we begin 2026. We’re pleased to share that we have already kicked off our Winter Webinar Programme, sponsored by Ascentis. The programme brings together a range of engaging and practical sessions, and we look forward to continuing to welcome you over the coming weeks. Full details and booking information are available below.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our November 2025 Update.

We hope you all had a fantastic half term and a smooth start to your lessons!

We still have three webinars left this term, starting with Viorica Lucuta’sUnlock Learning: AI Escape Activities for Engaged Learners, don’t miss this interactive session! Save your space here.

We’re also delighted to announce the plans for a new CELTA to ESOL Bridging course - helping newly qualified English language teachers or those with a background in teaching English overseas (EFL) and strong stepping stone into ESOL teaching. Read our exciting course proposal and complete the questionnaire on your thoughts below.

NATECLA Scotland has added its support to an open letter in response to the recent targeting of ESOL classes by far-right protesters in various parts of Scotland. The letter was developed by Stand Up to Racism Scotland, and is also supported by the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), NASUWT Scotland, UCU Scotland, STUC Black Workers' Committee, STUC Women's Committee and Educators for Peace.

NATECLA is delighted to support Ruth Hayman Trust, our nominated charity, in their mission to transform lives through education. From noon on 2 December to 9 December, the Ruth Hayman Trust will be taking part in the Big Give 2025 campaign, where every donation made will be match funded

NATECLA seeks applications for the next editor of its journal Language Issues for the three year period from January 2026 to December 2028.

Language Issues is the part peer-reviewed journal for NATECLA, read by ESOL and community language professionals in the UK and beyond. There are two editions a year, summer (June) and winter (December).

The editor is supported by the editorial board and the NATECLA National Centre.

NATECLA is delighted to support the Association of Colleges (AoC) Adult Learning Pays campaign to highlight the need for an adult education system that is both valued and properly funded by policy members and the wider public.

Dear members ,

Welcome to our November 2025 Update.

We hope you all had a fantastic half term and a smooth start to your lessons!

We still have three webinars left this term, starting with Viorica Lucuta’sUnlock Learning: AI Escape Activities for Engaged Learners, don’t miss this interactive session! Save your space here.

We’re also delighted to announce the plans for a new CELTA to ESOL Bridging course - helping newly qualified English language teachers or those with a background in teaching English overseas (EFL) and strong stepping stone into ESOL teaching. Read our exciting course proposal and complete the questionnaire on your thoughts below.

Nerissa Roberts, from Oldham College, wins national Excellence in Teaching Award.