English
An ESOL update
We want to remind you of a previously communicated update around citizenship and also about some ESOL training which will be available in October and November.
Citizenship
We previously communicated that from November 2015 only Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) will be accepted for settlement and naturalisation (citizenship) applications.
This means that ESOL Skills qualifications including our qualifications will not be accepted. We are still waiting for confirmation about what the final date is in November and will communicate this as soon as it is announced.
Training
There are two ‘Getting started with ESOL’ training events available during October and November, there are places available on both events at the present time. The details are as follows:
Course Code |
Event Code |
Status |
Course Title |
Date |
Location |
15BWZ01 |
15BWZ01/02 |
Open |
Getting started with QCF ESOL Skills for Life |
12/10/2015 |
Manchester |
15BWZ01 |
15BWZ01/03 |
Open |
Getting started with QCF ESOL Skills for Life |
12/11/2015 |
Birmingham |
Example materials
Example marked papers for Entry 3 reading and writing are now available on our website.
Subject updates
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May 2026 teaching English update
Dear Colleagues
As we approach possibly the most pressured time of the academic year, I’d like to take a moment to thank you for all your hard work and your dedication to your students. I hope that the NEA submission and exam preparation period runs smoothly and wish you and your students all the very best for the summer exams.
Best wishes
Clare Haviland
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April 2026 teaching English update
Dear Colleagues
Many of you will currently be taking a break, but I hope you find some ideas in my April update to help you with the practical tasks ahead as well as inspiration for your teaching at the start of the summer term.
What’s in the April teaching English update?
• Signing Shakespeare: opening the world of Shakespeare to every learner
• Coursework/SLE submission reminders
• Summer term GCSE networks
• British Library A level: Fairy Tales Study Day – Angela Carter
• ActiveLearn to ActiveHub
• Exam Practice Assistant for GCSE English Language 2.0
• English and Media Centre Close Reading Competition 2026
• Hot Poets Take Over: poetry, creativity, hope and science