Locked out of learning: A snapshot of ESOL provision in England

Refugees are determined to learn English and start contributing to their new communities. But they face huge barriers, from a lack of local provision to long waiting lists.

Refugee Action surveyed seven providers of English language teaching across England. The briefing paper, produced as part of the Let Refugees Learn campaign, shows that refugees are being forced to wait up to two years to access classes.

This paper focuses on provision in England. ESOL provision in the UK is a devolved issues – each UK nation operates and funds its own system.