Bradford College Concludes Dual ESOL Pathway Programme

Local event highlights ESOL teacher development and partnership

Bradford College recently marked the completion of its 12-week Dual ESOL Pathway programme with an event that brought together new and experienced ESOL teachers, sector partners, and staff. The event, held on 5 March, showcased teaching innovations and reflected on the progress made by participants throughout the course.

Programme Structure and Participants

The Dual ESOL Pathway is designed to support both new and experienced ESOL teachers through two distinct strands:

• Pathway A: For new teachers beginning their journey in ESOL teaching.
• Pathway B: For experienced practitioners who refresh their skills while mentoring Pathway A participants.

This structure encourages collaboration and mutual learning between the two groups. Mentors and trainees had the opportunity to reconnect and reflect on their development during the event.

Event Highlights and Presentations

The evening featured poster presentations and Teachmeet sessions where trainees and tutors demonstrated a range of teaching methods and practical classroom techniques. Some of the approaches presented included:

• Dogme and Reflect Approaches to ESOL teaching
• Use of realia and digital tools such as Slido
• Strategies for teaching language elements like phrasal verbs and tenses

These presentations illustrated the pedagogical growth achieved during the programme and the increasing confidence of participants.

Partnerships and Support

The event was attended by representatives from local organisations involved in ESOL provision, including Migration Yorkshire, MESH (Migrant English Support Hub), and Bradford Council’s Employment & Skills team. These partnerships play a role in supporting and funding ESOL training and resources across the region.

Speakers from these organisations provided insights into their work and resources available for ESOL teachers and trainees, emphasising the collaborative networks that underpin the programme’s success.

Professional Development and Community

Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of the programme’s collaborative model in fostering professional relationships and confidence. Mentors and trainees expressed appreciation for the support and opportunities provided throughout the course.

Future Opportunities

Bradford College is hosting an online ESOL Open Day on 19 March 2026, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. The session aims to provide information about teaching English, ESOL, or Functional Skills in further education and adult learning. Attendees can learn about qualifications, job prospects, and routes into teaching, as well as participate in interactive activities.

Those interested can find more details and book a place via the college’s website.