Commendation for our innovation in ESOL

Posted: November 13, 2024

certificate stating the commendation for the bell foundation award for excellence in ESOL

We are delighted to have been officially recognised for our innovative teaching of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

The college made it onto the Commended Colleges shortlist for the Association of Colleges Beacon Awards 2024/25, in The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL.

Staff and students in our ESOL department have been using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini since October 2023, to improve teaching and language development.

By integrating AI tools in areas like skills analysis we have also been able to provide more personalised, flexible learning experiences for each student.

Esther Derbyshire – Head of Adult, Community and ESOL said: “We created this initiative to address the unique challenges faced by ESOL learners, many of whom struggle with language barriers and lack access to personalised learning resources.

“We also wanted to empower teachers with innovative tools to create engaging and effective lesson plans, fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. 

“These changes have benefited both learners and teachers, and helped students not just with their language proficiency but in their digital literacy, which will enable them to thrive in an increasingly technology-dependent world.”

Stay up to date on the latest Leeds City College news.

students at barbering competition

Leeds City College hosts regional student hairdressing and barbering competition

Posted: 16 December 2025

On Thursday 11 December, level 2 and level 3 learners from seven colleges across Yorkshire descended on Leeds City C...

New Executive Principal

Leeds City College has appointed its new Executive Principal

Posted: 16 December 2025

Diana Bird, currently the Principal and CEO at Shipley College, is to succeed Bill Jones in the role. The move follo...

group of students preparing food on work placement

From 14+ Academies to international placements in Greece and Bali

Posted: 15 December 2025

Elise McDonald joined the 14+ Academies in 2020, where she studied Maths, English, Science, Business, ICT and Food I...

Follow us on Social Media