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.

BBC Radio Leeds interviews Leeds City College T-Level Health student and staff

Posted: 23 January 2026

On 22 January, T-Level Health student Cherry, T-Level Health Course Leader Amy, and paramedic and teacher Jess joine...

SEND student performing rebound therapy with a teacher

The Vine at Leeds City College has been officially made a Centre of Excellence for Rebound Therapy

Posted: 13 January 2026

We are proud to share that Leeds City College’s High Needs campus, The Vine, has been recognised for its rebound the...

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...

Follow us on Social Media