Best Practice

Practical, evidence-based strategies to support EAL pupils in the primary school

EAL Teaching resources Quality First Teaching Lesson planning
What practical, evidence-based strategies can primary schools implement immediately to create a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for pupils who use English as an additional language? Katherine Solomon advises
EAL numbers: According to government statistics, in England’s primary schools, more than one-fifth of pupils speak a first language other than English (22.8%) - Adobe Stock

The Department for Education’s on-going Curriculum and Assessment Review presents a significant opportunity to ensure enhanced outcomes for pupils who use English as an additional language (EAL). With more than 1.7 million pupils in England speaking a first language other than English – 22.8% of all primary school pupils – multilingual classrooms are now the norm (DfE, 2024).

Supporting these learners to thrive socially, academically and linguistically is a priority for many school leaders and it is essential that the needs of EAL learners are fully considered in any forthcoming reforms.

In response to the government’s call for evidence, The Bell Foundation (2024a) gathered insights from more than 100 partner schools. Our findings highlighted both the strengths of the current curriculum and assessment system, as well as urgent areas for improvement.

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