"The college has changed my life, 100%": adult education in action

Adult learners at Nottingham College are transforming their lives and career prospects through the college’s innovative ESOL+ (English for Speakers of Other Languages) pathway programmes, which combine English language learning with practical, career‑focused skills.

Designed to support adults who speak English as an additional language, ESOL+ allows learners to study ESOL alongside a specialist vocational pathway, helping them to build confidence, develop employability skills and take clear steps towards work or further study.

The college offers a range of ESOL+ pathways linked to real employment opportunities, including automotive, science, and volunteering to support English in the classroom. These short, targeted programmes help learners gain the technical language and sector‑specific knowledge they need to progress to higher‑level courses or into employment.

Part‑time adult learner Albana Bisha is a powerful example of how adult learning pays – not just in qualifications, but in confidence, ambition and family life.

Albana moved to the UK from Albania in 2014 to create a better future for herself and her two young children. After a year in the UK, she enrolled on an ESOL course at Nottingham College, determined to improve her English and her opportunities.

“When I first joined the college, I felt shy and embarrassed not knowing any English,” said Albana. “But the teachers were so friendly and welcoming. I soon made new friends and my confidence began to grow.”

Albana progressed through pre‑entry levels 1, 2 and 3, then on to ESOL Level 1 and Level 2, alongside the ESOL+ volunteering to support English in the classroom pathway. She also completed a Level 1 Award in volunteering.

The volunteering pathway enables ESOL learners to support other students in the classroom, helping them to improve their literacy and language skills while gaining valuable workplace experience. Through this hands‑on training, Albana went on to work across several Nottingham schools as a teaching assistant, including roles supporting students with Special Educational Needs.

“The motivation, encouragement and support I got from my ESOL teachers was amazing. The college has changed my life 100%,” she said.

Albana’s adult learning journey has also created a powerful ripple effect at home. Her son is now completing the final year of his Master’s degree in law, and her daughter has followed her example by volunteering in a local school. At the moment, Albana is working two jobs – in a restaurant and a bakery – to support her family financially.

“Studying at Nottingham College gave me confidence and opened doors I never thought possible,” she said. “I feel like a good role model for my children. In the future, I would love to return to working in schools and use the skills I gained through ESOL+ to help young children succeed.”

Linda McDonald, ESOL Head of Faculty at Nottingham College, said the ESOL+ model plays a vital role in helping adult learners progress.

“One of the key challenges for ESOL learners moving into employment or vocational courses is having the specialist language they need to thrive,” she explained. “Many already have valuable experience from their lives in their home countries.

“ESOL+ provides a crucial stepping stone, giving learners the confidence, technical vocabulary and practical skills they need to return to work, retrain or progress into further vocational study.”