National Centre for Modern Languages and ESOL
Edinburgh College offers one of the largest and most diverse language portfolios of any centre in the UK. From our base in Scotland’s capital, we deliver ESOL classes for people living and working in our region, Modern Languages courses for students across Scotland, and specialist English language and teacher‑training programmes for partners around the world.
Through this work, we help communities across Scotland access global languages and support learners internationally in teaching and learning English with confidence.
24% of all Advanced Higher Italian entries
were Edinburgh College Students.
More than 1,000 ESOL students
study at Edinburgh College each year.
We have delivered English Language Teacher Training in over 30 countries
Spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and extensive regions of Africa.
Modern Languages
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s largest centres for modern language learning, built on a strong partnership with schools. We work with 95 schools across 20 local authorities, from Dunbar to Benbecula, delivering National Qualification Modern Languages through an innovative online model. This allows young people, including those in remote areas without access to in‑person language hubs, to study a wide range of languages.
This work plays a significant role in national efforts to support language learning among young people in Scotland.
In 2023–24, Edinburgh College students made up 24% of all Advanced Higher Italian entries and 15.8% of Advanced Higher German entries across the country.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Scotland is home to a diverse and rapidly growing international community, and demand for English language skills is rising. In 2022, around 6% of Scotland’s population, over 300,000 people, reported challenges with speaking, reading or writing English.
In Edinburgh, the areas experiencing the greatest economic disadvantage also have some of the highest needs for English language support. Having strong English skills can open doors to employment, better career prospects and higher‑paid roles. With an ageing population and increasing demand for skilled workers, learning English is vital for helping people access opportunities and contribute to Scotland’s economic growth. Each year, more than 1,000 students study ESOL at Edinburgh College.
Our ESOL provision is particularly important for refugees and asylum seekers. This year, the College was awarded College of Sanctuary status in recognition of our support for sanctuary‑seeking students, many of whom study ESOL.
"I would highly recommend Edinburgh College to anyone seeking a quality education and supportive community. My time there was truly invaluable and I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I gained as a student."Sharmin, 2023
International Programmes
Our bespoke English Language and Teacher Training programmes are a core part of our international work. We have extensive experience designing and delivering high-quality teacher training and trainer-training programmes for partners around the world, supporting both immediate learning outcomes and long-term project ambitions.
Our staff bring expertise across key areas such as Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) and trainer development. The College has also partnered with several national education ministries, providing strategic support to shape long-term plans for English-language teacher training and national bilingualism.
Over the past decade, Edinburgh College has delivered specialist English language teacher training across more than 30 countries, spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and extensive regions of Africa.
