English As An Additional Language (EAL)

At Tabor Academy, we are committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where every student—regardless of background or language—can thrive.

Our EAL provision plays a vital role in upholding our values of community, respect, and excellence, ensuring that students who are new to English or the UK are supported to feel safe, confident and empowered as they begin their educational journey with us.

We recognise that students learning English as an additional language bring with them rich cultural heritage and diverse perspectives, which we celebrate as a strength that enriches the life of our school.

Supporting Your Learning – Joining us in Year 7 (Key Stage 3)

On arrival, all Year 7 students undertake the Cognitive Abilities Test (CATs) and screenings for dyslexia and dyspraxia to ensure that there are no special educational needs around reading, writing and numbers. We also assess proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing, using the DfE proficiency codes (A–E). These assessments help us to personalise support and make timely decisions regarding student timetables.

For students assessed at Proficiency Code A, we provide daily 1:1 language tuition—initially for two weeks—to lay the foundations for English language learning and to support cultural orientation and integration into the British education system Languages Centre: A Hub of Belonging and Growth.

A similar process is in place for students joining us after Year 7 official starter date.

Our SEN department is central to the delivery of EAL support and reflects the Tabor Academy values by fostering ambition, belonging, and academic excellence. It is built around five key aims:

• A structured, language-rich learning environment
• A personalised induction and integration pathway
• A clear model for tracking language acquisition and academic progress
• A well-resourced teaching and independent learning base
• A social and community-focused space for students and their families

Our EAL club is open during break and lunch times for additional academic or wellbeing support. It offers a safe, supportive setting where students can build friendships, develop language skills, and grow in confidence.

Working with Students

We support EAL students in a range of flexible and responsive ways, depending on their needs and stage of language development:

• 1:1 or small group tuition focusing on vocabulary, grammar and comprehension
• Regular assessment of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing) using the Bell Foundation Assessment Framework
• In-class support, enabling EAL students to access the curriculum alongside their peers while being supported by skilled EAL staff
• Online revision tools to support learning, which can be used from home to support learning.

This approach ensures students are not only developing fluency but also embedding their learning in context, supporting academic and personal success.

Homework Club

Our Homework Club runs after school and lunchtime in the library, providing a quiet, well-supported environment for students to complete homework or seek additional help. Please speak to a member of the library if you would like to attend.

Break and Lunchtime Provision

The SEN department is open at break and lunch for informal, supervised opportunities to practise conversational English in a relaxed and friendly environment. These sessions help to build fluency and confidence while promoting positive peer relationships

Useful links to support your child at home:

Duolingo - The world's best way to learn a language

FlashAcademy®

Careers Where Multilingualism Is a Strength

• Interpreter or Translator
• Diplomatic or Foreign Service roles
• International Business or Trade
• Airline Cabin Crew or Airport Operations
• Travel & Tourism
• Immigration or Border Control Services
• Humanitarian Aid / NGOs
• Journalism or International Correspondence
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)