Edinburgh College launches new national language hub to focus on developing skills
The new hub has been launched after language barriers were identified as a factor contributing to economic inactivity
Edinburgh College has launched a brand new national language centre which will help to develop skills needed for the country's future.
The National Centre for Modern Language and English for Other Speakers (ESOL) has been established by the institution and will bring together language education to help support students and communities across Scotland.
The new language hub has been launched in the wake of the college’s report Addressing Language as a Barrier to Work and Progression, published earlier this year.
More than 300,000 people in Scotland reported challenges with speaking, reading or writing English in 2022, with this year’s report citing a lack of language skills as a major factor conributing to economic inactivity.
Edinburgh College Principal and CEO Audrey Cumberford said: “Language skills are increasingly important to Scotland’s future. They strengthen our workforce, help businesses connect with international markets and enable people from different backgrounds to participate fully in our economy and society.
“Edinburgh College has a strong track record in both Modern Languages and ESOL delivery, and the launch of our National Centre brings that expertise together to create a hub for language education and innovation.”
Edinburgh College is well-versed in language education and has one of the largest and most diverse portfolios in the UK. Its Modern Languages provision spans 95 schools across 20 local authorities, with more than 1,000 students studying ESOL at the college per year.
In the 2023/24 exam cohort, Edinburgh College students also made up around 24 per cent of all Advanced Higher Italian entries and almost 16 per cent of all Advanced Higher German entries across Scotland.
The college was also awarded ‘College of Sanctuary’ status in 2025, becoming one of the first colleges in Scotland to do so, in recognition of its support for refugees and those seeking sanctuary.
The new National Centre for Modern Language and English for Other Speakers (ESOL) will continue to support those within these groups, with language provision on offer including its employment-focused ESOL for Work programme.
Ms Cumberford added: “We want to use our scale, research and partnerships to support language education across Scotland and help ensure learners have the skills they need for further study and employment.”