At Merchiston, we provide tailored support for students for whom English is an additional language, ensuring they are able to participate fully in academic and school life from the outset.
Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision is designed to build confidence and fluency in English, while supporting students to access the full curriculum and make strong academic progress.
Assessing Individual Needs
Each student’s needs are carefully assessed on entry. The Head of EAL works closely with the Support for Learning team and subject teachers to gain a clear understanding of prior learning, subject knowledge and language proficiency.
This collaborative approach ensures that support is well targeted from the very beginning and continues to adapt as students progress.
Personalised and Integrated Support
Students follow a personalised EAL programme, which may include small group or one-to-one support, depending on their needs. Teaching is closely aligned with the curriculum, so that language development takes place alongside subject learning.
Subject teachers and EAL specialists work in partnership to ensure that lessons are both accessible and appropriately challenging. We recognise that students may have strong conceptual understanding even as they develop their English, and we are careful to maintain academic stretch while supporting language development.
Progress is monitored closely, with regular review to ensure each student is building confidence, achieving well and fully engaging with school life.
Frequently Asked Questions
EAL stands for English as an Additional Language; some schools also refer to it as English as a Second Language (ESL). At Merchiston, this refers to the tailored support we provide for students whose first language is not English, helping them to develop confidence and fluency across all areas of school life.
EAL support is integrated into the school timetable and tailored to each student’s needs. This may include small group or one-to-one lessons, alongside support within mainstream classes. Our aim is to ensure students can access the full curriculum while continuing to develop their English.
Details of any fees associated with EAL provision can be found in our Fee Schedule. This outlines what is included and any additional charges where applicable.
EAL teaching at Merchiston is led by experienced specialists. The department is headed by Susan Hardman, who holds a TEFLQ diploma (a specialist qualification in teaching English as an additional language). Many members of staff have lived and worked internationally, bringing valuable first-hand understanding of learning in a new language and adapting to different cultures.
Yes. Where appropriate, students can be prepared for a range of recognised English language qualifications. The below examinations are offered at Merchiston:
| Form | Examination |
|---|---|
| Third Form | Cambridge B1 PreliminaryCambridge B2 First |
| Fourth Form | Cambridge B2 First |
| Shell | Cambridge B2 First |
| Fifth Form | IGCSE ESOL |
| Sixth Form | IELTS |
“Learning English is about so much more than language. It is about building confidence, making friendships and feeling at home in a new community. Just as our pupils learn from us, we learn from them, and that exchange of cultures enriches every corner of life at Merchiston.”
Head of EAL
