The Face of ESOL

Our “Face of ESOL” campaign seeks to change perceptions of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students, recognising them as language students as well as highly qualified individuals with valuable skills and lived experience. 

Capital City College is one of the UK’s largest further education providers. Each year, we support more than 35,000 students, representing over 130 nationalities. Around one in five of our students are learning English as a second language.

Across seven of our campuses, more than 150 exceptional ESOL teachers are dedicated to supporting these students. Their expertise, commitment, and creativity make a profound difference in learners’ lives every day.

ESOL case studies

From DJs and engineers to future journalists and nursery teachers, each student has an aspiration and has defined their future by studying ESOL at Capital City College. For this campaign, each student chose a word to describe themselves, often indicating their skills and chosen profession or where they want to aim for a career.

Anne

Scientist

If today, I have one job (as a) veterinarian, I would love to work with this, but I need more English.

Originally from Brazil, Anne moved to London two years ago and is currently studying multiple ESOL classes at Capital City College (CCC), including Level 1 Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, plus grammar and pronunciation. She is highly motivated to improve her English so she can return to her professional field. Anne is a qualified veterinarian, and hopes to validate her degree in the UK in the future.

When she first started at CCC, Anne felt unsure about her English, but the supportive teachers and structured classes quickly helped her gain confidence. Her long‑term goal is to secure a veterinary role in London, but she knows strong English language skills are a must, especially in a role where communication affects people’s pets and their health.

Aliou

Engineer

The college has been a lot of help in my studies.

Ali, who is originally from Senegal, came to London with his uncle around a year ago. Coming from a French-speaking country, he soon realised that he required some support in developing his English language skills. Ali is currently studying an ESOL course and a Maths course at Capital City College (CCC).

Studying ESOL in combination with a mathematics course opens up a number of study pathways to students looking to continue their academic journey. In Ali’s case, he hopes that his studies will lead him towards an engineering course so that he can pursue a career as an engineer. Ali’s ESOL course enables him to focus on his grammar and vocabulary and enhance his skills in these key linguistic areas. The course aims to give students greater confidence in their language skills and allow them to access a wider range of professional opportunities. Ali enjoys being an ESOL student at CCC and has found the college to be very helpful in his studies.

Bonny

Business professional

I wanted to improve more my English, because I know it’s not enough –  this is my weakness. I’m a student and I like music, podcasts, TV – but it’s hard, because my friends, they just speak Spanish.

Bonny Bennett is a 27-year-old Capital City College (CCC) student from Honduras who is enrolled on the ESOL Level 1 Course at the Tottenham campus and a pastry course at Westminster campus. 

Bonny chose to do an ESOL course to improve her English as she struggled to develop her language skills in her current workplace as most of her colleagues are Spanish or Portuguese speakers. Like many people living abroad, Bonny misses her family, but has created a second family in the UK made up of friends.

Before arriving in the UK, Bonny had started studying to become a journalist in Honduras. Since then, her career aspirations have evolved to match her current outlook and she would like to work in marketing, sales or business administration. Bonny has several plans for the future, which include going on to study at university, living in a different UK city such as Edinburgh, and building her own business – a restaurant with a bar serving Honduran and Mexican dishes.

Bonny is a determined individual who lives by a motto of “never give up”.

Rahela

Journalist

Before, I couldn’t speak English. When I came to this college and studied, now I can speak.

Originally from Afghanistan, Rahela moved to London in 2004. Coming from a country where educational prospects for women were limited, she found London to be a place full of opportunity. When she first arrived, Rahela spoke very little English and struggled with everyday conversations. Studying ESOL at CCC has helped her build confidence in speaking, reading and writing, and now Rahela feels proud of how far she has come. 

Rahela says the college has played a major role in her progress, with the teachers at CCC as friendly and supportive. With encouragement from her fiancé, she practises her English regularly and is now excited to think about her future. 

She hopes to become a journalist one day, perhaps working on a TV show and interviewing guests. She is also interested in business and sees education as the path to independence. 

Haby

Content creator

They help me. If I don’t understand, I ask, and they explain everything to me.

Born in Senegal and raised in Italy, Haby moved to London to continue her education and improve her English. She is currently studying ESOL at CCC, where she feels her language skills have grown significantly. Haby says the teachers are supportive, always willing to explain things clearly, and the homework and practice tasks have helped her gain confidence. 

Alongside her studies, Haby works as a runner at The Ivy in Leicester Square. When she first started, she felt unsure about his English, but over time has made friends, learned new skills, and become more comfortable speaking with customers and colleagues. 

Haby’s long-term goal is to build a career in the food world, both as a restauranteur and culinary content creator. She previously studied culinary arts in Italy and hopes to finish her training in London, eventually working as a chef and opening her own restaurant serving authentic Italian food. She would also love to share his culinary journey online and create cooking content inspired by her experiences.

Maryan

Nurse

It’s very nice because before, when I come to college, my English was zero. Now I can understand.

Originally from Somalia, Maryan moved to the UK two years ago.  

When she first arrived, Maryan spoke almost no English and found communication difficult. But since joining the ESOL course at CCC, she has made remarkable progress. Maryan says her teachers are supportive, patient, and always ready to explain things clearly, which helped her gain confidence in speaking and understanding English. 

Maryan is currently focused on her studies and enjoys being a student. She is proud of how far she has come. Looking ahead, Maryan hopes to become a nurse. She knows it will take time and further study, but is excited by the idea of helping others and building a career in healthcare.

Maryan is excited about her future and grateful for the opportunities she has found in London, especially through her ESOL course. 

Aysima

Nursery teacher

I love my course. I want to be a teacher because I love the kids.

Originally from Turkey, Aysima moved to London six years ago.  

Since moving to the UK, Aysima is proud of her journey so far and excited for the future. Today she studies ESOL at CCC, working to improve her language skills. Strengthening her English is an important step toward her longterm goal of becoming a nursery teacher. 

Alongside her studies, Aysima has a interest in art and design and works in a patisserie selling traditional Turkish sweets. She balances her job’s work shifts with college by attending classes twice a week. Aysima enjoys her course, feels supported by her teachers, and is motivated to keep progressing. After finishing her ESOL courses, Aysima hopes to eventually train in education to fulfil her dream of working in a nursery. 

Michael

DJ

My English is not good, but my class is good, my teacher is good. I just need practice.

Michael is from Brazil and moved to London just over two years ago. He is studying ESOL at CCC, currently focusing on Level 1 Speaking and Listening.  

He recently completed a pronunciation class and says the teachers have helped him grow in confidence, though he feels practice is still the key to improving his English. 

Alongside his studies, Michael works delivering food while he waits for documents related to residency and work status. He was an electrician back in Brazil, but also has a promising hobby as a DJ, performing at weekend events and is exploring music opportunities in London. 

Michael hopes that once his English improves and his documentation is finalised, he can either return to electrical work or pursue music more seriously, possibly even studying music production in the future. For now, he is focused on building his skills, meeting new people, and adjusting to life in the UK.

Theodora

Foster parent

It changed everything, my language, everything I love. It changed how I speak, it changed how I walk. Everything’s changed. It helped me a lot.

Originally from Ghana, Theodora has lived in London since 2004. After spending years raising her children, she made the decision to return to education to build her skills and confidence. She is currently studying ESOL and grammar at CCC, working on her reading and writing so she can better navigate a world where “everything is online” and strong literacy skills are essential. 

Studying at CCC has been transformative for Theodora. She describes the environment as welcoming, supportive, and full of positive energy. Learning alongside younger students has inspired her, boosted her confidence, and changed how she sees herself. Theodora shared how her language skills, mindset, and even her daily life have improved through her studies. 

Now that her youngest child is older and preparing for university, Theodora is planning for the future. Her dream is to become a foster parent, caring for young children, and providing stability in a safe and welcoming home. She hopes to work closely with young children, helping them grow until they are ready to be adopted or placed longterm. 

Bianca

Teacher

Yeah, amazing college. Me, is very hard… but I study every day.

Originally from the town of Brăila in Romania, Bianca has lived in London for seven years. She is currently studying ESOL classes in reading at CCC, working hard to build her confidence and improve her literacy skills. Bianca describes reading and writing as challenging, but is determined and attends classes regularly. 

Bianca speaks warmly about the support at CCC. She finds the college welcoming and appreciates the encouragement that keeps her motivated. Alongside her studies, she works helping with deliveries for Amazon, which is physically demanding but contributes to her family and keeps her active. With support from her husband, together they balance work with family life and her education. 

Looking ahead, Bianca hopes to work in a school setting. She dreams of becoming a teaching assistant and possibly a teacher. She would love to use her Romanian and Italian language skills to support children and families in multilingual environments. 

ESOL courses

Our ESOL courses are designed for people from overseas who want to develop their English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to build on existing knowledge, these courses help improve grammar and vocabulary for everyday life, work, and study, giving you greater confidence and independence in the UK.

Courses are available from Pre-Entry (beginner) to Level 2 (advanced), with additional options to strengthen specific areas, including spelling, pronunciation, and grammar. Flexible study options include daytime, evening, and some Saturday classes, and you can enrol in more than one course at a time. Before starting, your English level will be assessed to ensure you are placed in the most suitable class with learners of a similar ability.