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EAL in international schools: how children learn in English as an additional language

What EAL support looks like in British international schools, how long children take to become fluent, and what parents can do to help at home.

Last reviewed on by our editorial team

In many British international schools, a large share of pupils speak a language other than English at home. Supporting them is a core part of the school’s job, and the quality of EAL (English as an Additional Language) provision varies widely between schools.

What EAL support looks like

Most schools use a combination of:

  • In-class support: EAL specialists working alongside class teachers, adapting materials and modelling language.
  • Withdrawal sessions: small-group or one-to-one lessons outside the main class, usually for beginners.
  • Intensive programmes: for older students arriving with little English, sometimes a full-time course for a term before joining mainstream classes.
  • Whole-school strategies: teachers in every subject trained to teach language as well as content, for example key vocabulary, sentence frames and visual support.

Conversational vs academic English

Children often seem fluent on the playground within months. Academic language develops more slowly: the vocabulary of science, the structures of essays, the precise wording of exam questions. This gap explains why a child who chats easily can still struggle in lessons, especially from Year 7 upwards.

Age matters

  • Early Years and primary: young children usually pick up English quickly through play and routine. Schools often admit them with no English at all.
  • Lower secondary (Years 7–9): the curriculum becomes more language-heavy. Strong EAL support is essential.
  • Upper secondary (Years 10–13): students sit IGCSEs and A-Levels in English. Many schools set a minimum English level for entry at this stage, and some offer an English as a Second Language IGCSE.

Questions to ask a school

  1. What share of pupils are EAL learners, and how many are beginners?
  2. Who teaches EAL, and what qualifications do they hold?
  3. How is progress measured, and how often will we hear about it?
  4. When does support end, and what happens if it is still needed?
  5. Is EAL support included in the fees?

How parents can help

  • Keep the home language strong. Read, talk and tell stories in your own language.
  • Read in both languages. Library books in English, plus books in your home language.
  • Be patient. Many children have a “silent period” at the start, listening before speaking. It is normal.
  • Stay connected with the school. Ask teachers for key vocabulary for upcoming topics.

See also: how to choose a British international school.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take a child to learn English at an international school?

Everyday conversational English often develops within one to two years. Academic English, the language of textbooks and exams, usually takes considerably longer, often five years or more. Good EAL programmes plan for both.

Should we stop speaking our home language at home?

No. Research consistently supports maintaining the home language. Strong skills in a first language support learning a second, and protect family communication and identity.

Is there an extra charge for EAL support?

At many international schools, yes, especially for intensive support. Ask what is included in the tuition fee and what is charged separately.