What does EAL stand for?

EAL stands for English as an Additional Language. This terminology deliberately uses “additional” rather than “second” language, recognising that for many students, English may be their third, fourth or even fifth language. This contemporary approach acknowledges the multilingual reality of many learners’ lives.

The term specifically applies to children in schools for whom English is not the primary language spoken at home. It’s important to note that EAL differs from ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), which typically serves adult learners focusing on functional, everyday English skills for work and daily life situations.

EAL encompasses students who may have varying levels of English proficiency – from complete beginners who have just arrived in the UK to students who speak conversational English fluently but still need support with academic language. For example, a student might chat easily with friends during break time but struggle with the specialised vocabulary needed for a science experiment or history essay.

This terminology reflects a more inclusive understanding of language learning, moving away from deficit-based thinking. Rather than focusing on what students lack, EAL emphasises the valuable additional language skills students bring to their education, building on their existing linguistic knowledge to develop English proficiency.