Story perspectives

West Yorkshire Boosts ESOL Teacher Training Amid Funding Cuts

3/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is investing in training new ESOL teachers to meet rising demand and support social cohesion.
Hareth Alshaban, a 24-year-old Iraqi, improved his English through an ESOL course in Bradford and became a youth worker.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said new 'skills bootcamps' would help train more teachers to support deprived communities.
Greater Lincolnshire's mayor Andrea Jenkyns plans to cut funding for English classes, drawing criticism.

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Story summary

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is investing in training new ESOL teachers to meet rising demand and support social cohesion.
Hareth Alshaban, a 24-year-old Iraqi, improved his English through an ESOL course in Bradford and became a youth worker.
Mayor Tracy Brabin said new 'skills bootcamps' would help train more teachers to support deprived communities.
Greater Lincolnshire's mayor Andrea Jenkyns plans to cut funding for English classes, drawing criticism.