The Henry Beaufort School is a diverse, international community with over fifteen different languages spoken by its staff and students.

On average, around 60 students use English as an Additional Language (EAL), with students coming from a broad range of countries and backgrounds, including China, Syria, Nepal, Turkey, Fiji, South Africa, India, Brazil, Poland, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Ukraine and the Middle East.

Levels of proficiency in English vary enormously. Some students have completed all or most of their schooling in English, while other students are in the early stages of learning the language. As part of Henry Beaufort School’s commitment to include and encourage all students to excel, all our teaching staff receive training on how to teach, monitor, and assess bilingual students. For New Arrivals, language proficiency in both their home language and English are assessed to determine whether intervention and support is required in lessons. Staff are made aware of students who may struggle with the academic language required to access the curriculum. 

The Henry Beaufort School works closely with Hampshire Ethnic Minority and Traveller's Achievement Service (EMTAS), a countywide service which aims to support schools and families across Hampshire in raising Ethnic Minority achievement. This is done through individual assessment of students, provision of bilingual assistance and ongoing training and support to key staff in school. The school also has a specialist EAL learning support assistant working specifically with our EAL students to support their learning and needs both in and outside the classroom. 

Our students who have English as an additional language have performed well across the board, both in class and in GCSE examinations due to early intervention and support when required. Students with EAL and bilingual students are also encouraged to take GCSE examinations early in their first language where possible.

For any further information or assistance with EAL students, please contact:

Mrs R Eckett (English as an Additional Language Coordinator):               

Email: ruth.eckett@staff.beaufort.hants.sch.uk

Call:    01962 880073 Extension 232

Alternatively, you can find out more information about the Hampshire Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (HEMTAS) by visiting:

https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/emtas/about-emtas