Access to quality English language education can transform lives. For refugees rebuilding their futures in a new country, language skills often provide the foundation for employment, professional recognition and access to higher education. Across the UK, English UK members are playing a significant role in helping refugees overcome these challenges through a long standing partnership with Breaking Barriers.
In 2025, English UK member centres and partner organisations donated an extraordinary £1 million worth of tuition, examinations, learning resources and university preparation courses to refugee English language learners. The initiative highlights the education sector's commitment to widening access and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals who have been displaced by conflict and crisis.
Around 130 English UK member centres currently provide free English language tuition to refugee clients supported by Breaking Barriers. These learners often require recognised English language qualifications to continue professional careers, gain accreditation in the UK or progress to university study.
The programme has a strong history. Many English UK members have been offering free study places since 2015, when the language and re accreditation programmes were originally established by RefuAid. Following the merger of RefuAid and Breaking Barriers in December 2024, the partnership has continued to expand and reach even more learners.
For international education agents, this initiative demonstrates the wider social impact of the UK English language sector and the commitment of accredited providers to supporting inclusion and educational opportunity.
The impact of the programme continues to grow at an impressive pace.
Since the merger with Breaking Barriers, 262 refugee clients have successfully completed the language programme and achieved their goals of entering professional employment or continuing their education. Of these completions, 187 have taken place since the start of the organisation's financial year on 1 June 2025.
In addition to those completing courses, Breaking Barriers has provided support and guidance to more than 800 individuals seeking help with English language development. This support includes referrals, information, advice and access to independent self study resources.
The results illustrate the crucial role that English language education plays in helping refugees build sustainable futures and participate fully in society.
Today, Breaking Barriers supports more than 260 active clients representing 40 countries.
Learners come from a wide range of backgrounds, including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, Sudan and Yemen. Collectively, they represent more than 45 professional sectors and academic pathways.
Healthcare professionals form the largest group, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, dentists and veterinarians. Other participants include engineers, teachers, lawyers and university students seeking to continue their studies in the UK.
This diversity reflects the broad talent and expertise that refugees bring with them and highlights the importance of providing pathways that allow individuals to rebuild their careers and contribute to their new communities.
The scale of support provided by English UK members and partner organisations is remarkable.
More than 150 partners have contributed to the programme, including language schools, universities and educational organisations. Their contributions include approximately £850,000 worth of English language tuition, £150,000 in university pre sessional courses, as well as learning platforms, educational resources and support for 57 volunteer teachers.
Importantly, these figures do not include the substantial amount of time donated by volunteer teachers, making the overall contribution even more significant.
For education agents working with international students, this collaboration showcases the values that underpin the UK education sector. Beyond delivering academic excellence, many institutions are actively investing in initiatives that create positive social impact and broaden access to education.
One of the most powerful aspects of the partnership is the opportunity for refugee learners to study alongside fee paying international students.
By learning in diverse classroom environments, participants can develop language skills while building confidence, cultural understanding and professional networks. This inclusive approach mirrors the international experience that makes UK language education so highly regarded around the world.
For refugees aiming to return to professional careers or progress to higher education, studying within mainstream educational settings provides both practical language development and valuable exposure to multicultural learning environments.
As global demand for accessible education continues to grow, initiatives such as the English UK and Breaking Barriers partnership demonstrate how the sector can create meaningful opportunities beyond traditional student recruitment.
The programme highlights the strength of collaboration between language schools, universities, charitable organisations and volunteers. It also reinforces the important role that English language education plays in supporting social mobility, professional integration and academic progression.
For international education agents, these efforts showcase the broader impact and values of the UK education sector, demonstrating that English language learning can be a powerful tool for transformation, inclusion and long term success.
With demand for support continuing to rise, the partnership between English UK members and Breaking Barriers is helping more refugees gain access to the language skills and qualifications they need to achieve their ambitions.
The growing number of successful outcomes, combined with the continued generosity of educational institutions and volunteers, suggests that this initiative will remain an important example of how the international education sector can create lasting positive change.
As more learners progress into employment, professional accreditation and higher education, the impact of these opportunities will continue to be felt by individuals, communities and the wider education sector for years to come.
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