Not fluent in English yet? Understanding EAL support

This article is for parents wondering whether a child who is not yet comfortable in English can start at a school abroad. English support differs by country, school and area. Read what follows as background, and confirm the details with the school or the local education authority.

Building English takes time

It helps to set realistic expectations first. A 2020 study by the University of Oxford Department of Education and The Bell Foundation (Strand and Lindorff) analysed data on EAL pupils in England.

• Of pupils who started Reception as 'new to English', 31% reached 'competent' or 'fluent' by the end of primary school.
• Over three-quarters reached 'developing competence'.
• Many needed more than six years of support to become proficient.

The researchers find that English proficiency is the main factor in EAL pupils' attainment. Pupils rated competent or fluent are more likely than monolingual peers to achieve higher GCSE results. They recommend assessing proficiency on entry and throughout schooling to find the pupils who need the most support. This is evidence from England, so it cannot simply be applied to other countries.

How schools look at English when a child enrols

Approaches differ by country. Here is only what the official guidance says.

US public schools

According to NCELA at the U.S. Department of Education, public schools must identify English learners, assess their needs and provide a language assistance programme. They need qualified staff and materials, and must set exit criteria and monitor progress. Enrolment usually starts with a Home Language Survey, followed by an English assessment if indicated. Schools must communicate with parents in a language they understand, through interpreters and translations. Parents give permission for services and may decline them.

Canada

The immigration department's 'Welcome to Canada' guide (republished by Newcomers Canada, as of April 2021) explains that provinces and territories run education, with local management by school boards. Children entering a Canadian school for the first time are assessed for level and for free English or French language support. Parents are told to contact the local school board to enrol. Popular public schools have waiting lists, so the guide advises registering well before the end of August.

State schools in England

Hampshire County Council's in-year scheme for 2025/26 cites the School Admissions Code: any parent can apply for a place at any school, at any time. Children are usually admitted to their age group. When moving house, parents send proof of the new address, such as a signed tenancy agreement. The scheme has no general rule for families arriving from overseas, and procedures differ by council, so check with the local council.

When considering English-medium international schools

StudyMalaysia, a Malaysian education guide, describes international schools as schools using a foreign curriculum with English as the medium of instruction. They are open to both Malaysian and non-citizen students, with IB, British and Australian options among others. Because this comes from a private guide, check school registration and visa rules with Malaysia's education ministry and immigration department.

When English is the language of instruction, the level of English support may still vary by school. Ask directly before enrolling.

You may also want to think ahead to university. The National University of Singapore's IB admissions page says English must be one of the IB subjects. An English test is needed if three or more subjects were taught in another language. Requirements differ by university, so check the latest guidance from each one you may apply to.

Keeping the home language alive

Many parents also worry about losing Korean while English grows. A 2021 narrative study of one immigrant family in Canada describes what helped keep the heritage language:

• everyday conversation
• books in both languages
• retold family stories and shared picture books
• playful writing and songs using the children's names
• contact with a grandparent who speaks only that language

Encouragement worked better than strict rules. Low status of the language at school and pressure to use English made it harder. It is a single-family study and cannot be generalised.

Korean weekend schools around the world teach Korean language, history and culture, and the Overseas Koreans Agency supports teacher training and operations. Check whether your new city has one.

Checklist

• Has your family understood that reaching proficiency in English can take several years?
• Have you checked how newly arrived students are assessed and supported in the country and area you are moving to?
• Have you looked into whether enrolment forms include items such as a home language survey?
• Have you confirmed whether the school offers interpreters or translations for parents?
• Have you checked waiting lists and registration timing for popular schools?
• Have you checked whether you need English certificates from a Korean school? Government24's education certificate list (as of October 2026) includes English graduation and enrolment certificates, but no English version of the school record (학교생활기록부) is listed.
• Have you found a Korean weekend school in the new city and planned how to use Korean at home?

Ask the school

• How and when do you assess the English level of a newly enrolled student?
• What form does English support take (separate lessons, support within regular classes, and so on), and for how long is it provided?
• What are the criteria for ending support, and how is progress monitored?
• Do you provide interpreters or translations for parents who are not yet comfortable in English?
• If the school asks for an English transcript, how do you handle translation and notarisation, or a school-issued version?

Rules and procedures change often and differ by school and area. Confirm the final details with the school, the local education authority or council, and the relevant government body.