Why do refugees need tailored English language and education support?

Research conducted at the University of Sussex highlights the importance of education and language acquisition for the effective integration and well-being of refugees. It shows the link between higher English language skills and a range of positive outcomes, including more contact between communities and better well-being among refugees. The research exposes the barriers facing adult and young refugees seeking to access higher and tertiary education. The findings underline the need for greater English language provision, which is tailored to suit refugees’ diverse needs, and policy support for adult and young refugees to access education.

Dr Linda Morrice is Co-Director of the Centre for International Education at the University of Sussex and a leading scholar of refugee education and social integration. She has over 16 years academic experience in the field and 15 years in community education working with refugees and migrants. She has particular expertise in participative and peer researcher approaches to research and has trained and supported refugee researchers on a number of projects. Linda has held a number of advisory positions, including to the UK government. She is co-author of the Home Office Indicators of Integration 2019 framework. She is a member of Brighton and Hove Sanctuary on Sea and a co-founder and co-lead of the University of Sussex Sanctuary group.