The Stirling School of English SCIO is a voluntary organisation that aims to provide low-cost English language tuition to all whose first language is not English, regardless of ability, ethnicity and political or religious beliefs. We try to be as flexible as possible to meet students’ needs while maintaining a high standard of learning.
The school became a constituted charity in 1999, under the name of the “ESOL Volunteer Tutor Group”; it changed its name to “The Stirling School of English” in 2005.The Scottish Parliament introduced the concept of Incorporated Charities in April 2011, which give protection to Trustees from personal financial jeopardy. In order to change status, it was necessary to open a new incorporated charity (SC051748), and close the old unincorporated charity (SC029640). Although the day-to-day business of the school has continued uninterrupted, the new charity came into being in May 2022, and the old charity ceased to exist in March 2023, when the final account could be closed.
Our aim is not only to provide English language teaching, but also to create a community where foreign students feel accepted and ‘at home’. Coming to a foreign country, not knowing anybody and not speaking the language well can be daunting. The Stirling School of English is a place where students can meet other students, young children can be left safely in the creche, and friendships are formed. All cultures are valued and accepted.
Over 70 students come to English classes each week and we’ve had students from more than 25 countries spanning 5 continents. While some fit easily into a beginners, intermediate or advanced group, others may have special needs. Some students may have lived in Scotland for a number of years and can speak English but not write it, whilst other students may have learnt a lot of grammar and vocabulary in their home country but are hardly able to understand the Scots or speak the language. We aim to help anyone who wants to learn.
Volunteers at the School support refugees/economic migrants and students from around the world. The work they do goes far beyond ‘Teaching English’ as a second language, helping address head-on complex social dilemmas, isolation and promote social inclusion, as well as offering a helping hand-up to those who need support.
Their achievements and their dedication help them to turn lives around for the better, empowering others to improve their life chances through the power of education.
In February 2022 our school was chosen as the Provost’s Charity of the Year. Provost Christine Simpson said the ceremony was just a small token of Stirling’s appreciation for the outstanding work undertaken throughout the region during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Stirling School of English SCIO is a voluntary organisation that aims to provide low cost English language tuition to all whose first language is not English, regardless of ability, ethnic origin and political or religious beliefs.
We try to be as flexible as possible to meet students’ needs while maintaining a high standard of learning.
The Stirling School of English is a voluntary organisation that aims to provide low cost English language tuition to all whose first language is not English, regardless of ability, ethnic origin and political or religious beliefs.
We try to be as flexible as possible to meet students’ needs while maintaining a high standard of learning.