We finished our semester and 2023/24 academic school year on Thursday 30th May with an International Supper and Ceilidh attended by 78 people.

On Wednesday 29th May at the AGM the statistical information was presented. The 2023-24 academic year has been calmer than previous years and the School is functioning well as an academic institution thanks to the hard work of its volunteers and staff.

The School’s financial position is relatively healthy, having received multi-year grants from the National Lottery Fund and the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

The School has fewer self-funding students than previously, however, so is always searching for new funding streams.

The School’s annual Summer School ran for four weeks in July 2023 and hosted 54 students, with students supported by a project manager, lead tutor, creche coordinator and 12 volunteer tutors and assistants.

Over the two following semesters, 156 different students attended classes from 33 countries (a 30% drop from the previous academic year). 77 of the 156 students were refugees and asylum seekers, 57 of whom came from Ukraine.

Ilona Hunter (school’s part-time manager) has been supported this year by 73 volunteers, a number comprised of 48 tutors and assistants, 15 administrators (including 12 Board Members and a website volunteer), and 10 creche workers.

The School has offered tuition to students at the usual six levels (A1 – C2), plus specialist teaching including Conversation, English for Medicine, Cambridge First Certificate, and IELTS classes, plus pronunciation and Scottish language workshops.

The School has worked closely with Stirling Council’s Adult Education Department and Forth Valley College within the ESOL Stakeholder Group framework. Many of the school’s volunteer tutors took part in two training sessions on how to supplement coursebook and teaching speaking skills.

The School has also held numerous social events this year, including a St. Andrew’s Night Ceilidh, a Christmas party, and a Burns Supper.

A HUGE thank you to the volunteer tutors and members of the Board for their efforts this year.