The English Language Centre

Our very experienced English Language Centre teachers work with students from all over the world. Their experience of working and living in many different countries means they are specialists in their subjects and are ready to help you to achieve your goals.

Let us help you take your next step in life, work and study - we offer two flexible study options: EFL and ESOL

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) is designed for those who plan to use English internationally – it is for you if you:

• Need English for work in your own country
• Want to improve your academic skills for studying English
• Are looking for a short or long course

Download our English Language Centre Guide

pdf (2.79 MB) pdf English Language Centre Guide 2025-26 (2.79 MB)

pdf English Language Centre Guide 2024-25 (2.79 MB)

 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is designed for those who live and work in the UK – it is for you if you need to use English in everyday situations

ESOL courses:

• Are funded by the UK government – you may have to pay a small fee.
• Run from September to June but you can sometimes start and finish at different times (we will advise you when you apply).

 

Meet our teachers

• Bridget da Silva ESOL and EFL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in 2017.

  I took a gap year between school and university and spent the year in Sri Lanka teaching English. I absolutely loved it so when I left university, I trained as a teacher and never looked back!

  I hold qualifications in teaching English as a foreign language and have a special interest in literacy development and have taken courses to allow me to help dyslexic ESOL learners with their language learning.

  I like reading, gardening, walking and watching my children play football and rugby.

• Natasha Emmer ESOL Lecturer

  I have been teaching at New College Durham since February 2016.

  My experience in teaching is vast as I have taught in schools, colleges and universities in the UK and abroad.

   My first degree is in Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese and I hold a Masters in Education. I have taught other subjects, such as Chinese and Japanese, but have taught English primarily for 30 years.

   

• Tom Hudson Adult ESOL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in 2017.

  I started teaching English when I worked overseas for a non-profit organisation. It was a stimulating and rewarding experience. I enjoy relating to people from other cultures, communicating with them and helping them develop their own skills in speaking, reading and writing.

  I hold a CELTA qualification and studied to complete a PgCE. I also have a Certificate in Community Interpreting.

  In my spare time, I go cycling, walking and running, and coach & play tennis. I also enjoy public speaking.

• Alison Phillips ESOL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in August 2014. 

  Since my first Language Assistant role in Cordoba, Spain, I knew I wanted to teach English, so I completed the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) programme.

  I also hold a DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) qualification and subject specialisms in ESOL and Literacy. In the past 21 years, I've taught English in Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Queenstown, New Zealand.

   

• Sara Barbin ESOL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in 2020.

  I hold a PGCE, a CELTA qualification and a Degree in Modern Foreign Languages and Literature.

  I can speak four languages (English, Italian, French and German) and I enjoy relating to people from other cultures.

  I taught English in Italy as a private tutor, and I have gained experience teaching English, French and Italian in the UK. 

   In my spare time I love cooking and practising karate.

• Helen Kirkup ESOL Lecturer

  I started teaching at New College Durham in 2024.

  I have a PGCE in Adult Literacy for native speakers of English, but then went on to qualify to teach English is a Foreign Language by gaining the Cambridge CELTA and then Delta certification.

  I’ve taught English overseas (mainly Spain) and in the UK. Before joining the college, I was teaching English for Academic purposes at Newcastle and Northumbria universities. I love meeting students from all over the world and helping them to achieve their goals.

  Outside of work I like to spend time outdoors with my family including visiting the coast, walking, cycling, and playing or watching sports. I also enjoy cooking, reading and watching films.

• Umit Turkcakal Adult ESOL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in 2024.

  I hold a CELTA qualification and a Degree in English Literature. I taught English in state schools in Turkey and Turkish in the UK. I have a special interest in Psychology and enjoy exploring ways to make learning English more natural and stress-free.

  I enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. My qualifications include BA English Literature and CELTA.

   

• Lynn Bulmer Adult ESOL Lecturer

  I have a CELTA teaching qualification and I’m just about to finish a degree in Education Studies with a special focus on positive mental health in the ESOL classroom.

  I worked as an English teacher and Cambridge examiner in Italy for almost 20 years, then moved back to the UK in 2018 to work in ESOL delivery.

  I joined team NCD in August 2022. I love talking to people from different countries and learning about different cultures.

   

• Wendy Castleton Adult ESOL Lecturer

  I joined New College Durham in 2013.

  I began teaching ESOL in 2001 and I have taught ESOL in several colleges in Tyne and Wear, Teesside and County Durham. I have qualifications in education and ESOL.

  I have also worked as an examiner for Cambridge ESOL and an examiner and trainer for Edexcel. What I love about teaching ESOL learners is their motivation to learn and improve their lives in the UK. I enjoy gardening, walking and painting in my free time