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Economy Minister officially opens new ESOL Unit at Belfast Metropolitan College
Caption: Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald and Belfast Met Interim Principal and Chief Executive Damian Duffy with students Aldanany Alabsi and Jessica Guzman.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has officially opened Belfast Met’s new dedicated ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) unit at the College’s Millfield Campus.
As one of the largest providers of ESOL programmes in Belfast, the new £365,000 facility reflects Belfast Met’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, equality and learner success.
Located in the city centre, the newly refurbished 355-square-metre space at the Millfield Campus provides a modern, bright and welcoming teaching and learning environment.
It includes three dedicated ESOL teaching rooms, a computer classroom, a faith room, a social space for informal interaction and meeting areas to support both staff and student engagement.
The investment comes in response to the significant rise in demand for ESOL provision in recent years, with the college reporting enrolments rising by 58% since 2020/21. In 2024/25 alone, 861 learners from 56 different countries are enrolled on ESOL programmes at Belfast Met.
Belfast Met was the first college in Northern Ireland to be awarded College of Sanctuary status in 2019.
This status recognises its commitment to offering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for those seeking refuge and asylum.
This ethos continues to underpin its ESOL provision, where learner satisfaction remains exceptionally high. In a survey 2024/25, 99% of ESOL students reported feeling welcome and safe at the College.
Speaking at the opening, Damian Duffy, Interim Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Minister to officially open our new ESOL unit. This investment is about creating opportunities, building confidence and supporting people as they begin new lives here in Northern Ireland.
“Our ESOL learners come from over 50 countries and bring with them a rich variety of experiences and cultures. Belfast Met is proud to support their journey by helping them develop the language skills that will open doors to education, employment and community life.”
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “I am delighted to be here today to celebrate this important milestone for Belfast Metropolitan College, and the diverse community that enter its doors every day.
“This new unit speaks to the very ethos of the college which seeks to provide educational support for everyone, no matter their background, to gain employment and to participate fully in their communities.
“This investment underlines, again, my department’s commitment to putting our Further Education Colleges front and centre in delivering the skills we need to grow a regionally balanced economy, which offers opportunities for all.”