At Foxfield Primary School, creating a genuine sense of belonging for every single family is at the heart of everything we do. Our English Club is a warm, welcoming space designed specifically to ensure that all new families joining not only Foxfield but also our local community feel included, supported and valued from day one.

Led by Becca Bickley, our former Chair of Governors and local pastor, the club provides bespoke English as an Additional Language (EAL) sessions tailored to the unique needs of our international families. Whether you are looking to build confidence in conversational English, understand school communications, or navigate everyday life in the local community, Becca alongside other local community members offer friendly, expert guidance in a relaxed and encouraging environment.

We are immensely proud of our vibrant, multicultural community, which currently brings over 74 individuals together from thirty three countries. English Club is more than just a learning opportunity; it is a place to connect, build lasting friendships, share experiences and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Foxfield and our local Woolwich community so special. Since the English Club began, in September 2018, there have been over two hundred and forty three participants representing fifty one nationalities. 

English Club meets weekly on a Wednesday morning and everyone is welcome. Come along for a warm drink, a friendly chat and a supportive community ready to welcome you with open arms.  The English club runs from 9.30am until 11am and children under the age of five are welcome and there is no cost to the club.

Our community focussed approach was recognised when we were awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark Centre of Excellence.

“The school’s role as a community hub is especially impressive. It supports families in ways that go well beyond the expected remit of a school. English language classes, practical support such as pre-loved uniform or clothing initiatives, and community-facing events all demonstrate a school that understands and responds to need with dignity.”

“One particularly noteworthy initiative is the weekly English classes, which have been sustained over many years by a former parent. Despite no longer having a child at the school, she continues to offer this provision for members of the community, reflecting a strong sense of commitment, belonging and enduring partnership.”

Case Studies

X relocated to the UK from Iraq in December 2019. She was introduced to the English Club by Becca, whom she met in the school playground while dropping off her son. Having had no prior English education, X joined the club as a complete beginner. She has since enrolled in college and achieved an Entry Level 2 qualification in English. X notes that English Club has significantly enhanced her spoken English and daily vocabulary. Her confidence has improved remarkably; while she previously required assistance from her son or friends to translate at the school office, she now communicates with staff independently. Because Kurdish is spoken exclusively at home, Wednesdays are her sole opportunity to practice conversational English. She expressed a desire for the club to meet daily.

X arrived in the UK from Syria in 2019. She joined English Club on the recommendation of her friend M, a regular participant. Although X had previously studied English through to the university level, she attended to build friendships and practice conversational skills. Since joining, both her proficiency and confidence in speaking have improved. The expanded vocabulary has supported her daily interactions and fostered greater confidence when engaging with others. Furthermore, attending English Club has positively impacted X’s well-being by providing a supportive network of peers in similar circumstances.

X arrived in the UK from Brazil in April 2021 with no prior English language training. She was invited to English Club by a fellow Portuguese speaker who had recently joined. X credits the club with supporting every aspect of her language development. The supportive environment has built her confidence to speak both within the sessions and in daily life, while also improving her general comprehension. X highlighted the value of learning alongside peers facing similar challenges and expressed strong appreciation for the volunteer team.