EAL (English as an Additional Language)
What it means
The UK and international-school term for students whose first language is not English and who are learning English alongside their first language. Equivalent to ELL (current Canadian/US term) and ESL (older term). Widely used in UAE international schools.
Term details
Category: education
Regional use: uae, uk, general
Last source check: July 28, 2026
Source
Check this definition against explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk. Open the source before making health, education, funding, or legal decisions because guidance can change.
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