Get Your Free Accessibility & Inclusion Toolkit
Download NowBath College partnered with Recite Me after identifying a language barrier in its application process for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students.
Removing a barrier for ESOL learners
Learners were coming to Bath College to improve their English, but the questions they needed to answer when applying were published in English.
To help remove this barrier, Bath College introduced the Recite Me Assistive Toolbar, giving students the option to translate online information into their preferred language.
Since introducing the Recite Me Assistive Toolbar as part of its wider work to remove barriers for ESOL learners, Bath College has seen a 167% year-on-year increase in ESOL applications as of August 2026.
Kelly Vaughan-Watkins, Head of Adult Skills at Bath College said:
“Inclusivity is extremely important to Bath College, and we want to make sure our courses are available to all potential learners.
“We want to remove any hurdles in the application process so people can access the courses they need. We identified a particular barrier for ESOL students, as our application form questions were all published in English. For learners who are looking to improve their English language skills, this could make applying more difficult.”
Making information easier to access
The Recite Me Assistive Toolbar gives Bath College website visitors different ways to access online content, including the option to translate information into their preferred language.
This can make it easier for students to explore courses, apply to the college and find important information about support and wellbeing.
Karen, the ESOL school administrator said “Completing an official document can be quite daunting, but especially when English is not your first language. In addition to students using Recite Me when completing their applications at home, I also regularly use the platform when learners come to the office for a face to face meeting. Knowing that I will be able to translate the questions from the form in real time empowers me to offer assistance more quickly and accurately”
Get a Free Accessibility Check of your Website
Run a scan to identify WCAG issues on your website's homepage. Then, use our recommended changes to achieve compliance with the latest accessibility standard.
Following an assessment visit from the British Council, Bath College had its accreditation for teaching English reaffirmed. The review found that “website language is accessible, clear, and simple” and highlighted that support and wellbeing resources were easy to find.
Recite Me supports this approach by giving learners the option to access important information in a language that works for them.
Supporting growing demand for ESOL learning
English language skills can open the door to education, work and greater independence.
Kelly added:
“English language skills are a gateway to so many other aspects of a person’s life.”
For Bath College, that support starts before a student enters the classroom. It means helping people find, understand and access the opportunities available to them.
Check out our Products & Services
Ready to take your first steps towards digital accessibility compliance? Then see how we can support your journey with our accessibility solutions:
Web Accessibility Checker
Scan, detect, fix, and maintain accessibility compliance standards on your website.
Assistive Toolbar
Make your website an inclusive and customisable experience for people with disabilities.
PDF Accessibility Checker
Check your PDFs are compliant with accessibility standards and run automated fixes.
