SCQF ESOL Awards

The SCQF ESOL Awards are English language qualifications designed for non-native speakers of English who want to improve their language skills for work, study, or everyday life in the UK. These awards assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through structured levels that reflect real-world communication.

What is the SCQF?

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is Scotland’s national system for describing and comparing qualifications. It helps learners understand:

• the level of the qualification
• the credit value (amount of learning)
• how qualifications compare across schools, colleges, universities, and work-based learning

Awarding Body

SCQF ESOL Awards are delivered and accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), Scotland’s national awarding body. SQA ensures that all ESOL qualifications meet national quality standards.

Purpose of the ESOL Awards

These qualifications support learners who want to:

• improve English for living and working in the UK
• gain entry into further education or training
• prepare for college or vocational programmes
• communicate more confidently in daily life

Progression

Learners who complete an SCQF ESOL Award can progress to:

• higher SCQF ESOL levels
• college courses
• vocational qualifications
• employment requiring English language skills