YOUNG asylum-seekers in Bradford have won national praise for their achievements with an arts scheme using the work of Shakespeare to boost English skills.

The English as a Second or Foreign Language (ESOL) students at Bradford College took part in a collaboration between the college, the Alhambra theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company tackling inequality by working with young people at risk of missing out on a creative and cultural education.

As part of the Start programme, children from participating schools and colleges in Bradford have made visits to the Alhambra over the last two years to see a selection of shows, and have been working with a team at the theatre on a series of workshops creating their own artistic work.

As well as taking part in theatre trips and workshops, the Bradford College students have been reading and performing Shakespeare’s works during ESOL classes. To support their learning, a Shakespeare Club was set up within their classes, enabling them to use the plays to boost their spoken and written skills. Two of the students have now become members of the RSC Youth Advisory Board.

Esther Wilkey, ESOL tutor at Bradford College, said: “The progress they have made is incredible. ESOL is not an arts course but this collaboration has really facilitated their learning through the arts and improved their confidence.”

The students have been working towards Bronze and Silver Arts Awards as part of the Start programme. Ms Wilkey nominated them for their outstanding achievements and perseverance, as asylum seekers participating in an arts project for the first time.

Now the students’ achievements have been highlighted by the Trinity Talent Class of 2019, an online gallery celebrating young artists who have developed skills through Trinity qualifications. The gallery has been created by Trinity College London and Voice magazine to shine a light on young people who achieved a Trinity Music, Rock and Pop, Drama or Arts Award qualification in 2019.

The eight students with a special mention on the online gallery are: Maryam Bibi, Hajra Bibi, Ulmeet Kaur, Hareth Alshaban, Kristyna Vavrova, Maisoun Namoura Alaa Eldin, Andis Kaupelis and Azimun Begum.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “It is wonderful to hear that students from Bradford have been chosen for the Trinity Talent Class of 2019. It is recognition that the partnership work between Bradford Theatres and Bradford College is delivering great results and making a true impact on the quality of students’ lives.”

It is the third year the college has collaborated with the Alhambra on the Arts Award. Ms Wilkey said the impact has been exceptional, with one student overcoming a stutter with the support of the programme. “She now gives presentations and is able to speak in front of people with great confidence. It’s just the most amazing thing,” said Ms Wilkey.

Many of the students who have taken part in the arts scheme have progressed from ESOL to GCSEs and A-level courses.

“It has really opened doors for them,” said Ms Wilkey. “It’s boosted confidence and given them the opportunity to express themselves. They have learned to believe in themselves.”