English not first language for 8,500 pupils

MORE than 8,500 school children across Oldham do not speak English as their first language.

According to Government figures, 5,397 of the 17,950 primary school children do not have English as the mother tongue — one in three.

Figures for secondary school are lower at one in every five pupils, or 3,193 of the 16,133 students.

Nationally, one in seven primary schools and one in 10 secondary school pupils do not speak English as their first language, the figures given to the Conservatives show.

Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green said: “These shocking figures illustrate how difficult life is for many teachers because of the Government’s long-term failure to control immigration.

“This shows why we badly need an annual limit on immigration. Australia had a limit which it has just reduced because of the recession. Britain should be able to do the same thing.

“The number of pupils with English as a second language makes life difficult for teachers, parents and pupils.

“Whether or not they can speak English, everyone suffers when it’s more difficult for teachers in the classroom.”

But Immigration Minister and Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas hit back, saying: “I have been saying this for years.

“That is why we are clamping down on immigration and teaching English more and more.”
Earlier this year, a study by MPs revealed there are 10 schools across the country where no pupils speaks English as a first language, including four in Oldham.

A Department for Children, Schools and Families spokesman said: “The language of instruction in English schools is and always has been English.

“We have listened to concerns of head teachers and are increasing funding in the Ethnic Minority Achievement Grant to £206 million by 2010 to bring students weak in English up to speed.

“We also equip schools to offer effective English as an Additional Language (EAL) teaching for new arrivals, with a comprehensive support package.”