Apply for the ESOLSIG Champion Pauline Blake-Johnston Scholarship

The aim of this scholarship, set up by ESOLSIG, is to honour and award unsung ESOL heroes who have gone above and beyond in terms of their hard work and dedication to the field of teaching English to speakers of other languages.   

Pauline Blake-Johnston was a very active former committee member. Her commitment to the ESOL world, and the ESOLSIG in particular, is celebrated with this scholarship.

The scholarship consists of:  

• Registration for a Pre-Conference Event of the winner’s choice
• Registration for the IATEFL Conference
• Up to £315 towards accommodation costs (receipts necessary)
• Travel expenses up to the value of GBP 160.00 (receipts necessary)
• GBP 30.00 expenses

To qualify you must:  

• Have contributed to the field of ESOL in such a way that it has been noticed, noted, and admired by colleagues. These contributions may include dedication to the field, hard work, materials or curriculum development, teacher training and collegiality.
• Have not previously attended an ESOLSIG’s Pre-conference event.
• Be working in the field of ESOL teaching immigrants, displaced people, asylum seekers, and refugees. 
• Be prepared to contribute to the ESOLSIG’s newsletter ESOL Matters.
• Be prepared to be interviewed and featured on the ESOLSIG’s website

To be considered you must submit:  

• A 200-300 word essay presenting your ESOL course so far, highlighting the most important moments for you.

In addition, a current / former colleague must submit:  

• A recommendation letter directly to [email protected] which clearly specifies why you should be awarded the scholarship (including ESOL-related achievements, studies, etc.)

The submission deadline is 16.00 (UK time) on Wednesday 17 June 2026. Early submissions are very welcome; late submissions will not be considered.The result of your application will be emailed to you between 11 and 21 August 2026. Please do NOT contact the IATEFL Head Office about scholarship decisions; the Scholarship Committee will send everyone the results as soon as they are available.