A network built by its schools.
EMSEN — the East Midlands Supplementary Education Network — connects the volunteer-run schools that teach heritage languages, culture and curriculum support across our region.
How the Network Began
The Network grew from a collaboration between supplementary schools, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, supported through the Universities for Nottingham initiative.
In early 2025, representatives from 15 supplementary schools came together to share their experiences, challenges and ambitions. Despite representing many different languages and cultures, they discovered a strong shared need for greater collaboration, support and recognition.
These conversations, together with the voices of young people celebrating their multilingual identities, inspired the creation of a Network where schools can connect, share, learn and grow together.
Different languages. Stronger communities. Brighter futures.
- 2004 Five Nottingham schools hold the first network meeting
- 2011 First joint training day and shared safeguarding policy
- 2018 Partnership with NRCSE brings the Quality Framework to members
- 2024 The network passes twenty member schools across five cities
- Training & safeguardingSupport and DBS guidance for volunteers
- Quality frameworkHelp working towards NRCSE Bronze–Gold
- Funding & grantsFinding and applying for small grants
- A shared voiceWith councils and mainstream schools
Run by volunteers, like our schools.
Elected each year at the network AGM- Nasreen AkhtarChair · Nottingham
- Piotr NowakTreasurer · Derby
- xxxxMembership · Leicester
Want to be part of the story?
Membership is free for community-led supplementary schools in the East Midlands.