The role and status of English in Sierra Leone are examined, with attention directed to: (1) English within the education system, (2) teachers of English, (3) materials support; (4) educational administration for English teaching, (5) development and planning, (6) British support for the teaching of English, and (7) commercial opportunities. Although English is the official language of Sierra Leone, numerous tribal languages are also spoken. English is part of the curriculum in nearly all schools, and there is some English training at the Technical Institute in Freetown. English studies are part of the three-year training of secondary teachers as well as a general teacher's certificate course offered at five primary teacher's colleges. An English program administered by the British Council includes the following objectives: curriculum renewal for primary school English, English language and methodology course development for preservice teacher training, and inservice education for primary teachers to help implement the new English syllabus. Lately, there has been increased interest in the development of indigenous languages for primary schools, and a shift away from dependence on the West is beginning, due in part to less commercial communication with Britain and the rising costs for private study in Britain. Appended materials include a list of texts for primary and secondary schools by subject and a chart of the organization of the Ministry of Education. (SW)