The importance of ELT to the UK's international education sector has been recognised for the first time in a governmental strategy.

The international education strategy, a joint publication by the departments for international trade and education, is the result of an 18-month collaboration with industry representatives including English UK.

"The UK English language teaching industry is clearly seen as pivotal to the wider international education sector in this strategy, with a welcome recognition for the first time of the part it plays in introducing UK education to the wider world," said English UK chief executive Sarah Cooper. "We are excited by the opportunities this bold strategy outlines, both for the promotion of the UK as the premier destination for English language learning, but also the support planned for growing the export of UK ELT quality and expertise to countries across the globe." 

She was pleased to see a holistic view of the industry, with English language learning at its heart, as well as a desire to promote its breadth and diversity, and praised the new collaborative approach. "We are particularly delighted to see a cross government department approach.

"This is a clear sign that government has been listening through the Education Sector Advisory Group, and it is a remarkable achievement that this group, chaired jointly by Ministers from DIT and DfE, has generated this strategy so quickly and efficiently.

"This group has exciting opportunities ahead to truly work in partnership with government to implement the strategy."

The Government has highlighted the importance of the strategy as part of a post-Brexit drive to create new international partnerships by cementing the UK's position as a world leader in education.

The strategy was released today (Saturday 16 March) after an 18-month consultation. Participating organisations were Universities UK, the British Council, Independent Higher Education, the Skills Partnership, BESA, the Council of British International Schools, Early Years and English UK.

1. English UK is the national association for English language teaching centres in the UK, with around 450 accredited centres in membership. It covers university and further education college language departments, international study centres in independent schools, educational trusts and charities and private sector colleges. English UK is a UK-registered charity.

2. English UK figures show that the industry is worth £1.4bn annually, with 550,000 students coming to the UK to learn English each year and supporting around 35,000 jobs. More information at https://www.englishuk.com/facts-figures

3. For more information, contact Susan Young, Press Relations Manager (susan.young@englishuk.com) or Sarah Cooper, chief executive (sarah.cooper@englishuk.com)