English UK - who we are and what we do
UK English language teaching helps people achieve their goals, opens doors to education and employment, and creates lasting international connections.
English UK is the national association for the UK's English language teaching sector. We support and represent our members, promote quality and standards, and champion UK ELT around the world.
We support our members through training and advice, international marketing, research and insights, and advocacy for the sector. We also work in partnership with the British Council to run Accreditation UK.
English UK is a registered charity.
Our Strategy to 2030
At a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, UK ELT is a powerful force for intercultural understanding, international connection and opportunity.
Each year, our sector helps people from around the world achieve their ambitions while making a major contribution to the UK economy. UK ELT is worth around £2 billion and supports tens of thousands of jobs across all four nations.
The value of our sector goes far beyond economics. Every learner welcomed into our centres deepens the UK's global influence, builds trust between cultures and reinforces our reputation as an open, outward looking country.
In an unstable world, language education remains one of the UK's most effective and enduring forms of soft power.
Our mission, vision and values
Our mission is to harness the collective energy of our membership to champion and advance UK ELT.
Our vision is for a UK English language teaching sector that transforms lives through learning and intercultural understanding.
Our values are community, inclusivity, integrity, responsibility, and sustainability
Supporting quality and standards in UK ELT
English UK membership reflects a commitment to quality, professionalism and student welfare. Member centres must hold recognised accreditation and meet English UK's membership requirements.
We are committed to the professional development of our members, offering training and CPD through our events and training programme.
We offer students a complaints service and emergency support if things go wrong.
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Student statistics for the UK ELT sector
Our annual student statistics and quarterly student statistics (QUIC) provide trusted data and market intelligence for member centres and the wider sector. We work closely with our insight partner BONARD on these.
Promoting our members and UK ELT worldwide
We help maximise business opportunities for members through targeted promotional events and activities in the UK and overseas. These include our StudyWorld events in the UK and China.
Our partner agencies are listed in our partner agency directory, linking quality agencies with quality ELT providers.
Helping our members succeed
To help member centres thrive, we offer benefits including regular Q&As and webinars, support with student visa queries, access to campaigning resources, discounted copyright and motion picture licences, discounted attendance at our conferences and training, a free place at our annual members' conference, regular updates and bulletins and access to tendering opportunities.
Our corporate members are organisations that provide products and services to the sector, helping member centres strengthen and grow their businesses.
Our partner agents are listed in our partner agency directory, linking quality agents with quality ELT centres to benefit students.
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Speaking for the UK ELT sector
We represent the sector to government, policymakers and stakeholders, campaigning for policies that support sustainable growth in UK ELT. Our public affairs team works to create the best possible operating environment for UK ELT.
Our recent publications and reports
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