English UK is delighted to welcome its newest regional association, English UK East.

The group represents members over several counties in the East of England, including Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Northamptonshire.

Chair John Barnett, principal of the Cambridge Academy of Education, said: "We're really delighted to get recognition from English UK : our next step is to put the East of England on the map. There's been a lot of growth in the region as far as English language teaching is concerned, with more and more interesting destinations than we had a few years ago."

The association has around 20 members so far, including a university, FE colleges, a boarding school and private language schools including specialists in young learners.

The group intends to create a promotional website and run Fam trips to the region, as well as other marketing activities.

Why study in the English UK East region? John Barnett says: "It's not just about coming to Cambridge. There's great historical and cultural interest in this area, with beautiful towns and cities including Bury St Edmunds, Norwich, Colchester and Ely. It's a very non-industrialised area of the country which does set it apart. There's a slightly different community here and students have a good opportunity to become part of it. It's easier for them to make contact with local clubs and native speakers."

Notes to Editors

1. English UK is the world's leading language teaching association, with more than 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 (www.englishuk.com).  The English language sector is worth £2.5 billion in foreign earnings to the UK each year.
2. For further information on English UK East contact John Barnett at john@cambridgeacademy.co.uk. 
3. The other specialist and geographical sub-groups are Business English UK, Work Experience UK, Young Learners English UK, English UK Central, English UK London, English UK North, English UK South West, English UK Scotland and English UK Northern Ireland. For more details see www.englishuk.com/en/members/special-interest-groups/business-english-uk.