English UK strongly supports the Government announcement today requiring accreditation for independent education providers who wish to continue to recruit international students after the introduction of the new points-based system for managing migration, which will include students from early 2009.

English UK Chief Executive Tony Millns said: “This is an excellent move which will protect the UK’s international reputation for quality in education, our main selling point for foreign students, and help reduce immigration abuse. It is no secret that many bogus ’students’ have been able to enter the UK to attend non-existent courses at non-accredited institutions, and genuine students have been ripped off by paying significant fees for a poor-quality educational experience. It is particularly welcome that for the English language sector, the Government has endorsed Accreditation UK, the accreditation scheme run in partnership by the British Council and English UK. This accreditation is recognised globally as the gold standard and the original mark of quality for language courses.”

Notes to Editors

1. English UK is the world’s leading language teaching association, with 360 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. Accreditation UK is the successor to the English in Britain Accreditation Scheme. Originally established in the 1960s by the English language sector as a self-regulatory scheme, it was taken over by the then Department of Education and Science in the 1970s. Since 1983 it has been run as a partnership between the sector and the British Council.
3. Around 500,000 students a year come to the UK to learn English, contributing about £1.5 billion to the UK economy in course fees, accommodation and general spending. The UK has the largest share (around 40%) of this important global market. Many students go on from English language courses to UK degrees or professional qualifications. There are long-term affinity benefits to Britain as well since many students go on to be opinion-leaders and senior figures in their own countries.
4. For further comment or interviews, please contact Jodie Gray, English UK International Marketing Manager, on 02078029212 or by e-mail at jodie@englishuk.com.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 25th, 2007 at 10:43 am within Agents news, Association news, Industry news, Member news Channel(s).
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