Jodie Gray, chief executive of English UK, said:
"This is extremely difficult news for EC English's students, staff, agents and partners. Our immediate priority is supporting the students affected by the closure of its four UK schools and helping them continue their studies with as little disruption as possible.
"We're grateful for the offers of support from English UK member centres across the country and for how our community is pulling together. As always, by coordinating the response centrally, we ensure students are matched with suitable placements in a fair, orderly and effective way.
"We know students and their families will have questions about their own circumstances, and our team will be in touch directly about the next steps, sharing clear information through the process. We want to thank everyone for being patient through this process.
"Finally, we and the wider English UK community are thinking of colleagues working in EC English's centres at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time."
Support for current students
We expect to support around 370 students enrolled at EC English's four UK schools to complete their courses at other English UK member centres at no extra cost. We are working with our member centres to identify suitable places and minimise disruption to students.
We are able to offer this through the Student Emergency Support (SES) scheme which helps eligible students continue their studies if a UK English language centre accredited by Accreditation UK closes unexpectedly.
Students currently at EC English schools in the UK will get an email from English UK. This will ask for the information we need to find a suitable replacement course and explain the next steps in the process. It is important that students respond to this email. Our team will also be available to meet students in person at all four EC English centres in the UK between 09:00 and 11:00 on Tuesday 15 September.
We understand students and families will have many questions. Please be assured that we are working as quickly as possible to help everyone.
We know agents are supporting students who have current and future bookings, and you will have many questions.
For students already studying at EC English's UK schools:
- English UK is supporting and finding replacement courses for students currently studying at EC English's UK schools. You will appreciate it is vital for us to manage this process fairly and consistently, so please ask us about these students at membership@englishuk.com rather than contacting individual centres about placements.
- Central coordination helps us understand each student's needs, identify the available capacity and avoid students or agents receiving confusing or inconsistent information.
For students who had not yet started their courses in the UK, agents should check communications from EC English.
Information for member centres
Thank you to all the member centres which have already offered replacement courses and practical support for affected students.
You will appreciate it is important for English UK to coordinate student placements centrally, helping help make the process fair, manageable and clear for everyone involved.
This way, we can build a clear picture of students' needs and available capacity before matching students with suitable centres.
Member centres will receive an email today asking them to confirm:
- available places
- location and course types
- possible start dates
- any relevant restrictions or requirements
Please do not approach affected students or agents directly about replacement courses at this stage.
We will share further guidance once we have a clearer picture of students' needs and available capacity.
Future students and bookings
If you are a student who has not yet begun your course, please check updates from EC English and stay in touch with your study travel agent.
English UK's priority is to support eligible students already studying at EC English's UK schools. We are not arranging alternative providers or placements for students who are not currently in the UK.
English UK will continue to provide updates through its website and direct communications with affected students, agents and member centres.
Current EC English students may contact our team on membership@englishuk.com.
