English UK looks to strengthen student protection following EC English closure

English UK is working to strengthen protection for students affected by centre closures, as work continues to support students following the closure of EC English's four UK schools.

All students who were enrolled and studying at EC at the time of the closure have now received a replacement course offer, thanks to the support of English UK member centres across the UK.

We are hugely grateful to the member centres, corporate members and partner organisations that have contributed to the response.

Supporting students with future EC bookings

English UK is now focusing on students whose EC courses were due to start in the coming weeks.

We have received a growing number of enquiries from students and agents about future bookings. Many students have already paid course fees and made travel and accommodation arrangements and are understandably concerned about what happens next.

We are assessing demand and working with member centres to understand what support may be possible.

The response to the EC closure has shown the strength of the UK ELT community, but it has also underlined the need for stronger protection for students when a centre closes.

Strengthening the Student Emergency Support scheme

English UK has committed in its strategy to 2030 to reforming the Student Emergency Support (SES) scheme to provide stronger protection for students affected by the closure of an accredited UK ELT centre.

The SES scheme provides a mechanism for English UK members to support students affected by the sudden closure of a member centre, including through replacement tuition. Other elements of the student experience, such as accommodation, are generally outside the scope of the scheme.

We want to build on the scheme so that it provides stronger protection for students' money and greater reassurance for students, agents and partners.

We are looking at a range of options, including insurance and escrow-based models, and talking to the wider sector about how a strengthened SES could work on a financially sustainable basis.

Jodie Gray, chief executive of English UK, said:

"Students need to know that if the worst happens and their school closes, there is strong protection in place. We want to build an SES that gives students, agents and partners greater confidence in choosing the UK."