ELT Sector Action Plan 2026 - 2030
The UK ELT Sector Action Plan (SAP) sets out a shared vision for how the English language teaching (ELT) sector can support the UK's International Education Strategy (IES) between 2026 and 2030.
Supporting delivery of the UK International Education Strategy
Sector Action Plans (SAPs) form part of the government's IES 2026–2030. They translate the strategy's ambitions into practical, sector-led actions that support growth, partnerships and international engagement.
As the representative body for accredited ELT providers, English UK led the development of the UK ELT SAP on behalf of the sector. The plan was developed through collaboration as part of the Education Sector Action Group (ESAG).
The UK ELT plan sets out a shared framework for addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. It identifies growth opportunities, highlights barriers and proposes practical actions to support sustainable growth, international competitiveness and the UK's position as a leading destination for English language study. It also provides a framework to support implementation and monitor progress over time.
Government introduction
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Why the plan matters
The UK ELT sector makes an important contribution to international education, economic growth and the UK's global relationships. It is a major education export and an important gateway into the wider UK international education system. English language study supports student mobility, progression into schools, colleges and universities, international partnerships and the UK's global influence through education.
The UK ELT SAP provides a shared set of priorities for collaboration between government, providers and sector partners to support a high-quality, sustainable and internationally competitive UK ELT sector.
Key IES objectives
The UK ELT SAP supports the three ambitions of the IES:
- strengthening the UK's international standing through education and positioning the UK as the partner of choice at every stage of learning
- sustainably recruiting high-quality international students from a diverse range of countries
- collectively growing UK education exports
The plan recognises the unique contribution of English language teaching to the UK's international education system and sets out how the sector can support these ambitions to 2030.
Our role
As the membership association for accredited English language teaching centres in the UK, English UK has played a leading role in developing the plan and will continue to support its implementation. We will work with members, partners and government to help deliver the actions identified in the plan and to ensure the voice of the UK ELT sector is represented in future policy discussions.
How the plan was developed
English UK led the development of the plan on behalf of the UK ELT sector through ESAG.
The plan was informed by consultation with organisations across the ELT and international education community, helping ensure it reflects shared priorities, opportunities and challenges for the sector.
Download the plan
> UK ELT Sector Action Plan 2026–2030 [add link once confirmed version received]
