UK reception closes ICEF Berlin 2025 on a high note
We were delighted to partner with LanguageCert and the Department for Business & Trade to co-host a vibrant UK reception on the final night of ICEF Berlin 2025. More than 200 guests joined us to celebrate the warm welcome the UK offers international students, a perfect way to conclude an action-packed ICEF Berlin.
The reception brought together English UK members, study abroad agents, and sector partners from across the globe. Guests enjoyed UK hospitality and a glass of gin and tonic while hearing from inspiring speakers, including Shoko Doherty, Chair of English UK; Helga Stellmacher, British Council Director for Germany; and Lucy Horsefield, Head of Business Development at LanguageCert.
Shoko Doherty highlighted recent wins for the sector, including the forthcoming rule allowing German school groups under 19 to travel to the UK on ID cards rather than passports – a change English UK has long campaigned for.
Shoko also reaffirmed English UK's commitment to securing a Youth Mobility Scheme with the EU to make UK study more affordable and attractive by enabling students to work while learning. She also emphasised the quality guaranteed by Accreditation UK, the diversity of courses across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and invited partners to collaborate in transforming lives through language learning and cultural exchange.
Quotes from our UK reception co-hosts
Mark Henebury from the Department for Business & Trade praised the energy and professionalism of UK organisations at ICEF Berlin, calling the reception "a roaring success" and a valuable opportunity to thank global partners for their support in promoting UK ELT.
LanguageCert echoed this sentiment; "LANGUAGECERT was delighted to co-host the UK reception with the Department of Business and Trade and the English UK. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the contribution and commitment of those working in the sector.
Every year students' lives are transformed by the learning and intercultural experiences they have in the UK. LANGUAGECERT is proud of the role we play in students achieving their dreams by certifying their language proficiency."
ICEF Berlin seminar highlights: adapting to shifting student mobility
Earlier on in the ICEF programme, English UK hosted a seminar powered by BONARD Education's global ELT research, exploring how the UK can adapt to changing student mobility trends. Panellists were Lawrence Jackson (International House London), Stacey McGee (LILA College), Andrew Mangion (EC English Language Centres) and Ivana Bartosik (BONARD).
The session sparked lively discussion on how the UK ELT market has transformed since 2019, with panellists agreeing that old benchmarks no longer apply. Some markets have bounced back stronger than ever, while others lag behind, and the sector is evolving with growing demand for specialised programmes.
Technology and AI emerged as hot topics, hailed for their potential to streamline booking and enhance efficiency, even as they pose new challenges. Collaboration was a recurring theme, with calls for closer partnerships across the industry and bold ideas to stand out in a competitive landscape. Opportunities in transnational education, including pop-up programmes with international schools, were also discussed, alongside the need to price courses based on clear value propositions. Thank you to our panellists and attendees for contributing to such a forward-thinking discussion.
Celebrating leadership and looking ahead from Berlin to Brighton
Huge congratulations to our Chief Executive, Jodie Gray, who was named Inspirational Woman of the Year at the Lead5050 Awards on the Saturday before ICEF Berlin. Roz McGill and Bethany Pomohaci-Ashcroft proudly represented Jodie and English UK at the reception at the Intercontinental Hotel Berlin.
With 95 English UK member organisations and 60 partner agency scheme participants present at ICEF Berlin, the English UK network was well represented. We're excited to continue these conversations and collaborations at StudyWorld Brighton in late January and hope to see you there.
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