UK ELT market intelligence
We provide members with robust, data-led insight and research on the UK English language teaching (ELT) sector, supporting informed planning, benchmarking and business decision-making.
Our data combines sector-wide coverage with granular, member-only analysis, enabling centres to understand both overall market trends and their position within them.
We deliver our market intelligence through:
English UK annual student statistics
Our annual student statistics report provides a comprehensive, retrospective view of the UK ELT sector. The report offers a complete sector-wide picture, capturing full-year performance across all English UK member centres. Produced with the support of our insight partner Bonard.
Analysis covers:
- student numbers and student weeks
- differences between state and private sector performance
- regional and city-level trends
- developments in part-time and online provision
All English UK member centres submit data annually. The report is published each May.
While the annual report provides a complete year-end view, it does not offer the in-year tracking and benchmarking available through QUIC.
UK ELT in the global context
A supplementary report, UK ELT in the global context, is published later in the year (typically September), once comparable data from the eight major ELT destinations becomes available.
Latest reports
2026
2025
2024
Quarterly student statistics (QUIC)
The Quarterly Intelligence Cohort (QUIC) is our quarterly student statistics scheme providing timely, in-year insight into trends across the UK ELT sector.
Participation is open to English UK members on an opt-in basis. For 2026, ~40% of the membership, accounting for ~60% of total student weeks, are in this scheme.
Data is collected each quarter, offering more frequent and granular insight than the annual report. Analysis includes: by sector, source market, age group, course type, and booking behaviour.
Whilst the annual report provides a retrospective overview, QUIC enables member centres to track seasonal performance and monitor change.
Two levels of outputs
Browse quarterly summaries below:
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2026
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Q1 2026
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late May)
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Q2 2026
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Q3 2026
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Q4 2026
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2025
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Economic impact report
A decade after our first serious attempt to quantify the value of the UK ELT industry, we commissioned independent research agency Pragmatix Advisory to reassess its impact. The sector has changed significantly, and the report, launched in 2025, shows its value and the challenges it faces.
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Other research, surveys and insights
Focused analysis on key sector issues and practical guidance to support recruitment
UK ELT sector impact survey: war in the Middle East - from April 2026
Since April 2026, we have run monthly member surveys to track how the war in the Middle East is affecting UK ELT businesses. These findings highlight shared sentiment across the sector and its evolution over time.
Report on accommodation in the UK ELT Sector - published July 2024
Compiled from responses from 91 English UK member centres, the report quantifies the sector's accommodation offer and the impact of shortages on the centres' ability to grow enrolments and match students' preferences. It also outlines the potential solutions identified by the respondents.
English language market report: Saudi Arabia - published Nov 2023:
Part of an English UK and the British Council joint research initiative to support student recruitment at accredited UK ELT centres, this report provides practical 'how-to' guidance for working in Saudi Arabia.
The online market for UK ELT - published March 2022
This report marks the industry's first attempt to document the UK's online ELT provision. We commissioned Bonard to undertake a supplementary survey of member centres that participated in QUIC in 2021. It distinguishes between pandemic-driven (emergency) delivery and standalone online products, which are not typically captured in the English UK student statistic reports.
Europe future outlook report - published June 2021
Bonard were commissioned to assess the emerging needs of European students and study travel agents in order to outline a range of practical recommendations for increased engagement in the post-Brexit and post-pandemic world.
English language market report: Japan - published July 2020
Part of an English UK and the British Council joint research initiative to support student recruitment at accredited UK ELT centres, this report offers practical, step-by-step guidance on operating in the Japanese market.
English language market report: Thailand - published 2018
Part of a British Council and English UK joint research initiative to support student recruitment at accredited UK ELT centres, this report provides practical 'how-to' guidance for working in Thailand.
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