English UK - who we are and what we do
English UK is the UK's national membership association of accredited English language teaching (ELT) centres. Our 300+ British Council-accredited member centres are based all over the UK and attract learners from all over the world to improve their English and experience our culture. We:
- Represent UK ELT nationally and internationally and promote the highest quality in teaching and student services.
- Support members with business-critical intelligence, tailored advice, events and training and tendering opportunities.
- Campaign for policies that will allow the UK ELT sector to thrive.
English UK is a registered charity.
Our mission, vision and values
Our mission is to harness the collective energy of our membership to champion and advance UK ELT.
Our vision is for a UK English language teaching sector that transforms lives through learning and intercultural understanding.
Our values are community, inclusivity, integrity, responsibility, and sustainability
Read Our mission, vision and values
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Supporting and promoting quality in English language teaching
English UK membership is a badge of quality. Member centres must meet the challenging welfare and teaching standards of Accreditation UK, the world's leading ELT quality scheme. English UK runs Accreditation UK in partnership with the British Council.
We are committed to the professional development of our members, offering training and CPD through our events and training programme.
Our partner agency scheme recognises quality study travel agencies which work successfully with our members.
We offer students a complaints service and emergency support if things go wrong.
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The best intelligence for UK ELT industry
Our annual student statistics and quarterly student statistics (QUIC) have transformed the insights available to our members and the wider UK ELT sector. We work closely with our insight partner BONARD on these.
With the British Council, we have published in-depth market reports offering practical advice and insights for Accreditation UK centres.
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Promoting our members and UK ELT worldwide
We help maximise business opportunities for members through targeted promotional events and activities in the UK and overseas. These include StudyWorld in the UK, and international events to promote UK ELT. Promotional campaigns include English with Confidence.
Our partner agency scheme helps members team up with the most effective study travel agencies.
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Helping our members succeed
To help member centres thrive, we offer benefits including regular Q&As and webinars, support with student visa queries, access to campaigning resources, discounted copyright and motion picture licences, discounted attendance at our conferences and training, a free place at our annual conference, regular updates and bulletins and access to tendering opportunities.
Our corporate members include leading industry service providers who attend our events and communicate with members, building closer working relationships with language centres.
Our partner agents are listed in our partner agency directory, linking quality agents with quality ELT centres to benefit students.
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Speaking for the UK ELT sector
We campaign for policies that will help the UK's English language teaching industry to thrive. Our public affairs team works to create the best possible operating environment for UK ELT.
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Publications and reports
2025
Our strategy and policies:
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