Campaigning for UK ELT

English UK champions the UK ELT sector, helping create the conditions for students, businesses and communities to thrive. We work to ensure that the UK remains a world-leading destination for English language study, supporting a sector that transforms lives through learning, strengthens local economies and builds lasting international connections.

Why UK ELT matters

English is the world’s most widely spoken and learned language. Around 2.3 billion people speak it and 1.5 billion are currently learning it. In 2024, more than one million people travelled abroad to study English, and the UK remained the world’s leading destination for English language study, accounting for 38% of the global market.

These students bring significant benefits to the UK. In 2025, the UK ELT sector contributed £1.8 billion to the UK economy and supported around 40,000 jobs, delivering economic and social value to communities across the country.

Sources

• British Council, Future of English (2023)
• BONARD, Global ELT Annual Report (2025)
• English UK, Economic impact of English language teaching in the UK (2025)

How English UK champions UK ELT

Championing UK ELT means protecting and growing opportunities for our members, while supporting the businesses, communities and households that benefit when international students choose to study in the UK.

We do this by influencing policy, supporting market growth, strengthening the workforce, and promoting equality and sustainability. Working with government, industry partners, members and stakeholders in the UK and around the world, we help ensure the sector continues to thrive.

Campaigning for UK ELT

We work with MPs, ministers, officials and other policymakers. Our aim is to ensure the needs of the UK ELT sector are understood and represented. Our campaigns focus on the issues that matter most for student recruitment, business growth, quality and international competitiveness. We also help members make their voices heard.

Get involved in our campaigning work

Growing the market for UK ELT

English UK promotes the UK as a leading destination for English language study and helps create opportunities for the sector to grow. Through international events, market development activities, partnerships and professional development, we connect UK providers with education agents and partners worldwide. We also share market intelligence and insights to help members understand trends, identify opportunities and reach new markets.

• StudyWorld events – our flagship business-to-business networking events, bringing together accredited UK providers and international education agents
• Overseas representation – promoting UK ELT in key international markets and creating opportunities for members to build relationships with agents and partners
• Market intelligence and research – helping members understand global trends, student demand and emerging opportunities
• Professional development and market briefings – keeping members informed about developments in international education and student recruitment
• Partnerships and international promotion – working with government, the British Council and other stakeholders and partners to strengthen the UK’s reputation as a world-leading destination for English language study

Building the workforce for UK ELT

A successful sector depends on talented teachers, activity leaders, homestay hosts and support staff. We help attract, train and develop the people who make the student experience possible, supporting both today’s workforce needs and the sector’s long-term future.

We support workforce development in several ways:

• AccessTEFL – an on-the-job route to teaching qualifications that meet Accreditation UK standards
• Free online training for activity leaders – helping staff develop the skills needed to support international students
• Our homestay host campaign – encouraging more households to discover the rewards of hosting international students and helping expand accommodation capacity across the UK
• Careers in UK ELT resources – practical information to help more people explore careers in English language teaching and related roles

Leading on equality and sustainability

English UK works with members to promote fair, inclusive and sustainable practices across the sector.

Equality and sustainability are embedded in our strategy, mission, vision and values. We work with members to promote fair, inclusive and sustainable practices across the sector. Recently, our members voted to end recruitment practices that favour so-called native speakers over equally qualified teachers. This supports our commitment to tackling discrimination and widening opportunities within the profession.

We also help the sector reduce its environmental impact and share good practice. This helps ensure UK ELT remains sustainable for the future.

Get involved

A strong English language teaching sector benefits students, communities, businesses and the wider UK economy. Find out how we’re working to support the sector and how you can get involved.