Empowering Viet Nam’s Global Education Aspirations

LANGUAGECERT is proud to have sponsored a landmark new report, Examining the Economics of the English Language Teaching Industry, produced by Pragmatix Advisory and commissioned by English UK, the trade association for British Council accredited English language teaching centres. The first economic impact study of the UK’s English language teaching (ELT) sector in over a decade, the report reveals the industry’s significant value to the UK economy, contributing nearly £2 billion in gross value added and supporting 40,000 jobs, while also underscoring the challenges it faces.

The report demonstrates that the UK ELT sector not only delivers substantial direct economic benefits but also plays a vital role in strengthening the country’s global influence through soft power and intercultural exchange. Students who study English in the UK go on to become investors, collaborators, and ambassadors, creating downstream impacts that extend well beyond their time in the classroom.

According to the research, ELT centres across the UK generated nearly £1 billion in revenue in 2024, employed over 14,000 people in full-time equivalent roles, and contributed more than £670 million in direct value to the UK economy. Notably, the report estimates that each international English language student adds over £1,300 to the UK economy, with their spending alone generating £575 million in gross value and over £59 million in VAT.

Despite a 10% real-terms decline in value added over the past decade—driven by falling student numbers, shorter course durations, and centre closures—the report identifies clear pathways to sustainable growth. The most resilient ELT providers are embracing innovation, whether through embedding English into subject-based learning, integrating AI tools, or focusing on exceptional teaching quality and strong student relationships.

Importantly, the report calls for better alignment between the ELT sector and the UK’s tourism and business strategies, citing that students who combine language study with travel spend twice as much and stay longer than the average visitor. A more agile immigration regime, enhanced promotional support, and closer collaboration with tourism bodies could unlock new opportunities and help the sector thrive in a competitive global market.

LANGUAGECERT remains committed to supporting the long-term success and growth of the UK ELT industry. You can view the full report here.