English UK has committed in its strategy to 2030 to reforming the Student Emergency Support (SES) scheme to provide stronger protection for students affected by the closure of an accredited UK ELT centre.

As of 18:45 on Friday 18 September, replacement course offers have been made to all affected students.

China remains a market of opportunity for UK English language providers, despite increased competition, economic uncertainty and changing student expectations.

English UK has activated our Student Emergency Support (SES) scheme to find new courses for those affected by the closure of EC English's four UK schools in London, Cambridge, Brighton and Manchester.   

Classes at EC English schools in the UK are continuing today, following the suspension of new student arrivals over the weekend. 

English UK is aware that EC English has suspended new student arrivals globally for the weekend of 12-13 September 2026.

The Government has announced changes to the Immigration Rules that mean most EU and EEA participants on Erasmus+ programmes of up to six months will be able to travel to the UK using an ETA rather than applying for a visa.

International House Belfast closed permanently at the end of August 2026.