Key Updates from the English UK London Q2 Members’ Meeting
On 26th June 2026, The English UK London Q2 Members’ Meeting brought together (online) members from across the capital for an afternoon of industry updates, market insights and collaborative discussion. From the latest immigration and policy developments to market intelligence, the proposed Escrow Scheme, student events and accommodation challenges, the meeting highlighted the collective work being undertaken to support our members and strengthen London’s position as a world-leading destination for English language education.
Committee Update
The meeting opened with committee updates, including the announcement of Raf d’Apice’s election as Vice Chair of English UK London. The committee also thanked Patrick for his valuable contribution to student events and invited members interested in helping shape future events to get involved.
Student engagement remains a key priority for English UK London, with several upcoming networking opportunities planned, including:
Summer Picnic in Hyde Park- London Pride Meet-up
- Summer Boat Party
Members interested in supporting these initiatives are encouraged to contact the committee. You can get in touch with us via info(at)englishuklondon.com
UK Immigration & Visa Updates
Naadiya Raat, from English UK, provided members with a comprehensive update on current immigration developments, including:
Electronic Visas (eVisas)
Members were reminded that UK visas are now issued digitally rather than as passport vignettes. Students should carefully check their UKVI account details and report any errors immediately before travelling.
ETA Reminder
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows eligible travellers to travel to the UK but is not a visa in itself. Students should retain proof of travel as evidence of lawful entry.
ID Card Travel Scheme
Positive progress continues regarding school group travel.
- France continues to benefit from the ID Card scheme.
- Germany will join the scheme from 1 October 2026, allowing eligible school groups to travel using national ID cards.
English UK continues to advocate for an extension of this arrangement to Italy and Spain, two of London’s most important junior markets, and we all hope it too.
Youth Experience Scheme
Members received an update on the proposed UK-EU Youth Experience Scheme.
Whilst political agreement has been reached, operational details are still under discussion. English UK continues to advocate for:
- High participant numbers
- Affordable application costs
- A straightforward application process
This scheme has the potential to become a significant opportunity for the ELT sector.
Erasmus+
Further guidance on the UK’s renewed participation in Erasmus+ is expected later this year, with additional information anticipated from November onwards. You can read the full information article here.
International Education Strategy 2030
English UK is playing a leading role in developing the Government’s International Education Strategy.
Members will shortly receive a sector-wide survey, and everyone is encouraged to participate. The feedback collected will directly inform the recommendations presented to Government.
Q1 2026 Market Snapshot
Members also reviewed the latest English UK QUIC data.
Some key findings included:
UK ELT student weeks declined by approximately 7% compared with Q1 2025.- Adult student weeks were down by around 10%, reflecting continued challenges in several international markets.
- Junior programmes continue to perform strongly, increasing by approximately 7% year-on-year.
- London remains the UK’s leading English language destination, accounting for around one-third of all UK student weeks.
Discussions also highlighted external pressures affecting demand, including international conflicts, flight costs and visa-related issues. The full article is available here.
Accommodation Market Discussion
The meeting concluded with an engaging panel discussion featuring accommodation partners, focusing on current market pressures, availability, pricing and future collaboration opportunities to support London’s schools during peak periods. A heartfelt thank you goes to the fantastic moderator of this discussion, Caroline Turner, and to our panelists: Andres Saleh (HFS London), Jamie Taylor (Hosts International), Chris Milne (Londonnest) and Anil Hayat (Londonits). We will surely be organising another panel for our next Members Meeting.
Escrow Proposal and Future Membership Expansion
One of the most engaging discussions of the meeting focused on the proposed Escrow Scheme, a topic that is currently generating considerable debate across the sector.
Members explored the potential benefits and practical implications of introducing an escrow model within the English language teaching industry, considering how such a system could enhance financial security, strengthen trust between schools and agencies, and provide greater reassurance for students and their families.
The session also encouraged members to share their views and experiences, reinforcing English UK London’s commitment to ensuring that any future developments reflect the needs and priorities of its members and their network of international agents and students.
Alongside this discussion, members also heard about proposals relating to the future expansion of English UK and the possibility of welcoming additional organisations into the association. The committee emphasised the importance of ensuring that any future growth continues to uphold the high standards, collaborative ethos and quality that define English UK London, while creating new opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing and collective advocacy.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who joined the meeting and contributed to the discussion. You can download the full presentation here.
English UK London remains committed to representing members’ interests, strengthening London’s position as the world’s leading English language destination, and providing practical support through regular updates, networking opportunities and sector advocacy.
We look forward to seeing you at our next Members’ Meeting.
