UK's English language schools struggle as student numbers drop in 2025
The UK’s English Language Teaching (ELT) sector faced another difficult year in 2025. Student numbers dropped by 4.8%, while student weeks fell by 10.9%. Industry leaders have now called for urgent government action to support recovery.
The decline in 2025 followed ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. Tariffs imposed by Donald Trump hit key markets like China and Colombia, reducing student arrivals. Economic downturns in other source countries also played a role.
Despite the setbacks, certain regions remained strong. Turkey, Italy, and Gulf nations such as the UAE continued sending significant numbers of learners. The juniors market, which accounts for around 60% of all ELT students, stayed a vital part of the sector. Language schools across the UK reported varying difficulties depending on location. Centres in London faced different pressures compared to those in Cardiff, Manchester, or Liverpool. To help students navigate uncertainty, schools were advised to keep close ties with education agents. In response to the struggles, English UK released an updated 2026 position paper. It urged the government to speed up reforms supporting the ELT sector. Skills Minister Jacqui Smith previously described the industry as a *‘very important strand’* of the UK’s international education strategy.
The sector now looks to policy changes to stabilise and rebuild. With student numbers and weeks both declining, schools and agents must adapt to shifting global conditions. The government’s next steps will be crucial in shaping the future of UK language education.
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