Accreditations and affiliations of EC English Schools

Our accreditations and awards reflect our constant pursuit of excellence

Accreditation is a form of quality assurance, where an English language school is checked to make sure that it meets the standards established by an accrediting body.

These days, student visas are granted only to students at accredited English schools. This is especially the case for UK and US English language schools.

To be accredited, EC has undergone a very intensive examination to ensure that our schools meet the strict standards demanded by accrediting bodies. Only the schools which offer the best service become accredited schools, gaining an internationally recognised mark of quality.

Our English schools have been thoroughly examined, investigated and found worthy of accreditation. Accredited schools are re-inspected every few years, and each year a number of accredited schools are randomly selected to undergo unannounced visits. Accordingly, accredited schools cannot allow the level of service they provide to slip. Schools must operate at top levels at all times.

ACCET

ACCET provides institutional accreditation for organisations in the US whose primary function is for educational purposes and for organisations offering continuing education as a clearly identified institutional objective within the operational entity.

ACELS

The Accreditation and Co-ordination of English Language Services (ACELS) was established in 1969 under the auspices of the Irish Department of Education and Science to control standards in English Language Teaching schools and organisations through inspection.

Independent Schools Inspectorate

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is an agency approved by the Home Office to carry out educational oversight inspections of private further education colleges and English language schools in England and Wales.

British Council

Based in six continents and over 100 countries, and working with millions of people each year, the British Council is the UK's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations. Accreditation applies to all EC schools in the UK.

FELTOM

FELTOM (Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations in Malta) is an association of language schools that sets and monitors quality standards for its members. Not only does the association regulate the qualifications of the teaching staff, but also the facilities available at the schools.

English USA

Through its support for ethical and professional standards for intensive English programs, English USA (formerly known as AAIEP) promotes the well-being and educational success of its English language students.

Languages Canada

Membership is limited to programs from the public and private sectors which meet the rigorous standards of the association and who are committed to upholding them. Languages Canada is recognised by the Canadian government, as well as internationally.

BPSS

New York's Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) oversees and monitors non-degree granting proprietary schools in New York. The Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) is part of the New York State Education Department (NYSED)

PTIB

The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) is responsible for ensuring institutions in British Columbia meet the requirements and standards for certification, maintaining a directory of all certified institutions and the programs they provide, and providing protection for students and overseeing the protection of their tuition.

English UK

The national association of accredited English language centres, English UK, has 470+ member centres, all accredited to the highest standards, and ensuring the best teaching and care for students. Accreditation applies to all EC schools in the UK.

ALTO

Providing a global platform for leaders and decision makers within the language travel industry is central to ALTO’s mission. The association seeks to develop and grow the industry through networking, professional development, and the exchange of ideas and information.

TESL Canada

TESL Canada Federation is the national federation of English as a Second Language teachers, learners and learner advocates. The federation's mission is to promote excellence in the teaching and learning of English as a second or additional language.

English Education in Ireland

To become a member, a school must undergo rigorous testing and inspections, and adhere to a strict protocol to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, due diligence and care. Member schools are inspected and recognised by Accreditation and Coordination of English Language Services (ACELS).

English South Africa (ESA)

English South Africa (ESA) is the national association of quality language centres in South Africa. It is committed to developing and guiding the growth of the English language travel industry in South Africa and ensuring that its members meet or exceed guaranteed minimum standards of professionalism and quality.

SATSA

Established in 1969, SATSA is a non-profit, member-driven association representing the region’s tourism private sector. Its purpose is to provide international buyers with advice and information on quality tourism partners in the Southern African inbound tourism industry.

Eaquals

Eaquals fosters excellence in language education by providing guidance and support to teaching institutions and individuals. The organisation aims to improve the language learner’s experience by developing quality standards for teaching, accreditations, practical resources, training and support for those working in modern languages. View Report

EC Policy Documents

Learn more about the policies and procedures at EC's USA, UK, and Malta schools.

Policy Documents

5-time Star Chain Language School Winner

At EC were proud to have won the ST Star Chain School Award 5 times, which puts us in the 'ST Super Star Hall of Fame', and we have been nominated for this award almost every year since 2007. We have also won the ST Star Innovation Award twice. Come and experience one of our award-winning schools for yourself.

Learn more

ST Awards 'Super Star' School

ST Star Awards

ST Star Chain School Award in: 2020/21, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2011 and have been nominated for this award almost every year since 2007.

ST Star Innovation Award: 2010 and 2009.

Other Awards

2021

✓ Japan Best School Awards for EC Virtual, Ryugaku Japan

2020

✓ Japan Best School Awards for EC Toronto, Ryugaku Japan

2019

✓ Best Chain School, UED

2018

✓ Best Admissions Support, IE Intercambio

✓ School Top Of mind

✓ EC - School Group of the year, ESL

✓ Best Malta School, UED

2017

✓ CSR Champion of the Year, UED Best English

✓ EC Malta - (English) School of the Year award, ESL

✓ Best Admissions Support, IE Intercambio

✓ Best Operations Support, Travelmate

2016

✓ UK's Customer Experience Silver Star Award (for the Orange Carpet Experience)

✓ School top of mind, Travelmate

✓ Experience, ESL School Group of the Year, ESL

✓ Language School, UED Best Chain School

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Accreditations, Licenses and Memberships

EC English Language Centres