14/05/2025
Cambridge University Press & Assessment is supporting a new paper highlighting the significant contribution the English language teaching (ELT) sector provides to the UK economy.
Francesca Woodward, Managing Director for English at Cambridge, in Parliament backing a new paper highlighting the significant contribution the English language teaching sector provides to the UK economy.
English UK’s critical new report Examining the economics of the English Language teaching industry, was unveiled on 14 May at a Parliamentary Reception in London. The report, undertaken by Pragmatix Advisory and part funded by Cambridge, sheds light on the industry's contribution to jobs, growth and international influence.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment contribute to the sector by developing the world’s leading range of resources and assessments for learners and teachers of English.
Francesca Woodward, Managing Director for English at Cambridge said:
“The UK remains a key study destination and it’s fantastic that the English language teaching sector remains resilient in challenging conditions. People coming to study English in the UK bring so many benefits in terms of the economy and helping to boost the diversity of educational communities. For many the English language teaching and learning sector provides a way to improve their employability and encourages cultural exchange and global mobility”.
She added:
“We contribute to the sector by working collaboratively with schools and higher education institutions and delivering learning and assessment solutions. This includes IELTS, the most recognised test for international higher education and migration, as well as the Cambridge English exams. We also develop teaching qualifications such as the CELTA and DELTA which are hugely significant in the UK. Overall, the Cambridge English exams are recognised by 25,000 organisations around the world as reliable proof of English language ability.”
The report highlights the resilience and value of the ELT sector and how it has changed over the last decade. Cambridge says the figures speak for themselves with the report citing that the UK ELT sector contributes around £2 billion of gross added value (GVA) to the UK economy (£1.8 billion added to UK finances in 2024).
English UK’s Chief executive, Jodie Gray, stated "The government says growing the UK economy is its number one priority, and our industry can play a part in that. This report demonstrates how government support for us could help drive growth, income, and jobs. We are very grateful to Cambridge English and our other sponsors for enabling us to carry out this groundbreaking research."
Read the full report here. Examining the economics of the English Language teaching industry.