Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

British International English Language Schools

Thursday 21 April 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Caroline Ansell asked about steps to support British international English language schools recovering from the covid-19 pandemic.
  • The Department will continue to support the sector with international student recruitment and the delivery of training overseas.
  • The Department is working with the Home Office to remove barriers, including a six-month allowance for EU students to study English under the standard visitor route.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Caroline Ansell Con
Education Economy Business & Trade
Context

The MP is concerned about the recovery of British international English language schools following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question

What steps she is taking to help support British international English language schools recover from the covid-19 pandemic. The sector supports more than 35,000 jobs and generates over a billion pounds each year.

Answer from Mike Freer

The Department will continue to support the English language training sector with both international student recruitment and the delivery of training overseas. We are supporting English UK's “English with Confidence” campaign.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or concrete actions not detailed

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Q2 Caroline Ansell Con
Immigration Education
Context

The MP notes the sector's recovery but raises concerns over group travel, visa requirements, and competition from other destinations like Malta and Ireland.

Question

What discussions has he had with his Home Office counterparts to tackle any of those potential barriers? The English language schools in Eastbourne are beginning to recover, generating significant revenue. However, there is concern about group travel and visa requirements which could lead to loss of market share.

Answer from Mike Freer

The Department continues to work with the Home Office to remove barriers. This includes a six-month allowance for EU students to study English at an accredited centre under the standard visitor route.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details of specific discussions and outcomes not provided

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