Young people around the world are set to receive easier access to English language learning due to a new initiative bringing English lessons to students.
An agreement between the British Council and International Schools Partnership (ISP) will bring English classes closer to learners who struggle to reach centres of learning, allowing more young people to access high-quality English teaching within their communities.
The British Council will work with ISP, a UK-based group of over 108 independent international schools operating in 25 countries, educating more than 100,000 students worldwide. The British Council will offer lessons from ISP’s locations in Chile and Mexico, with six more locations planned in 2025.
Based at ISP schools around the globe, the collaboration will provide easier access to English classes for school-age children. The alliance will expand over the next two years, exploring opportunities beyond teaching, including exams and summer schools.
By adopting a permanent space within ISP’s learning centres, the British Council will be able to establish a long-term presence in schools where it can teach, offer courses and support learners, all in one place. International Schools Partnership (ISP) is already renowned for setting new standards of excellence in education, cultivating future-ready students and enriching the communities they serve.
Each year, the British Council supports 100 million learners and 15 million teachers worldwide through its online courses and communities, with teaching centres welcoming learners in towns and cities across 40 countries.
English is still the most widely spoken language in the world. It is the global language of communication and is likely to retain this position for the next decade and beyond, according to the British Council’s Future of English report.
Mark Walker, Director of English & Exams, British Council, said: “English connects billions of people around the world. It is the language of business, opportunity and exchange. This partnership exemplifies how we can innovate, collaborate strategically, and meet the evolving needs of learners worldwide.
“Our collaboration with ISP is a forward-thinking way to expand our impact and bring high-quality English teaching closer to more students and communities. The partnership will create meaningful value for students, enrich local communities, and help us continue our mission of helping millions around the world to improve their English skills.”
Andy Nicol, ISP Group Chief Operating Officer, commented: “Learning English as an additional language is a gateway to confidence, belonging and academic success. At ISP we view English language learning as a vital part of multilingualism and therefore we are excited to be partnering with the British Council to make this learning more accessible to communities around the world.”