The UK’s English language teaching sector delivered 99,689 student weeks during the first quarter of 2026, according to new data released by English UK’s Quarterly Intelligence Cohort (QUIC). Based on returns from 116 member centres, representing approximately 40% of the association’s membership, the figures indicate a 7% year-on-year decline in overall student weeks compared with the same period in 2025.
The downturn was concentrated in the adult market. Adult student weeks fell by 10%, while the junior segment recorded 7% growth, continuing a pattern that first became visible during the final months of last year. Although January to March remains a period dominated by adult learners, the latest figures suggest that demand from younger students is proving more resilient than many operators had anticipated.
Adult provision still accounted for the vast majority of activity. Around 85% of all student weeks were delivered to adult learners, with juniors representing the remaining 15%, reflecting the established seasonal rhythm of the UK market before the summer programme period begins.
The source market profile also remained largely unchanged. Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Japan, Brazil and Italy generated the highest volume of adult student weeks during the quarter, with Italy entering the adult top five. In the junior sector, Italy retained first place, followed by Spain, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, the latter replacing Chile among the leading markets. Together, the ten largest source countries accounted for 71% of all student weeks, a slightly higher concentration than a year earlier.
Regional distribution showed little movement. London, the South and South East, and Northern England continued to host approximately three quarters of all student weeks, maintaining their long-established position as the country’s principal destinations for English language study.
Booking behaviour also remained familiar. Agency business represented 74% of student weeks, underlining the continued importance of recruitment partners despite growing interest in direct enrolment strategies across the sector. Individual students accounted for roughly three quarters of bookings, while organised groups represented the remaining quarter, closely matching previous seasonal patterns.
One of the more notable developments in the latest data is the emerging trajectory of the junior market. During much of the post-pandemic recovery, junior programmes generally declined more slowly than adult provision. The latest results point to something different. Junior student weeks have now increased year on year for two consecutive quarters, suggesting that growth in this segment is no longer simply relative to weaker adult demand.
It is too early to conclude that the balance of the UK ELT market is changing permanently. The first quarter traditionally reflects adult mobility, while the industry’s largest volumes are still generated during the summer season. Nevertheless, the continued strength of junior enrolments will be watched closely by providers as they assess recruitment strategies, marketing priorities and capacity planning for the remainder of 2026.
The QUIC programme provides participating English UK members with quarterly benchmarking data throughout the year, complementing the association’s annual statistical report with earlier indicators of market performance and changes in student demand.
