What EC English does

EC English (EC English Holdings Ltd) is a Malta-headquartered private language education company founded in 1991 that delivers English and French language courses through a network of 24 physical schools across 7 countries and 16 cities spanning the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, and the UAE. Its product portfolio spans General English, Business English, exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, TOEIC), English Plus combination courses (English & Surfing, English & Safari, English & Dance, English & Gastronomy), French courses in Montreal, age-specific programmes for Adults 30+ and EC Escapes 50+, junior programmes under the Embassy Summer sub-brand, and Cambridge CELTA/DELTA teacher training. The technology stack comprises the MyEC mobile app for pre-arrival engagement, the EC Live live online classroom platform, and a Simmula VR partnership for immersive learning.

The company monetizes primarily through weekly tuition (€300-€540 for General English, up to €5,760 for 24-week Academic Semester/Year programmes) bundled with weekly accommodation fees (€215-€625), and one-time CELTA/DELTA training fees in Toronto and London. Distribution combines a direct-to-consumer website with quote requests, a global education agent and partner network accessed via dedicated Agent and Partner portals, and online delivery through EC Live. Customer acquisition spans seven persona segments from Young Learners (7-17) through Young Adults, Working Professionals, Adults 30+, Adults 50+, Academic Students, and English Language Teachers. EC English claims 1 million+ international students served since 1991 and operates under accreditations from the British Council, ACCET, English UK, Languages Canada, Eaquals, and others; the company is led by Andrew Mangion as Executive Chairman and CEO.

Name

EC English

Legal name

EC English Holdings Ltd

Website

https://ecenglish.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

EC English is a Malta-based private language school operator founded in 1991, running 24 campuses across 7 countries that deliver English and French immersion courses, exam preparation, teacher training, and age-specific programmes to international students, professionals, and adult learners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Language Education

NAICS

Language Schools (61163), Language Schools (611630), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

English Language Schools (ESL/EFL) (EDAIAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Language Proficiency Exam Prep (CEFR, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, PTE) (EDANACAD), Teacher Training & Language Teaching Certifications (e.g., CELTA/DELTA) (EDAIAEAI)

Keywords

• English language training
• Language school programs
• Exam preparation courses
• Teacher training certifications
• Study abroad programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint Paul's Bay

HQ country

Malta

HQ region

Europe

Offices17 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Language Course Fees: Tuition fees for English language courses including General English, Business English, Exam Preparation, and specialized programmes. Priced per week with course intensity affecting total cost.
2. Accommodation Services: Student accommodation including homestays, student residences, and shared apartments offered alongside language courses. Revenue generated from weekly accommodation fees.
3. Teacher Training (CELTA/DELTA): Professional teacher training courses including Cambridge CELTA and DELTA qualifications offered in Toronto and London locations.
4. EC Escapes - Language Vacations: Immersive language vacation packages for adults 50+ combining English lessons with cultural activities and excursions in destination cities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

EC English delivers English and French language education through 24 physical schools in 7 countries (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, UAE) plus an online platform (EC Live). The portfolio spans General English, Business English, exam preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, TOEIC), English Plus combination courses, age-specific programmes (Adults 30+, EC Escapes 50+), teacher training (CELTA/DELTA), and French courses in Montreal, complemented by accommodation services.

Product overview

EC English is a language education company offering a comprehensive portfolio of English and French language courses across 24 schools in 7 countries (USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, UAE). The core product offering includes General English and specialized programmes such as Business English, Exam Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Cambridge), and Academic Year courses. The portfolio extends to English Plus combination courses (English & Surfing, English & Safari, English & Dance), age-specific programmes (Adults 30+, EC Escapes 50+), and French courses in Montreal. Online learning is delivered through EC Live platform, while teacher training includes CELTA and DELTA certifications. The company also offers supplementary services like Virtual Internships and the MyEC student app. The ecosystem is organized around in-person immersive learning experiences at physical school locations, supplemented by online options and accommodation services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Embassy Summer: English language programs for younger learners (7+), offering fun courses in safe environments.

Products and services

• General English Core English language course covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills for everyday communication, priced from €300/week.
• Mini Group English Small group English classes with maximum six students per class for accelerated learning with personalized attention, from €495/week.
• English for Work Professional English course (30 lessons/week) building confidence in workplace communication, email writing, presentations, and interviews, from €410/week.
• Business English Mini Group Concentrated, tailored mini group course (max 6 students) for mastering Business English in small class settings, from €540/week.
• Business English for 25+ Business English course for professionals with Upper Intermediate to Advanced English proficiency seeking career advancement, from €410/week.
• Academic Semester or Year Long-term intensive English programme spanning 24+ weeks designed for students planning to study at foreign universities, from €5,760.
• IELTS Exam Preparation Comprehensive preparation for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, one of the world's most trusted language qualifications.
• TOEFL Exam Preparation Test preparation for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for university admission.
• TOEIC Exam Preparation Preparation course for the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) for workplace proficiency certification.
• Cambridge Exam Preparation Expert-guided preparation courses for Cambridge English examinations (FCE, CAE, CPE), from €410.
• EC Live (Learn English Online) Live online English courses with real teachers, enabling students to study remotely with interactive online classes.
• CELTA Training Cambridge-approved Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults, offered in Toronto and London.
• DELTA Training Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults, an advanced professional qualification offered in Toronto and London.
• EC Escapes (50+) Language Vacations Immersive language vacation programmes for adults aged 50+ in Cape Town, London, New York, Dublin, and Malta, from €695/week.
• Adults 30+ Schools English language schools exclusively for students aged 30 and over, offering mature learning environments in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Brighton, London, Dublin, Malta, and Cape Town.
• General French French language improvement course offered in Montreal for overall French language skills.
• French Academic Semester or Year Long-term French language programme spanning a semester or year for achieving French fluency in Montreal.
• English in the City English course that combines classroom learning with exploring and learning English in urban environments, from €420.
• Bilingual Programme in Montreal Combined English and French language courses offered in Montreal, the world's largest bilingual city, from C$435.
• Writing with AI English writing improvement course using AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance written English skills, from €410.
• Erasmus Plus for Teachers Professional development programmes for education professionals in Malta or Dublin, including digital skills and teaching methodology courses.
• One-to-One Private Sessions Private one-on-one sessions with an experienced language teacher added to any EC course, from €190 per session.
• University Pathways / Admissions Service Programmes designed to help students access overseas university education through English language preparation and admissions support.
• Virtual Internships Virtual work experience programmes available for students seeking professional exposure.
• Embassy Summer (Young Learners) English language programmes for younger learners (7+) through a dedicated brand offering fun courses in safe environments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1 million international students have trusted EC English since 1991
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Geographic LearningcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial partner providing English course materials and educational content for EC English programmes worldwide.
• AdRollminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdvertising and retargeting services for digital marketing campaigns to reach potential students online.
• Cambridge Assessment EnglishcoreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial Cambridge CELTA and DELTA teacher training course provider in Toronto and London. Exam preparation courses for Cambridge English examinations.
• British CouncilcoreOthersBritish Council accredited English language school, with IELTS test preparation courses recognized globally.
• ETS (Educational Testing Service)coreTechnology or IntegrationOfficial TOEFL and TOEIC test preparation course provider. EC offers TOEIC exam preparation courses.
• Accommodation PartnerscoreOthersPartnerships with student accommodation providers including IQ Student Accommodation, Vita Student, Student Castle, Yugo, GEC, and others across UK, Canada, USA, Ireland for student residences and homestay services.
• Technological University DublinminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partnership for academic recognition and pathway programmes for students seeking higher education in Ireland.
• Trinity College LondonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for recognized English language teaching qualifications and associated professional development.
• Erasmus+coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Union programme offering Erasmus Plus for Teachers courses in Malta and Dublin, providing professional development for education professionals.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• EF Education First: The largest global chain of English language schools with a comparable study-abroad model, also offering academic programs, cultural immersion, and online learning at far greater scale than EC.
• Kaplan International Languages: Operates English language schools in major English-speaking destinations with a similar course portfolio (General English, exam prep, Business English) and university pathway offerings.
• International House: A global network of independent language schools offering teacher training (CELTA/DELTA) and English courses through affiliated centers, directly overlapping EC's product mix.
• Berlitz: Global language training company with immersive in-person instruction and corporate language programs, competing with EC for adult professional learners.
• Stafford House International: Operates English language schools in the UK, USA, and Canada with comparable course categories including exam prep and academic year programs.
• LAL Language Schools: Multi-destination English language school chain with locations in Europe, South Africa, and the Americas, directly competing for study-abourad students.
• CES (Centre of English Studies): Operates English language schools in Ireland and the UK with General English, exam preparation, and teacher training courses, competing for similar European student flows.
• Regent Language Training: UK-based English language school group offering General English, exam prep, and teacher training with schools in multiple British cities.
• British Study Centres: Operates English language schools across the UK with a similar course portfolio including Young Learner programmes and academic pathways.

Emerging players

• English Path: A fast-growing English language school group with locations in the UK, Ireland, Malta, and the UAE, overlapping with EC's footprint and targeting similar international student segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ECEnglish
• Facebookfacebook.com/ec.language.schools

Compliance18 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about EC English