The Cambridge Centre - International House Toulouse

What The Cambridge Centre - International House Toulouse does

The Cambridge Centre - International House Toulouse is a private limited company (SARL) operating a 250m² language training and examination facility in Blagnac, near Toulouse, France. Founded in 2001 by Joanne Imart, Mike Nicholls, and Kate Nicholls as independent English teachers operating from a small rented garage, the center has grown into a multi-language school and an authorized Cambridge Assessment English examination center (designation FR 014) serving the Occitanie region. Since 2017, the center has been affiliated with International House World Organisation, a network of over 150 independent language schools in more than 50 countries, giving it access to shared teaching methodology and a global immersion footprint.

The company's product portfolio spans four core areas: (1) language courses for adults, children, and teenagers in English, French as a Foreign Language (FLE), Spanish, and Italian, delivered in small groups, pairs, or individually in-person at the Blagnac center, in-company, or via hybrid formats; (2) teacher training programs including CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Adults), TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test), and DELTA, which are eligible for CPF funding under France Compétences code RS 6547; (3) Cambridge exam administration for Young Learners (Pre A1 Starters through A2 Flyers), Cambridge English Qualifications (A2 Key through C2 Proficiency), Linguaskill, IELTS, CLOE, and SIELE, supporting over 80 partner institutions; and (4) immersion programs including in-France stays in Bourg (Hautes-Pyrénées) and international programs routed through IHWO partner schools in the UK, Ireland, Malta, Spain, Germany, Italy, South Africa, and Australia. Underlying technology is a communicative language teaching methodology aligned with CEFR (A1–C2) and Cambridge Teaching Qualifications; the center runs on Zoom for online CELTA Teaching Practice and the CEMDESK platform for exam registration.

The business model combines multiple revenue streams: recurring language course fees (English, FLE, Spanish, Italian) billed per cycle, CELTA/TKT/DELTA professional services with CPF eligibility, transaction-based exam registration fees processed through CEMDESK, and immersion program fees comprising partner school fees plus administrative surcharges. Go-to-market is hybrid: direct-to-consumer acquisition via the cambridge-centre.fr website for individuals, and a consultative sales-led motion for institutional clients (schools, universities, training organizations) seeking to become official Cambridge Preparation Centers. Distribution spans in-person training at the Blagnac center, in-company corporate training (notably for Toulouse's aerospace sector), in-France immersion in the Pyrénées, and international immersion via IHWO partner schools. Joanne Imart serves as General Director and sole owner, with a team of approximately 7 employees. The center is GDPR-compliant and adheres to the Charte de déontologie CPF of the Fédération des Acteurs de la Compétence.

Name

The Cambridge Centre - International House Toulouse

Legal name

THE CAMBRIDGE CENTRE

Website

https://cambridge-centre.fr

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Cambridge Centre - International House Toulouse is a Blagnac-based, Cambridge-authorized language school and exam center delivering English, French, Spanish, and Italian courses alongside CELTA/TKT/DELTA teacher training and immersion programs for individuals, schools, and corporates.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Language Training and Examination Services

NAICS

Language Schools (61163), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Exam Preparation Language Programs (IELTS/TOEFL/DELE/DALF/HSK, etc.) (EDAIAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Teacher Training & Professional Development for Adult ESL (TESOL/TEFL/CELTA for Adult Ed) (EDAAACAM), Teacher Training & Language Teaching Certifications (e.g., CELTA/DELTA) (EDAIAEAI), International/Global Curriculum Schools (IB, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAJABAG)

Keywords

• Language training services
• Cambridge exam preparation
• English language courses
• Teacher training certification
• Language immersion programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Blagnac

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Language Course Fees (Adults, Children, Teens): The center generates revenue primarily from language course fees for English, French as a Foreign Language (FLE), Spanish, and Italian. Courses are delivered in small groups, pairs, or individually, in-person at the Blagnac training center or in-company. Courses are structured around CEFR levels (A1–C2) and include preparation for Cambridge certifications (Linguaskill, Cambridge English Qualifications) and other certifications (CLOE, SIELE, IELTS, TCF).
2. Teacher Training Courses (CELTA, TKT): Revenue from CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Adults) and TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) preparation courses. CELTA is eligible for CPF (French professional training account) funding under RS 6547. The center also organizes Distance DELTA programs and professional workshops for in-service teachers.
3. Cambridge Exam Registration and Administration: The center acts as an official Cambridge Assessment English exam center, administering exams including Young Learners (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers), Cambridge English Qualifications (A2–C2), and Linguaskill for over 80 partner institutions. Revenue includes exam registration fees processed through the CEMDESK platform.
4. Immersion Programs and Linguistic Stays: Revenue from language immersion programs including: in-France weekend immersion in Bourg (Hautes-Pyrénées), and international stays at International House network schools in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Malta, South Africa, Australia, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Fees include course fees charged by partner schools, plus administrative and accompaniment fees charged by IH Toulouse.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Cambridge Centre - IH Toulouse is a private language training school and authorized Cambridge Assessment English examination center that delivers face-to-face, in-company, and hybrid language courses in English, French as a Foreign Language (FLE), Spanish, and Italian, alongside CELTA, TKT, and DELTA teacher training qualifications. It administers Cambridge English exams (Young Learners, A2 Key through C2 Proficiency, Linguaskill), as well as IELTS, CLOE, and SIELE certifications, and offers immersion programs domestically in Hautes-Pyrénées and internationally via the International House World Organisation network across 50+ countries.

Product overview

The Cambridge Centre - IH Toulouse operates as a language training and examination center offering a comprehensive portfolio of language learning products and teacher qualifications. The core offerings include face-to-face and hybrid English courses for adults, children, and teenagers (Cambridge Kids & Teens), alongside foreign language instruction in French (FLE), Spanish, and Italian. The center provides exam preparation for Cambridge certifications including Young Learners (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers), Cambridge English Qualifications (A2 Key to C2 Proficiency), Linguaskill, IELTS, CLOE, and SIELE. Teacher training programs include CELTA, TKT, and DELTA qualifications. Immersion programs are offered both domestically in the Pyrenees and internationally through IH World Organisation schools across multiple countries. The center functions as an approved Cambridge Assessment English examination center, supporting over 80 partner institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• English Courses for Adults Face-to-face, hybrid, or in-company English language courses for adults at all CEFR levels (A1–C2), delivered in small groups, pairs, or individual sessions at the Blagnac training center or on corporate sites. Includes preparation for Cambridge English Qualifications, Linguaskill, CLOE English, and IELTS.
• Cambridge Kids & Teens English language programs for primary, middle, and high school students preparing for Cambridge Young Learners exams (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers) and Cambridge English Qualifications for schools (A2 Key for Schools through C1 Advanced), including IELTS preparation for teens.
• French as a Foreign Language (FLE) French language courses for non-native speakers, delivered in-person at the Blagnac center or on-site at companies in group, pair, or individual formats. Includes preparation for CLOE Français and TCF / Alliance Française certifications.
• Spanish Courses Spanish language training programs delivered in-person at the Blagnac center or on-site at companies in group, pair, or individual formats. Includes preparation for CLOE Espagnol and SIELE certification.
• Italian Courses Italian language training programs delivered in-person at the Blagnac center or on-site at companies in group, pair, or individual formats. Includes preparation for CLOE Italien and Bright Italien certification.
• Immersion Programs in France Weekend and week-long language immersion stays at a villa in Bourg, Hautes-Pyrénées, comprising 35 hours of language courses plus 25 hours of activities per cycle, for groups of 2–7 participants aged 16+. Includes Linguaskill certification.
• Immersion Programs Abroad (IH network) International language immersion stays of 1–2 weeks for children and teenagers aged 10–17 at International House partner schools including IH Ellesmere (UK), IH Dublin (Ireland), IH Malta, and IH Cork, combining language courses with sports, activities, and excursions. The center charges administrative and accompaniment fees on top of partner school course fees.
• Cambridge Young Learners Exams Administration Administration of Cambridge Young Learners exams (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers) for primary and middle school students, aligned with CEFR levels and complementing national English education.
• Cambridge English Qualifications Administration Administration of official Cambridge English exams from A2 to C2 proficiency levels (A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency), recognized internationally by universities, governments, and companies.
• Linguaskill Test Administration Administration of the Cambridge Linguaskill professional English test assessing reading, listening, and writing skills, offered as part of the center's certification options.
• IELTS Test Administration Administration of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam for English proficiency certification, with technical information sheets available for registration preparation.
• CLOE Test Administration Administration of the multi-language CLOE certification (English, FLE, Spanish, German, Italian) in partnership with the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie (CCI), registered in France Compétences.
• SIELE Test Administration Administration of the Spanish International Language Assessment Service (SIELE) test for Spanish proficiency certification, in partnership with Universidad de Salamanca.
• CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Adults) Full-time intensive CELTA teacher training course, an internationally recognized English teaching qualification from Cambridge Assessment English, designed for individuals with little or no teaching experience, career changers, and teachers seeking formal credentials. Eligible for CPF funding under RS 6547.
• TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) Preparation Cambridge English professional qualification preparation for English teachers, delivered across four basic modules (12h or 20h each), suitable for primary, secondary, and continuing education teachers worldwide.
• DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) Distance DELTA program support for experienced English teachers seeking an advanced teaching diploma, with Joanne Imart acting as Distance DELTA Local Tutor.
• Professional Workshops for Teachers Customized pedagogical workshops for schools and higher education institutions, delivered by Director Joanne Imart, covering teaching methodologies and professional development for language educators.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% satisfaction rate among 504 CELTA trainees in 2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International House World Organisation (IHWO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017In 2017, The Cambridge Centre affiliated with International House World Organisation, a global network of over 150 independent language schools in more than 50 countries. All IH schools share the same philosophy and teaching approach (communicative method without translation). IH Toulouse is designated as FR 014. The partnership provides access to global immersion schools, shared teacher training resources, and Cambridge English's lineage of qualifications (CELTA, originally created by IH founders).
• Cambridge Assessment EnglishcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCambridge Assessment English is the language assessment department of the University of Cambridge. The Cambridge Centre is an authorized exam center, administering exams including Young Learners (Pre A1–A2), Cambridge English Qualifications (A2–C2), and Linguaskill. Cambridge Assessment English also develops the CELTA qualification (which originated from IHWO's International House Certificate). The center supports over 80 partner institutions with these exams.
• Universidad De SalamancaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner contributing to the center's language offerings and international credibility. Supports Spanish language programs and certification (SIELE).
• Goethe-InstitutminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for German language education. The center offers German language courses and Goethe Test Pro certification for German language learners.
• OPCOs (Opérateurs de Compétences)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench skills operators (OPCOs) are industry-specific funding bodies that finance professional training. The center works with multiple OPCOs to channel CPF funding for its language and teacher training courses.
• Pôle EmploiminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFrench public employment service that can fund language training for job seekers. The center accepts funding from Pôle Emploi for eligible training programs.
• Aerospace industry groups (Toulouse/Occitanie region)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGiven Toulouse's position as the heart of the French aerospace industry, the center partners with aerospace companies to provide in-company language training (English, FLE) for employees. CPD and professional communication in foreign languages are key offerings.
• Mairie de Blagnac (Blagnac Town Hall)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal municipal government partner. The center is located in Blagnac and participates in the economic, social, cultural, and community life of the territory.
• Ligue Contre le CancerminorOthersThe center supports the Ligue Contre le Cancer (French Cancer League) as part of its community engagement and social responsibility activities.
• CEMDESKcoreTechnology or IntegrationCEMDESK is the Cambridge English endorsed platform for exam registration and administration. IH Toulouse joined CEMDESK for managing exam sessions for both individual candidates and partner schools. Full transition to CEMDESK for bulk registrations planned by July 2025.
• CCI (Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Chamber of Commerce and Industry partners with the center for CLOE (Certification Libre des Organismes de Formation) in French, English, Spanish, and Italian. CLOE is registered with France Compétences (RS 4358 for English/Spanish, RS 4359 for Italian).

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• EF Education First: World's largest private language-school chain with EF Standard, intensive courses and teacher training; broader footprint and brand but competes for the same corporate and consumer language-learner customers in France.
• Berlitz: Global language and intercultural-training chain with corporate and consumer offerings across English, French, Spanish and Italian; comparable multi-language, multi-segment model at much larger scale.
• Wall Street English: International English-school chain focused on adult learners with blended online/in-person delivery; overlaps with the centre's adult English segment and corporate-training channel in France.
• Alliance Française: Global network of French-language centres comparable in scale of network (1,000+ establishments) and FLE offering; broader franchise but overlaps materially on the FLE and French-certification product line.

Direct peers

• Eurocentres: International network of language schools offering general and exam-prep courses across multiple European destinations; comparable mix of consumer courses, exam prep and immersion-style stays.
• Inlingua: Independent language-school franchise network with similar multi-language, multi-country franchise model; competes with IHWO-affiliated schools for corporate language-training contracts in France.
• International House Barcelona: Sister IHWO school delivering English and Spanish courses plus CELTA training; same brand, same global network, same exam centre role — directly comparable in operating model and customer mix.
• International House London: Founder IHWO school and largest IH affiliate; offers English courses, CELTA/DELTA teacher training and Cambridge exam preparation with the same pedagogical philosophy as IH Toulouse, making it the closest direct comparable.
• Centre International d'Antibes: Long-established French language school on the Côte d'Azur offering French immersion plus teacher training; directly comparable as a regional French immersion + CELTA-style operation.

Regional players

• British Council France: UK cultural body operating English courses and IELTS test centres in France; comparable in English-teaching and IELTS delivery but distributed across multiple French cities rather than Toulouse specifically.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/ihtoulouse
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-cambridge-centre-international-house-toulouse
• Instagraminstagram.com/ihtoulouse

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about The Cambridge Centre - International House Toulouse