English Language Company

What English Language Company does

English Language Company (ELC) is an independent, founder-owned English language school headquartered in Sydney, Australia, established in 2003 by David and Lyn Scott and operating from a 1,402 sqm flagship campus at 10 Quay Street, Haymarket, since relocating from its original Kent Street premises in June 2025. The school serves international adult students and teenagers aged 12-17, drawing enrolments from over 50 source countries through a hybrid channel structure: a global network of education agents with a dedicated partner dashboard, complemented by direct-to-consumer enrollment via the ELC website, online enquiry forms, pre-arrival online lessons, and a mobile student app.

The core product portfolio spans General English (Intensive, Semi-Intensive, Premium), Business English, Cambridge Exam Preparation (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency), English for Academic Purposes, and IELTS preparation, delivered face-to-face at the Sydney campus 51 weeks per year, with CELTA teacher training offered both in-person and online. ELC holds the distinction of being Australia's only Cambridge Gold Preparation Centre and operates the country's first Green Standard Schools accredited campus. The product ecosystem extends beyond tuition into accommodation (Homestay, Scape Quay St, Iglu Chatswood with four dedicated apartments), work programs (Work Ready, Professional Internships, Au Pair/Demi Pair, Wildlife Volunteering), activity bundles (English Plus Discovery, Surfing, Yoga), Junior seasonal programs, and bespoke corporate and institutional group programs. ELC also owns ELC Career College (acquired as SELC Career College in 2020) for vocational education and operates a campus in Malaysia.

Revenue is generated primarily through course tuition on weekly or per-course billing, accommodation placement, CELTA certification fees, and add-on service fees, with pricing not publicly disclosed. The school is privately held with no external equity backing, has graduated 25,000+ students since founding, and is led by an experienced co-founder management team including Managing Director David Scott, supported by Sales and Marketing lead Camila Wellman. The underlying technology stack is conventional digital tooling (pre-arrival lessons portal, Cambridge Digital exam prep platform, mobile app, agent CRM) without proprietary AI/ML differentiation.

Name

English Language Company

Legal name

English Language Company

Website

https://elc.edu.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

English Language Company is an independent, founder-owned English language school in Sydney offering General English, Cambridge and IELTS exam preparation, CELTA teacher training, junior programs, and corporate group programs to international students from over 50 countries, supported by accommodation, work, and activity add-on services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

English Language Education

NAICS

Language Schools (611630), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

English Language Schools (ESL/EFL) (EDAIAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

General ESL Programs (Multi-level Adult ESL) (EDAAACAA), ESL for Specific Industries (Healthcare, Hospitality, Construction, etc.) (EDAAACAD), Teacher Training & Professional Development for Adult ESL (TESOL/TEFL/CELTA for Adult Ed) (EDAAACAM)

Keywords

• English language courses
• CELTA teacher training
• Cambridge exam preparation
• Junior study abroad programs
• English plus activities

Headquarters

HQ city

Sydney, New South Wales

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 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. English Language Tuition: Core revenue from English language courses including General English, Business English, Cambridge Exam Preparation, IELTS Preparation, English for Academic Purposes, and Junior Programs. Courses offered at various intensity levels (Intensive, Semi-Intensive, Premium) with daytime and evening options.
2. Accommodation Services: Revenue from providing accommodation options including homestay arrangements, student residences (Iglu Chatswood, Scape Quay St), and shared apartments. Fees vary by accommodation type.
3. Custom Group Programs: Tailor-made English language courses for institutional groups including High School Groups, University Groups, Company Training, and Professional Development for Teachers.
4. CELTA Teacher Training: Cambridge CELTA certification courses offered face-to-face and online, providing internationally recognized TEFL qualification for aspiring English teachers.
5. English Plus Programs: Bundled packages combining English courses with activities such as Surfing, Yoga, and Discovery excursions to Sydney attractions.
6. Work Programs: Free Work Ready program included with enrollment; fee-based programs including Professional Internships, Au Pair placements, and Conservation Volunteering.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

English Language Company (ELC) is an independent English language school in Sydney delivering immersive English language courses (General English, Business English, English for Academic Purposes, IELTS Preparation, and Cambridge Exam Preparation up to C2 Proficiency) alongside CELTA teacher training, International Junior Programs for ages 12-17, and Custom Group Programs for high schools, universities, corporate clients, and teachers. Student services include homestay and student residence accommodation, work-readiness and internship pathways, English Plus activity bundles, and an on-site travel desk.

Product overview

English Language Company (ELC) is an independent English language school in Sydney offering a comprehensive portfolio of language education products and student services. The core offering consists of General English, Business English, Cambridge Exam Preparation (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency), English for Academic Purposes, and IELTS preparation courses available in various intensities (Intensive, Semi-Intensive, Premium) and formats (daytime, evening). ELC operates specialized Junior Programs for teenagers aged 12-17 with seasonal intakes (January-February, March-April, June-August) plus the new English + Football program in partnership with Sydney FC. Teacher training includes CELTA preparation courses. Custom Group Programs serve High School Groups, University Groups, Corporate Training, and Professional Development for Teachers. The add-on ecosystem includes English Plus activity packages (Discovery, Surfing, Yoga), Work Programs (Work Ready, Work & Travel, Professional Internships, Au Pair/Demi Pair, Wildlife Volunteering), Accommodation Services (Homestay, Scape Quay St, Iglu Chatswood), Travel Desk, and Social Activities. ELC operates 51 weeks per year from its city-center campus at 10 Quay Street, Haymarket, Sydney.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ELC Career College: Vocational and career education college subsidiary offering vocational training courses, formerly known as SELC Career College.

Products and services

• General English Comprehensive English language course improving overall communication skills and English proficiency for international adult learners, available in Intensive, Semi-Intensive and Premium intensity levels.
• General + Business English Combined general English and business language skills for adult learners preparing for or working in global workplace environments, with daytime and premium business options.
• Cambridge Exam Preparation Preparation for Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency certificates, including Cambridge Digital exam practice platform with on-screen timer, flag/notes and auto word count, available in daytime and evening formats.
• English for Academic Purposes Academic English preparation for international students aiming for university or college entry in Australia, available in daytime, evening and premium formats.
• IELTS Exam Preparation IELTS preparation course combining general English with exam-specific training, available in daytime and evening formats.
• English Courses for Juniors English language programs for teenagers aged 12-17, including General English classes, Global Citizen classes and afternoon cultural, sightseeing and sports activities.
• International Junior Program (Summer Season) Seasonal residential program for teenagers aged 12-17 running June-August, combining English lessons with afternoon activities and sightseeing with flexible 1-9 week enrolments.
• International Junior Program (January-February Season) Seasonal junior program for teenagers aged 12-17 running January to February, combining English lessons with cultural and sightseeing activities with 1-6 week enrolments.
• International Junior Program (March-April Season) Seasonal junior program for teenagers aged 12-17 running 15 March to 3 April, combining English lessons with cultural and sightseeing activities over a 3-week enrolments.
• English + Football Junior Program 2-week English + Football program for teenagers aged 12-17 combining 15hrs General English per week with professional football coaching at Sydney FC's Sky Park training centre, including kit, stadium tour and friendly match ticket.
• English Plus Programs (Discovery, Surfing, Yoga) Bundled 4-week packages combining an English course with Sydney Discovery excursions, Surfing lessons and camp, or Yoga classes and wellness retreat during the first 4 weeks of student stay.
• CELTA Preparation Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teacher training course, the world's leading TEFL qualification, available in face-to-face and online formats.
• Custom Group Programs Tailor-made English language programs for institutional groups including high schools, universities, corporate clients and teacher development cohorts, delivered year-round.
• Corporate English Training Custom business English programs for companies covering general workplace English and specialized fields such as finance, marketing, customer service and engineering.
• Study Tours for High School Students Custom group programs for students aged 12-17 combining high quality English classes and guided excursions to Sydney's most popular attractions for teenagers.
• Study Tours for University Students and Young Adults Custom group programs for students aged 18-25 combining high quality English classes and guided excursions to Sydney's most popular attractions for young adults.
• TESOL Professional Development for Teachers Tailor-made teacher training programs for institutional groups designed to elevate English language teaching skills to the highest standards.
• Professional Internships Fee-based professional internship placements offered in partnership with Internships Down Under and Australian Internships, including 407 Training visa placements in general and niche fields.
• Au Pair & Demi Pair Program Au pair placement program combining 4-17 weeks of English study with au pair placement for Working Holiday makers, with a dedicated Demi Pair partnership for flexible arrangements.
• Homestay Accommodation Homestay accommodation with Australian host families, including most meals, providing an immersive English-speaking environment and cultural experience for international students.
• Scape Quay St Residence - ELC Premium Apartments Premium fully furnished student apartments located directly across from ELC's new Quay Street campus, providing convenient modern accommodation for ELC students.
• Iglu Chatswood Residence - ELC Apartments Modern purpose-built student residence in Chatswood with 4 exclusively reserved 5-ensuite-bedroom apartments for ELC students, offering communal lounges, study rooms, courtyard, cinema room and gym.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% student satisfaction rate with 77% rating 5/5 and 21% rating 4/5 for Junior Program experience
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 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

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Sydney FCflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 February 2026Exclusive partnership bringing Sydney's first English + Football program for teenagers. 2-week program combining 15 hours General English per week with football training at Sky Park (Sydney FC training centre) led by Academy coaches. Includes Sydney FC training kit, workshop, Allianz Stadium tour, and ticket to international friendly game.
• Cambridge English Language AssessmentcoreTechnology or Integration · 25 June 2025Accredited by University of Cambridge to deliver CELTA teacher training courses and Cambridge Gold Preparation Centre for exam preparation courses (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency).
• Green Standard SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 March 2022Australia's first accredited member of global not-for-profit association of language schools committed to environmental sustainability. ELC follows 'four Rs' approach and partners with REDCycle, TerraCycle, Simply Cups Australia for waste reduction.
• Ryugaku JournalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 July 2020Japanese education agent and media platform that awarded ELC Top School in Australia and 2nd in the World, and Best School Worldwide for University Students in 2020 Best School Awards.
• One Tree PlantedminorStrategic or Co-development Partnerreforestation initiative supporting environmental sustainability efforts.
• Iglu Student AccommodationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Iglu Chatswood, premium international student residence. ELC has secured 4 x 5-bedroom apartments exclusively for ELC students. Each apartment has 5 ensuite single rooms. Located near Chatswood station with 28-34 min commute to campus.
• Scape Quay St Residence (ELC Premium Apartments)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerELC Premium Apartments at Scape Quay St located directly across from new campus at 10 Quay Street. Convenient accommodation option for students.
• Work and Travel CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership delivering ultimate Working Holiday package combining English classes, casual jobs, and year-long support for backpackers.
• Internships Down UnderminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership providing professional internship placements for Working Holiday makers and students seeking 407 Training visa placements in general fields.
• Australian InternshipsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership providing professional internship placements for more specific/niche requests including 407 Training visa placements.
• Colourful Travel CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional travel consultant Charlene provides travel desk services for ELC students from within the school's main student lounge. Organizes day trips, surf camps, and bespoke travel experiences.
• Demi Pair AgencyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew partnership for Demi pair placements with flexible arrival dates and program length, serving student visa cohort.
• Wildlife Conservation OrganizationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation volunteering programs caring for injured wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation, and Great Barrier Reef conservation.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lexis English: Australian ELICOS operator with multiple campuses and similar positioning to ELC serving international students. Closely comparable on student mix, course catalogue (General English, exam prep, junior programs), and channel reliance on education agents.
• Browns English Language School: Mid-sized Australian ELICOS provider offering General English, exam preparation, and junior programs. Directly comparable to ELC on product mix, target market, and reliance on international student enrolments and education agent networks.
• Discover English: Melbourne-based Australian ELICOS school offering General English, Cambridge and IELTS preparation, and junior programs. Comparable boutique positioning to ELC serving international students through agent networks.
• Byron Bay English Language School: Smaller Australian ELICOS provider offering General English, exam preparation, and study tour programs. Comparable in product scope and reliance on international student enrolments, though operating from a regional Queensland location rather than a capital city.
• EC English Language Centres: Global English language school operator with a Sydney campus delivering General English, exam prep, and junior programs. Closely comparable on core academic offering and international student target market, though operating at significantly larger global scale.

Broad incumbents

• Navitas English: One of Australia's largest ELICOS providers, part of the listed Navitas group, with multiple campuses and direct-entry pathway programs to Australian universities. Overlaps significantly with ELC's English for Academic Purposes and exam preparation offerings.
• Kaplan International: Large global English language school operator with Australian campuses and a broad portfolio of academic and exam preparation programs. Overlaps with ELC on academic offering but operates at materially larger scale and across multiple jurisdictions.
• ILSC Education Group: Global language education operator with Australian campuses offering General English, exam preparation, and junior programs. Comparable on core product but with a wider portfolio and broader geographic footprint than ELC.
• Study Group: Global education provider offering English language preparation and direct-entry pathway programs to universities, including in Australia. Comparable to ELC on English for Academic Purposes positioning but operating as a much larger diversified group.
• IDP Education: ASX-listed international education services company that places students into English language programs globally. Indirectly comparable as both a major channel to international students and a broad incumbent with English language training interests overlapping ELC's market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@elcsydney
• Instagraminstagram.com/elcsydney_juniors
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/english-language-company

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 English Language Company