We were very pleased to find out this week that ELC Bristol is still at the top of the EL Gazette UK language centre rankings! We are one of a select group of institutions that maintained their perfect 10 score in both the 2024-25 and the latest 2025-2026 Centre of Excellence lists.

Over 350 schools are inspected; you can see the full list of Centres of Excellence here:
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The criteria

The inspections are very thorough and to pass them English language centres must meet or exceed the agreed quality standards in five key areas:

1. Management: The quality of the management and administration of the centre.

2. Premises (buildings) and resources: The quality of the facilities and other resources available.

3. Teaching and learning: Standards of teaching and the quality of resources and materials.

4. Welfare and student services: pastoral care (care of emotional, mental, physical and social well-being) and accommodation services.

5. Safeguarding under 18s: what we do to keep children safe from the moment they arrive and throughout their stay.

The process

Each centre has an initial inspection to gain accreditation, then a full re-inspection every four years. A spot check in the first year and additional checks at random.

Over 3 days, inspectors observe classes, visit accommodation, look at the premises, the resources and the records, interview staff from every area and talk to teachers and students. They also look for clear English or translations being used in information about the centre and its courses. This information must accurately reflect the information provided too.

Accommodation should be regularly inspected by the centre every 2 years and be comfortable, clean and in good repair, with adequate space, heat and light. In homestays, the student must be treated as a member of the household and English must, of course, be spoken.

In addition to the inspection itself, schools must complete an annual declaration, which can trigger a spot-check (a surprise inspection) if significant changes are reported.

We are so proud to have a perfect score!

As you can imagine, the inspection process is a stressful time for all our staff – especially the teachers – but getting this recognition at the end of it makes it all worthwhile and we are very proud of our achievement, which is down to all the hard work and skill of our staff.

Wish us good luck for our next full inspection which will take place in 2027! We hope that ELC Bristol will still be at the top of the EL Gazette UK language centre rankings 🙏

Learn more about the courses we offer at ELC Bristol on our website at: https://elcbristol.co.uk/courses/  

You can also read ten reasons why you should come and study with us: https://elcbristol.co.uk/ten-reasons/