The UK welcomed 1% more students last year than in 2018, continuing from the market rebound of 2017.

The proportion of juniors rose to 54% of the total, and a quarter of all weeks were spent in London. Central England saw a 21% spike in student weeks, while Northern England was the best performer, with student weeks rising to 25,877, a rise of 9%.

English UK has today published a 14-step position paper outlining the government support required to kickstart the industry's recovery after Covid-19.

The industry's needs fall into three main categories: short and medium-term business support, a supportive immigration system, and marketing promotion on a national scale.

In December, the short-term study visa (STSV) route will close and anyone who wants to study here for six months or less can enter on a standard visitor visa.

Covid-19's impact on the UK ELT sector is being debated in Parliament this Wednesday and, while there is no motion or vote, adjournment can be very effective for highlighting important issues like the difficulties facing our £1.4bn industry.