We exist because of our students. From the beginning the emphasis in teaching at The English Language Centre was on giving students the opportunity to use their English to communicate in speaking. Our students come from all over the world - more than 50 different nationalities every year. In addition to learning English language and English culture, they also communicate through English with each other, learning about different cultures and different traditions.

ELC, therefore, is not just about learning English - important as that is - it is about learning from each other; teacher to student, student to student and student to teacher.

1962

The original idea for the school came from Sweden when Ian Dunlop, then Director of Studies of the British Centre (part of the Folk University of Sweden) suggested the idea to Peter Hammarberg, then Rektor of Stockholm University Extra-Mural Department and of the Folk University of Sweden. Peter Hammarberg immediately started to turn the idea into a reality.

The original building at 33 Palmeira Mansions was found by John Orpen, whose wife Marianne had been a member of the Board of ELC from its inception. Glen Davie was appointed Principal, a post he was to hold for the next 25 years. Ian Dunlop was Academic Director.

With a Board, a building and a Principal in place, The English Language Centre welcomed its first students in April 1962.

1972 to 1987

At first the majority of students came from Sweden but after 10 years, ELC had attracted so many students from so many different countries through the contacts built up by Glen Davie, and his wife Angela, that the school needed to expand. A new building with classrooms, lecture hall and language laboratory was added on to the original one.

The school continued to expand and started to use 35 Church Road, the building opposite 33 Palmeira Mansions. The greater space allowed the introduction of Multi-media rooms, video rooms and teaching of new types of courses. This period also saw ELC run the RSA Certificate in English Language Teaching courses for teachers (now Cambridge ESOL CELTA).

1987 - 2007

Glen Davie and Ian Dunlop retired in 1987 and Charles Harrison became Chief Executive. The school continued to expand and develop its range of courses and facilities. 31 Palmeira Mansions was acquired in 1991 and a dedicated Business Centre was established. A new Multi-Media Study Centre was opened in 2001 with a computer room including virtual language laboratory and library.

2007 - 2010

In the summer of 2007 Charles Harrison was taken ill suddenly. The two then Directors of Studies, Phil Hopkins and Peter Tamkin, assumed responsibility for ELC in his absence. When Charles retired as Chief Executive in 2010, Phil Hopkins became Principal and Peter Tamkin became Academic Director. This period saw a complete refurbishment of reception, administration and the Business Centre together with the introduction of new technology in the form of interactive whiteboards and new courses such as CLIL.

2010 - present

On 30 November 2010 The English Language Centre merged with Eastbourne School of English. Members of the boards of both charities met to formally sign the merger agreement and to celebrate a historic moment in the long history of the two schools. Phil Hopkins became CEO of the merged charity with Peter Tamkin becoming Group Academic Director. This marked a further exciting development in the history of ELC.

Our aim today as we approach our 50th birthday is the same as when we started in 1962 – to provide the best teaching and learning facilities that we can.