Feedback on Plan B

[MrMark]

I'm thinking of opening a language school. Mainly for all those migrants here in London who'd like to improve their English.
Anyone know anyone who's done this? Is the sector being hard hit by Skype, Busuu and the rest?

[DimPrawn]

The money to be made is not actually teaching immigrants to speak English, but in selling them student visas so they can arrive and then disappear forever.

HTH BIDI

[MarillionFan]

I'm thinking of opening a language school. Mainly for all those migrants here in London who'd like to improve their English.
Anyone know anyone who's done this? Is the sector being hard hit by Skype, Busuu and the rest?

It's been done.

TestMangler takes part in the class.

[SandyD]

In Oxford there are loads of these language schools, I think they make money, they offer these spring/summer language courses, but for youngsters (about 16 years old) who come in big hoards from Europe and the far east.

A friend of mind is a headmistress for one of the private colleges that offer language courses, but also A levels for foreign students to prep them for UK unis. they charge about 12K per student per year, and also offer revision classes during spring time (again they charge loads for it).

Not sure about all the regulations around it, and if OFSTED would be involved.

[MrMark]

In Oxford there are loads of these language schools, I think they make money, they offer these spring/summer language courses, but for youngsters (about 16 years old) who come in big hoards from Europe and the far east.

A friend of mind is a headmistress for one of the private colleges that offer language courses, but also A levels for foreign students to prep them for UK unis. they charge about 12K per student per year, and also offer revision classes during spring time (again they charge loads for it).

Not sure about all the regulations around it, and if OFSTED would be involved.

Yes, there are various niches to fill. One big area, which is geared towards 18+ is the IELTS qualification, which is necessary I believe for foreigners wanting to take further education courses. I'm not looking to the summer school for school kids sector (which is huge but highly seasonal) as the admin involved in crb checks etc etc is very problematic when teachers are changing all the time.
I've a little knowledge of the teaching English sector and I've come across language schools for adults run by non-Brits in London (employing native Ennglish teachers), and I know there is a market for this - however knowing there is a market, and getting the bums on seats is another thing. Getting the right premises is also a factor, but apart from a few desks, whiteboards and a wifi server, there isn't too much investment in f&f required nowadays. The need for specialised videos/tape machines etc is no longer needed in the iPad era.