Speaking with The PIE News, Phillips said he will build on the work the organisation has done so far and stressed the benefits of the organisation, especially in the UK’s current tense trading climate.

“UK visa policies and currency fluctuations have made 2015 both an interesting and challenging year for many of our members”

“Whilst UK visa policies and currency fluctuations have made 2015 both an interesting and challenging year for many of our members, the message is loud and clear that the UK is a great place to study English language and English UK members can offer quality and security for both students and agents,” he said.

Phillips has worked in the ELT industry for more than 20 years and has been vice-chair of the English UK board since December 2014.

Cooper, dean of Management & Professional Studies and International English at South Thames College in London, will continue to an EUK board member.

Eddie Byers, chief executive, welcomed Phillips and thanked Cooper for her work at the organisation.

Phillips has been vice-char of the English UK Board since December 2014.

“We are sorry to lose Sarah’s leadership and are very grateful for the invaluable contribution she has made to English UK over many years,” he said.

“However, we are fortunate to replace Sarah with Steve, who has devoted much time to English UK in recent years, particularly as chair of the Enterprises Board and as a member of the main board. We look forward to working with him to take our association forward.”

English UK represents 470 accredited members which include universities, further education college language departments, international study centres in independent schools, educational trusts and charities, and private sector colleges.

The organisation’s Student Emergency Support Fund has recently been used to protect students affected by a slew of closures this autumn.