Learners at the centre will enjoy studying alongside a higher number of students of a similar age and background and will have classes and some social programme options that cater for a more mature student population who want a stronger academic focus and business networking opportunities.

“This approach also appeals to the business sector and professional groups”

It has also launched a new Professional English Class programme offering academic and business English.

“We are seeing growing demand for English language programmes with a stronger academic focus for more mature students which is surprisingly untapped,” Craig Sargent, Principal of Kaplan International Colleges, London Leicester Square told The PIE News.

“In response to this demand, Kaplan is tailoring classes according to age, experience and interests.”

The social side of the programme will include tours of the Bank of England and Houses of Parliament as well as cultural trips to the theatre, opera and the ballet; and wine tasting sessions.

“This approach also appeals to the business sector and professional groups who appreciate an environment in which they can network as well as learn English,” he added.

With more than 45 language schools, including 11 across the UK and Ireland, Kaplan is exploring running similar professional programmes at other destinations, but no decision has been made yet, Sargent explained.

“London is the ideal destination in which to pilot this project because it is a world city that attracts students of all ages,” he said.

The Leicester square centre caters to students from some 65 countries, and currently at least one-third of them are over 25 years old.

“We are confident we will be able to offer the best possible learning experience tailored for the ever-growing market of over 25s who have their own age-specific needs,”
 said Sargent.