A new English language school is opening in London, UK, and aiming to stand out from the crowd by having a clear social mission to help fund education projects overseas.
Some of the revenue generated by Bayswater Education will be channelled into ensuring that for every student taught, another from a disadvantaged background is supported, explained the two founders, James Herbertson and Stephan Roussounis.
The pair, who are quite well known in the UK ELT sector, have founded the company after acquiring LSC Stanton from its owner Nick Bray.
“For example, when Renata comes from Rio to study in our school for 10 weeks, we will fund Fabrizio from the favela to have 10 weeks of English classes,” explained Herbertson.
Roussounis added, “We have already engaged a number of charities that specialise in delivering education in our key recruitment markets, to understand the viability of our model.”
The pair also hope to engage education agencies in countries overseas who are motivated to support a business in the UK that is in turn investing back in their country.
“As they send students to our college they know they will be helping people in their own country, and promote this fact… We are hoping for a virtuous circle,” said Roussounis.
“There are many more who don’t have the resources to fund their studies”
He added, “We work in a sector that benefits the few, and there are many more who don’t have the resources to fund their studies.”
With a new brand rolling out later this year, the school will begin with standard English language courses, but expand its portfolio to short-term vocational courses such as digital marketing or social entrepreneurship.
“When we rebrand, we will focus not on the fact we are an English language school, but on the fact we are a warm and welcoming quality institution in a major city, that can offer an exciting portfolio of courses,” said Roussounis.
Roussounis was MD of the CEG-owned Stafford House School of English chain until 2017 and also owns the English in Cyprus school.
Herbertson is also director of accommodation agency London Nest.
Owner of LSC Stanton, Bray, will have a stake in the new business and remain as a non-executive director and to support expansion plans.
