The company aims to transform its junior study travel market by employing a new sales team of international education veterans and combining British Council accredited English language classes with adventure activities alongside native students in a fully integrated environment.

Head of Business Development Lisa James told The PIE News: “The change has been made to better reflect the company’s core purpose and ethos, which is to enhance the lives of young people through experiences that inspire.”

“Previously a lot of people saw the word ‘travel’ and assumed we were a travel company, as opposed to a company that provides students with an experiential learning experience”

“Previously a lot of people saw the word ‘travel’ and assumed we were a travel company, as opposed to a company that provides students with an experiential learning experience,” explained James.

Inspiring Learning is also the parent company of Kingswood and Equity, two companies organising junior trips for domestic UK students that include activities linked to the British national curriculum.

James believes the company is at an advantage because it allows international juniors to mix with native speakers during activity sessions, mealtimes and in the residential accommodation.  “It enriches the experience for both international and British children alike,” she said.

Last year, international students accounted for 8% of the company’s 250,000 enrolments and about 19% of total student weeks. Of the international students around 85-90% chose English with activities as opposed to a pure activities programmes.

France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Russia are the top source markets for the company. Even though it’s had strong performance in Europe, maintaining diversity among the international cohort is a priority for James.

“I would love to work towards having no more than 20% of any one nationality in the centres, ensuring the students get the best possible experience while with us,” she said.

With the new brand the company will be actively looking to increase its foothold in Germany and Switzerland where it is still relatively unknown. Outside Europe, Inspiring Learning will expand its presence to Latin America– mostly in Brazil, Colombia and Mexico– Asia focusing on China, and the Middle East.

Heading up the new team is Lisa James, Thom Jones, Brendan Webb and Mary Doody, all of whom have held senior posts at leading international education firms including Embassy, EC, Trinity and Study Group.