Language school LILA* London will close this week after a year of operating, with its directors citing market conditions as the reason for the closure.
“After exploring other options and after much consideration we decided to close,” said director Leanne Linacre. “It was a very difficult decision, however, we couldn’t see the market changing in 2016.”
“Agents were struggling to keep bookings at strong levels for existing partners in London so introducing a new one was difficult”
The school, which opened in London’s Canada Water in August 2014, is now working with agents and students affected to find places at replacement schools.
There are around 20 students currently enrolled.
Currency conditions contributed significantly to the school’s difficulty in enrolling enough students and the strength of the pound has led to a decline in bookings across Europe and from Brazil and Russia, Linacre told The PIE News.
“These were key markets we’d hoped to secure students from but agents were struggling to keep bookings at strong levels for existing partners in London so introducing a new one was difficult,” she explained.
Equipment and furniture from the centre will be moved to LILA* Liverpool, its school which has been operating for the last ten years.
“It’s really unfortunate we’ve had to close as the feedback we received from students was fantastic, they loved the location, facilities and staff; however, we couldn’t reach the numbers we needed to make it work,” commented the school’s other director, Victoria Lee.
LILA*s priority is now to ensure that its partners are well informed and that students continue to enjoy studying in the UK, the company said.
“We’ll still continue to offer the same great quality service and facilities at LILA* Liverpool and focus our efforts on making sure that each students’ experience is one to be remembered,” said marketing manager Sarah Hamilton.
“We’ll be welcoming more groups to Liverpool throughout 2016 and expanding our adult and junior group portfolio,” she added.
