EC English Language Centres was named ‘Star Chain School’ at the 2011 Language Travel Magazine Star Awards at a ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane attended by more than 800 delegates from 50 countries.
The awards, the most prestigious in the global language travel industry, sees winners selected by thousands of consultants, staff and specialists employed in the trade across the world. Inaugurated in 2006, The LTM Star Awards were the first industry-specific awards to honour excellence in business performance in the study abroad industry.
EC was shortlisted in two categories in 2011: ‘Best Junior Course for Under-18s’ and the highly acclaimed ‘Star Chain School’.
Proudly Maltese and now with 12 schools on three continents, EC received the top accolade, beating four other nominees to win ‘Star Chain School’. It was the final award to be presented on the evening, and was gratefully received by EC executive chairman Andrew Mangion.
A surprised Mr Mangion said: “This is the story of David and Goliath all over again. EC has gone head-to-head with some of the largest and best-resourced international language school groups in the word, and won. This incredible award is testimony to the amazing work of all our people around the world and the trust that our clients put in our brand. We are today proudly international and proudly Maltese.”
The Language Travel Magazine Awards recognise excellence and achievement. Voters rate schools on the overall service they provide including classes, school facilities, accommodation and activities. Winning this award is proof EC provides the highest quality of service and programmes to its students.
Since 2007, EC has been a finalist seven times in different categories, winning LTM ‘Star Innovation of the Year’ Award in 2009 for its Malta Freestyle Programme, and again last year for its Club 30+ Programme.
EC opened a new school in Bristol and a new building for their operation in Brighton this year. Later in the year, new US schools will open in Miami and Los Angeles, with the company set for further growth over coming months.