Maltese-owned English language chain-school EC has been shortlisted for two STM Star Awards. The highly-regarded awards recognise success and excellence in the language travel industry and are voted for by industry peers.

This year, EC has been nominated in two categories, “Junior Course for Under 18s” and “Chain School − Over Five Centres,” the same nominations that led to a victory, winning the STM Star Chain School award in 2011.

Since 2007, EC have been finalists nine times, winning STM Star Innovation of the Year Award in 2009 for its EC Malta Freestyle Programme and once again in 2010 for its Club 30+ programme.

Voting has now closed and winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on 1 September at the London Hilton on Park Lane. The event will bring together 800+ industry personnel and stakeholders from around the globe.

EC Executive Chairman Andrew Mangion said: “Our STM Star Awards nominations are a reflection of our positive relationships with our colleagues, partners and students. Differentiating ourselves from the crowd with innovative programmes and modern stylish facilities, we have been able to build a strong and trusted brand. Over the past six years we have been nominated for awards in a variety of different categories, indicating the quality of our courses all-around. It is thanks to our passionate and hard-working international team that we have, once again, been shortlisted and we are delighted.”

This year, EC acquired three Canadian schools in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver; and opened two new US schools in Miami and Los Angeles. The company intends to continue to expand throughout the upcoming year. EC currently operates 15 schools in five different countries including Canada, Malta, South Africa, UK and USA.