EC English, Malta's world-leading international language school chain, won big at the 2025 StudyTravel Star Awards in London, taking home the coveted ST Leading Star Award, the highest honour in the global language industry.
Often referred to as the "Oscars" of international education, the ST Leading Star Award recognises the very best schools worldwide. This award is only open to organisations that have previously won a category five times and earned a place in its prestigious Hall of Fame. EC brands have dominated the ST Star Awards over the years, incredibly claiming over 20 wins across multiple categories, a clear testament to their unmatched excellence and leadership in language education worldwide.
Founded in Malta in 1991, EC has grown from a single school into the most awarded international chain school group in the industry. Its global portfolio of 25 adult language schools in seven countries surpasses many of its competitors in scale and reach. Since opening its doors, EC brands have welcomed over one million students from around the world, giving them the opportunity to learn English while experiencing new cultures. Today, EC is also trusted by more than 1,000 partner agents worldwide, a testament to the strength of its relationships and its reputation for quality.
Andrew Mangion, EC's executive chairman, said: "Winning the ST Leading Star Award is an incredible honour for all of us at EC. As the most awarded international chain school group in our industry, this recognition once again reflects the exceptional dedication of our team, who work tirelessly every single day to deliver the very best for our students and partners. Since opening our first school, we've welcomed over one million students who have entrusted our brands with their language-learning journey, and awards like this are a testament to the quality of our programmes and the success they deliver. While we're tremendously proud to win the ST Leading Star Award, it marks just one milestone in our ongoing mission to transform lives through language learning."
The win comes just days after EC participated in ST Alphe UK 2025, one of the most important international conferences in the language education calendar, where the award ceremony was held.
This recognition further positions Malta as a centre of excellence in the global education sector, showcasing how a local company has scaled to international leadership while remaining deeply rooted in Maltese values of hospitality, quality and innovation.