Higher education analysts mull China’s continued attractiveness as a student destination amid its zero-Covid policy and scant foreign student returnees.

Chinese agents are becoming more optimistic for the year ahead and are relatively relaxed about the impact of Covid, as research shows that 1,672 agencies are currently active across Tier 1-4 cities and differing rates of programme and destination portfolios.

Member schools of English UK suffered a further decrease in students in 2021, as new data released by the ELT school association shows the full extent of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector, although a preview of early 2022 business suggests some bounce back.

The UK’s English language teaching sector continued to suffer in 2021 as factors including lockdowns and travel restrictions led to an 88% drop in student numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to new figures released by English UK.

Despite the difficult year, English UK says, “we continue our fightback – [to recovery] – with new weapons in our armoury.”