For 30 years, Kate Hargreaves, founder of Living Learning English (LLE), has been a leading figure in international English language education. Now, following Academic Summer’s acquisition of LLE and as Kate steps into retirement, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy that has touched thousands of lives. In this article, business journalist Al Gibson reflects on Kate’s journey, her impact, and the future of the organisation she built.
Kate Hargreaves with her husband, Simon. Both have retired and are looking forward to new adventures, travel and family time together.
Living Learning English with Kate Hargreaves
Living Learning English was founded in Bristol in 1995 when Kate, then working in international boarding school marketing, saw a gap in the market. Families were asking for personalised support, a learning experience where students could live in a teacher’s home and immerse themselves in both the English language and British culture. Kate listened and decided to create exactly that.
What began as a small venture steadily grew into a respected and award-winning organisation with a network of more than 100 qualified teachers across the UK. Over three decades, thousands of students — from schoolchildren and university hopefuls to professionals, executives and even ambassadors — have experienced LLE’s unique one-to-one tuition, in homes across the UK as well as online.
Kate describes her work not just as a business but as a vocation. “It’s really hard to give up your baby,” she admits. “But after 30 years, I know the time is right. It’s not that I don’t love what I do, but there are so many pull factors — hobbies, travel and family. And I also know that LLE needs fresh energy for its next exciting phase.”
Leading through challenges
Kate’s career has not been without some obstacles but she has persevered regardless. The last decade brought unprecedented upheaval for international education: Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine, which dramatically reduced numbers of Russian students who had previously been among LLE’s biggest clients.
“Every week seemed to bring a new challenge,” she reflects. “One moment it was airspace closures, the next another global crisis. It has been relentless. But what kept me going was the belief that what we do really matters. Families make a huge investment to send their child to a teacher’s home or a summer programme. They need results — not just academically, but in confidence, happiness and integration.”
Despite these difficulties, LLE has continued to thrive, consistently achieving outstanding results in British Council inspections, including multiple areas of strength. The organisation was also recognised by the EL Gazette as a Centre of Excellence and shortlisted for StudyTravel Star Awards, cementing its reputation in the field.
The heart of LLE: people
What Kate is most proud of is not the accolades but the people. “The wonderful team at head office, our wide network of teachers, many of whom have worked with us for 20 years or more and the students who come to us — they’re what make it all worthwhile.”
It’s hard to chose from the many success stories Kate remembers from across the years but are here are three examples of how LLE has impacted student’s live.
- A German boy with severe dyslexia who came to LLE before entering a specialist UK boarding school. Years later, he won a Microsoft science award. “Without that springboard, his path might have looked very different,” Kate says.
- Chinese students who spent 10, 15, even 20 weeks with LLE teachers, progressing from almost no English to the level needed for academic success.
- A Swiss student whose passion was music. His teacher arranged for him to play the organ in Llandaff Cathedral — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“These are the moments I treasure,” she reflects. “We’ve been at the very beginning of so many journeys, helping students not only to learn English but to unlock opportunities that shaped their lives.”
LLE also carved out a reputation for supporting students with special educational needs. “On a one-to-one basis, we can really tailor the programme. If we know the challenges, we can find the right teacher. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those students flourish.”
Preparing for the handover
Kate is clear that while she is retiring, LLE is in safe hands. In September 2025, Academic Summer, founded and led by Helen Lami, officially acquired the company.
Helen and Kate have known each other for more than 20 years, working alongside each other in boarding school marketing before both set out to create their own educational ventures. Their long-standing friendship and mutual respect laid the foundation for this transition.
Helen explains: “When Kate told me she was thinking of closing Living Learning English, I said, ‘No, you can’t, it’s a gem and too important to lose.’ Our organisations complement each other beautifully. We’ve often recommended each other to families over the years. Now, by coming together, we can offer more — summer camps, one-to-one tuition in teachers’ homes, and online options. We’re stronger together.”
Kate shares the same confidence. “I know Helen will carry the business forward with the same high standards. She shares the ethos of personalisation, integrity and care that has always been at the heart of Living Learning English.”
A full press release about the acquisition is available here and an in-depth joint interview with Kate and Helen can be read here, along with video highlights.
“I have so appreciated working with the fantastic team at Living Learning English at our HQ in Bristol as well as all of our teachers in the UK and Spain who deliver an incredible service and are a delight to work with!” – Kate Hargreaves.
Looking to the future
Though stepping back, Kate won’t disappear entirely. She will remain available during the transition period and as a consultant, ensuring continuity for students, families and agents.
Meanwhile, she is eager to embrace new adventures. “I’ve worked every summer for 30 years. Now I look forward to finally having a summer off,” she laughs. Plans include travelling with her husband in their camper van, pursuing her love of pickleball, one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, and digging into her family history through genealogy projects. Most importantly, she looks forward to more time with her grandchildren.
Kate is also committed to continuing her charitable work. When the war in Ukraine began, she set up British Homes and Schools for Ukrainians, now known as Bright Seeds. Through this initiative, she and her team matched refugees with safe host families, provided educational placements and supported trauma-sensitive teacher training. “We were in a position to help, so of course we did,” she says. “I’m proud that the work is still going strong.”
A lasting legacy
As she reflects on her career, Kate hopes to be remembered for her commitment to quality and integrity. “I want people to say I always did the best for each individual student. That every person who came our way felt valued, supported and equipped for success.”
Helen Lami agrees. “Kate has set the gold standard for personalised education. Her vision and dedication have changed countless lives, and we are honoured to continue her work. Living Learning English will always carry Kate’s DNA — care, creativity and quality.”
The UK remains a world-leading destination for English language learning, and under Helen’s leadership, LLE is poised for a new chapter. But for thousands of alumni and their families, the name Kate Hargreaves will always be synonymous with opportunity, excellence and care.
Al Gibson is a business journalist based in Exeter. He started Countdown Creative in 2020 offering copywriting services to local companies, charities and organisations.