The acquisition of Living Learning English by Academic Summer has received glowing feedback from education professionals and media alike. Discover how the industry is celebrating this strategic union of two trusted names in UK ELT.
Not only did colleagues and peers flood LinkedIn with praise, but the story was also quickly picked up by industry media, including StudyTravel Magazine and EL Gazette.
A chorus of congratulations
From school heads and academic leaders to international agents and ELT professionals, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s a sample of what the education community had to say:
Iain Kilpatrick, Executive Headmaster of YK Pao School in Shanghai, said that both brands have become hallmarks for high quality to students and families.
Janine Faulkner, Deputy Head at Hereford Cathedral School, commented that Kate had done an outstanding job creating and growing LLE from the beginning and that it’s wonderful to see the reins passed to Helen.
Leanne Linacre, CEO of Lead5050, reflected that handing over the reins must be a big moment for Kate, but knowing they’re in such capable hands must be a great feeling.
Tony Evans of Bishop’s Stortford College called Kate one of the nicest people he’d met in international education and noted Helen is fortunate to inherit such a well-run and respected organisation.
The news also sparked warm personal reflections. Olga Govor, Co-Founder of the Baltic Council, described Kate and Helen as two very important people in her life. She welcomed the news with heartfelt enthusiasm, highlighting Helen’s deep dedication—more than business, it’s her life and her family.
Kate’s retirement after over three decades in English language education has inspired admiration from across the sector. The messages were clear: she will be missed, her legacy is strong, and her successor is more than ready.
Industry media applauds Academic Summer’s acquisition of Living Learning English
StudyTravel Magazine noted the synergy between LLE’s homestay immersion programmes and Academic Summer’s CLIL-based residential camps, calling it a “natural fit.” Meanwhile, EL Gazette reported the acquisition as “a significant development in the UK ELT market,” spotlighting both organisations’ commitment to quality and innovation.
Read the full media coverage:
- 👉 EL Gazette: Academic Summer acquires Living Learning English
- 👉 StudyTravel Magazine: Academic Summer welcomes Living Learning English
Two leaders, one shared vision
As Kate Hargreaves retires, she leaves behind a deeply respected organisation. In her own words: “Helen, you are an inspirational business leader. You have the energy, wisdom and foresight to embrace the future.”
Helen Lami, CEO of Academic Summer and now Principal of LLE, responded: “Kate, you’ll be a difficult act to follow. I’m so privileged to take on the baton of such an amazing company.”
Helen brings with her not just strategic insight but personal passion. With a Master’s in Education (TEFL) and a long-standing commitment to Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), she is set to carry Living Learning English forward while staying true to its core values.
Explore more on this journey:
- Joint Press Release: Living Learning English Joins Academic Summer
- Living Learning English: A New Chapter with Academic Summer
- Passing the Baton: Kate Hargreaves and Helen Lami in Conversation
- Celebrating Kate Hargreaves: Three Decades at the Heart of Living Learning English
The Clever Fox Journal is the online news section of Academic Summer Camps, inspired by our logo – a wise fox wearing a graduation cap. Just like our summer programmes, The Clever Fox Journal is a place of curiosity, learning and discovery, bringing you the latest updates, insights and stories from our academic camps in the UK and Canada. Stay informed, stay inspired – and think like a clever fox!