How Much Is My Language School Worth?

Get a free, indicative valuation based on real market data. No documents needed — it takes around 60 seconds.

Updated April 2026Completely confidential

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Everything we ask, you already know. No documents or financials needed. Takes around 60 seconds.

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See what businesses like yours are selling for, based on up-to-date valuation multiples in your sector.

Indicative valuation range

£3.4m – £3.8m

£2.5m£5m

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Speak with an advisor who understands your market, can give you a more accurate valuation, and help you find the right buyer when you're ready.

How are language schools typically valued?

Language schools are valued using a multiple of adjusted earnings (EBITDA), which is your annual profit after stripping out owner-related costs and one-off items. The multiple applied will depend on factors including the size of your school, the diversity of your revenue streams, your accreditation status, and how reliant the business is on you as the owner. Language schools with a strong blend of course types and student nationalities will generally achieve a higher valuation than those dependent on a single programme or market.

What multiples do language schools sell for?

Multiples for UK language schools typically range from 3x to 5x adjusted earnings, though this can vary. Schools with strong year-round enrolments, diverse income streams, and established accreditations tend to sit at the higher end. When we speak with buyers of language schools, they are particularly interested in schools that have built recurring revenue through long-term course programmes, corporate contracts, or pathway agreements with universities, rather than those reliant on seasonal peaks alone.

What factors affect the value of a language school?

Accreditation. British Council accreditation is essentially a baseline requirement for any serious buyer. Additional accreditations or memberships, such as English UK or sector-specific quality marks, add further credibility and can support a stronger valuation.
Student mix and nationality spread. A diverse student body across multiple nationalities reduces your exposure to any single market. Schools that saw enrolments collapse during periods when specific countries restricted travel understand this risk well. Buyers look for a healthy spread.
Revenue diversity. Schools that generate income from multiple sources, such as general English, exam preparation, academic pathways, junior programmes, teacher training, and corporate contracts, are more resilient and therefore more valuable. A single-programme school is a riskier acquisition.

Want a more accurate picture?

An online calculator is a useful starting point. Speak with our team to understand what your language school could realistically achieve.

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Property and location. City-centre locations with good transport links and proximity to student accommodation are preferred. Whether you own or lease your premises will also affect the valuation, with freehold properties generally supporting a higher figure.

Agent relationships. Many language schools rely heavily on overseas agents for student recruitment. Buyers will want to understand the concentration of your agent network, how long those relationships have been in place, and what commission structures you operate.

Seasonality. Highly seasonal businesses are harder to value because the earnings profile is uneven. Schools that have managed to build year-round enrolment through a mix of programmes are more attractive to buyers.

Has the language school market recovered since Covid?

The UK language school sector was hit hard by the pandemic and the recovery has been uneven. International student numbers have been rebuilding, but the market has also been affected by post-Brexit visa changes and increased competition from online learning. That said, the UK remains one of the most popular destinations for English language learning globally, and schools in strong locations with good reputations continue to attract students. Buyers are active in the market, particularly those looking to consolidate smaller schools into larger groups.

How does accreditation affect my valuation?

British Council accreditation is not just a quality marker but a practical requirement for recruiting international students and accessing certain visa routes. Losing accreditation, or having conditions placed on it, would materially affect your valuation. Schools with consistently strong inspection outcomes and additional quality accreditations are more attractive to buyers because they signal a well-run operation with lower regulatory risk.

How long does it take to sell a language school?

Most language school sales take between four and eight months. The process is generally simpler than selling a regulated care business, as there is no equivalent of a CQC registration transfer. However, there are still important considerations around student enrolments, visa sponsorship licence transfers, staff TUPE arrangements, and the assignment of agent contracts. Timing the sale to align with your enrolment cycle can also make the process smoother.

How accurate is an online language school valuation?

An online valuation gives you a useful indicative range based on current market data. Language schools have some unique characteristics that an online tool can't fully capture, including the quality of your agent network, the specifics of your accreditation history, and your exposure to particular student markets. A confidential conversation about these details will give you a much more precise figure.