ENGLISH language schools across the BCP area have been awarded £100,000 to help them bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.

The Regional Accredited Language Schools Association (RALSA), which is a membership organisation comprising language schools in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, has been awarded the Bounce Back Challenge Fund grant from BCP Council.

It will be used to as part of a project help promote the area's English language schools and their services.

David Jones, chairman of RALSA, said: “We’re delighted to receive this grant which will help us to spread the word in our target markets about Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as the ideal destination for international students to learn English.

"This will ensure the continued vitality of the local business community and support BCP Council’s plans to drive growth across the region."

The project aims include promoting the BCP area to more than 5,000 specialist educational travel agents, selling courses to students in more than 94 individual countries.

There will also be virtual familiarisation trips to the area and business to business events.

In-person trips to the area's language schools will commence, thanks to the funding, once international travel is permitted.

Mr Jones said: "Second only to London in terms of student numbers per head of population, the conurbation of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole has long been famous internationally for the quality of its education provision for international clients, but also as the destination of choice for students wishing to combine their English studies with a range of lively activities in a vibrant seaside location.

"This grant represents a vote of confidence in the English language schools sector and will give the members of RALSA an excellent opportunity to promote themselves more widely at a key strategic moment."

Meanwhile, BCP Council deputy leader Philip Broadhead said: "Following a competitive application process, we are pleased to award this grant to RALSA.

"This project is just one of many innovative initiatives that our latest package of discretionary business support will now bring to life.

"It will contribute towards Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s reputation as a place where businesses can continue to flourish and grow."