The English language industry is booming, but some English schools have been around for decades. Of course a young, dynamic English school can be a great experience too, but more experienced English schools have had plenty of time to figure out what works best, establish relationships with local host families, and build a devoted teaching staff. Most of these schools were established in the 1960's, but a few are quite a bit older than that. If the idea of attending an English school that's seen it all appeals to you, here's a collection of some of the oldest (and wisest?) English schools in the world.

The two oldest English schools in the world

These two schools, one in San Francisco and one in London, have been in business for so long you can be sure they have something good going for them.

• 1912 - The London School of English
• 1938 - Brandon College

Older than your parents

These English schools in the USA and the UK were founded in the years just after the second World War. How's that for experience?

• 1947 - English Language Institute - University of Southern Mississippi
• 1951 - Intensive English Program - University of Miami
• 1952 - Stafford House School of English Canterbury
• 1955 - Eckersley Oxford

50 years young

By the 1960's, most English-speaking countries had a few English schools in business. Some of them are still teaching, half a century later.

• 1961 - English Language Center - Michigan State University
• 1962 - University of Toronto - English Learning
• 1963 - NSTS
• 1964 - English Language Institute - University of Pittsburgh
• 1964 - ATC Language & Travel - Bray
• 1965 - Texas Intensive English Program
• 1966 - Cairns Language Centre
• 1967 - Ohio Program of Intensive English - Ohio University
• 1968 - University of Canberra English Language Institute