We won! Languages United takes home the Education Award at the Bath Life Awards

We’re still buzzing! This spring, Languages United was named Winner of the Education category at the Bath Life Awards 2024, and we couldn’t be prouder. What a moment for our boutique school with a big heart.

So why did we enter this year? Honestly, it just felt like the right time. We’ve been bringing students to Bath for almost 19 years, promoting this beautiful city all around the world. For so many of our students—adults and juniors alike—Bath is on the map because of us. They come here, often for the first time, stay with local families, explore the city, and experience real British culture.

We’ve always felt like we were waving the Bath flag, everywhere from Japan to Brazil. So this year, we thought—it’s time the city heard our story too.

Writing the application… emotional?

At first, we weren’t even sure where to begin. But once we started writing, the memories and achievements kept pouring out. We had to keep cutting things down just to stay within the word limits! And yes—we’ll admit it—there were some emotional moments reflecting on how far we’ve come and the lives we’ve helped shape.

Over the last few years, we’ve recovered from Covid, grown our student numbers by 20% year on year, expanded our junior summer school, and launched all kinds of innovative, project-based programmes. Our students have organised sustainable fashion shows, cooked and delivered pizzas for the homeless, and even done gardening for the elderly and helped refugees settle in. We have many traditions where students give a little something to support those in need in our community. These are the things that make Languages United, well… United.

Awards night at The Forum 

Slavenka, our Managing Director, couldn’t be with us on the night—she was abroad on a marketing trip with Quality English, flying the flag for Bath and the UK in Brazil and Mexico (see, we weren’t joking about promoting the city globally!).

We almost didn’t go without her, but she insisted—and we’re glad she did. Dan Bryan, our Director, found it impossible to choose just one person to bring, because the whole team deserved to be there. In the end, Jayne Bowra,  our Director of Studies joined Dan, and they had the best time.

The Forum looked amazing—completely transformed. It really did feel like the Oscars. Blue lighting, great food, and a real buzz in the air. We met so many lovely people, including a few familiar faces from the local community (even some of our homestay hosts were there!). The support we felt—both on the night and afterwards—was incredible.

Where’s the trophy now?

Pride of place—right at reception! Everyone who walks through the door sees it. Jayne threw a little surprise drinks celebration when Slavenka got back from the marketing trip, and we even had our own replay of the awards moment for the rest of the team. Yes, everyone got a turn holding the trophy. That’s how we do it.

What next?

Winning has definitely given us wings. We’ve got some exciting plans for this year, and 2025 will be even bigger—it’s our 20th anniversary! So yes, you’ll definitely see us at the awards again. And hopefully, more people from our brilliant city will discover what we do and maybe even work with us—we’ve already had a few new homestays sign up since the event!

Huge thanks to Bath Life Magazine and MediaClash for organising such a brilliant evening and giving so many local businesses a moment to shine. Bath really is full of talent and heart—and we’re proud to be part of it.