IRISH EDUCATION company Centre of English Studies (CES) has acquired two language schools in Britain in a deal worth €2.7 million. The acquisition of the schools in Oxford and Leeds, which have been operating since 1983 and 2002 respectively, takes to seven the number of CES schools.

It currently operates two schools in Dublin, one in Tapei in Taiwan, and two schools in Worthing and London. According to chief executive Justin Quinn, the acquisition will lead to a 10 per cent rise in turnover for the group over the next 12 months, and a further 10 per cent by 2013 or 2014.

Turnover at the CES group was €13 million in 2011.

Speaking to The Irish Times, Mr Quinn said the Oxford acquisition was a significant development due to restrictions on the number of language schools operating in the university town.

He said the language schools were performing well despite the downturn. “Our sector has changed significantly since 2006. While language courses were once seen as a luxury spend, English language skills are now seen as essential, particularly in light of the competitive job market.”

Following the acquisition, CES will employ 400 staff in the summer peak and 100 in winter.

Many of its students are pre- and post-university level students who need to improve their English skills before attending university or entering the job market. Some 70 per cent come from Europe, with 10 per cent from Asia and 10 per cent from South America.