SUSSEX Downs International College is celebrating being named number one provider for English language in the UK.

It achieved the top position for quality and value for money for its language programmes for overseas students.

The ranking came in a poll by the English Language Gazette.

It looked at colleges, private language schools and universities and compared their value for money as well as their British Council inspection results.

Sussex Downs College has had the highest British Council inspection score of any Government college for more than five years but the inclusion of a grading for value has put it at the top of what is a fiercely competitive industry.

International director Mark Allen said: “This has been an exciting 12 months for our international team with an award last summer from the National Union of Students and the UK Council for International Student Affairs for having the best international student support.

“To now find ourselves ranked as the number one in the UK for English language is a testament to how hard everyone in the college works to welcome our overseas students and give them a top-class experience.

Marketing manager Jonathan Harris-Gibbins said the college worked hard to provide good value.

He said: “The UK economy remains strong in comparison to most other countries so exchange rate changes caused by the strong pound makes the fees higher for overseas students.

“So we are always trying to find ways of adding value to our international programmes to try and help students afford a period of study in the UK.

“I am delighted that this effort has been recognised in the EL Gazette.”

As well as being good news for the college, it is good news for the community.

The college’s international work contributes approximately £3.6 million to local host families and businesses such as shops, hotels, coach and taxi companies.

Latest figures from English UK, the professional body for English as a foreign language providers, estimated the value of the English language business to East Sussex at £67 million per year, with EFL in Brighton and Hove worth £145 million per year.