The English Association

Who we are

The English Association is the learned society for English, and a registered charity incorporated by Royal Charter. The Association's aim is to further the knowledge, understanding, and enjoyment of the English language and its literatures for all.

We were founded in 1906, and incorporated by Royal Charter in 2006. We have been hosted by the University of Leicester since 1993. 

• We work for positive change on behalf of our members by responding to national consultations.
• Led by our Education Committees, our research explores the state of our discipline, and allows us to work with government and policy-makers on behalf of our members and the discipline as a whole.
• We foster discussions of methods of teaching and learning English at all academic levels. Our renowned publications are read in schools, libraries, and universities all over the world, making sure that all our members can share research, best practice, and cutting-edge pedagogies.
• We deliver practical, affordable, and accessible support to teachers of English at Early Years, Primary, and Secondary levels through CPD events and a curated collection of online resources.
• We celebrate the role of English as an essential element in education and the community at large.

Our strategic goals

• Secure the future of the discipline by promoting the value of the study of English
• Take a proactive approach to shaping national and international debate
• Enable teachers to deliver engaging and exciting learning at all stages of education
• Ensure our resources and events are relevant to the needs of all members

Our values

• We are committed to continuous learning and improvement for our staff and our members
• We believe the best work is done in the spirit of collaboration and communication
• We welcome diversity and richness of opinion and ideas
• We strive to embody equality in our organisational structures, policies and activities