Malta-based English language school Clubclass has committed €250,000 of its own retained earnings into a service continuity trust fund to support students and international education partners should it ever be unable to fulfil prepaid services.

The initiative follows a number of closures in the EFL sector, most notably the industry giant EC English, and the disruption experienced by students, parents and agents as a result .

The proposed trust fund is designed to help affected students continue their education and maintain suitable accommodation in Malta, especially in cases where housing becomes an immediate concern.

The €250,000 will be ring-fenced outside Clubclass's ordinary operating funds and administered independently under a Maltese trust deed.

In the event of insolvency, administration or permanent closure with outstanding prepaid services, the independent trustee would be able to direct available funds towards essential student accommodation, alternative tuition and related continuity measures in accordance with the final trust deed.

A legal and administrative framework is being developed with Malta-based professional advisers and the trust fund is targeted to become operational on 1st January 2027, subject to final documentation and funding. No additional fees will be charged to students or agents for this initiative.

The Trust Fund is intended to operate for an initial 24-month period, automatically renewing for successive 12-month terms thereafter.

Should Clubclass decide to discontinue the arrangement, the funds will remain ring-fenced for a further 12 months to support existing eligible commitments, ensuring an orderly wind-down of the scheme in accordance with the trust deed.

“One of the things that gives me real confidence in leading Clubclass is knowing the family has invested in and owns the premises in which we teach and the student accommodation properties that form part of our offering. That is a tangible commitment to the long term,” Clubclass CEO Daniel Vella said.

“But a strong asset base is not the same as having resources set aside for students who might need urgent help if the unexpected happens. This Trust Fund is intended to bridge that gap - with practical continuity, particularly accommodation, at its centre.

While Clubclass acknowledged the support that fellow language schools, including FELTOM members, have provided to displaced students following earlier closures, it pointed out that such assistance is voluntary and not guaranteed.

Clubclass Founder and SFO Joe Aquilina pointed out that the company has welcomed over 70,000 students since opening in 1999.

“Putting €250,000 of our own money beyond the company's day-to-day control is a deliberate decision to give students, families and agents another reason to place their trust in us,” he said.

“We hope this encourages a wider discussion about what responsible operators can do, and we would gladly share the thinking behind our approach with other schools.”

Clubclass will discuss the initiative with international education agents at ICEF Berlin 2026, taking place from 1st to 3rd November 2026.