Our History
International House was founded in 1953 when John and Brita Haycraft opened their first language school in Cordoba, Spain. In 1964 they set up a non-profit-making Educational Trust committed to raising the standards of English language teaching and training world-wide.
John Haycraft sought to promote international understanding through language learning and teacher training. He introduced the first training programme for teachers of English as a Foreign Language, which blended teaching theory and practice.
Trainees taught real students and were observed by experienced trainers who gave them support and feedback. The teacher training course developed at International house was the forerunner of the Cambridge ESOL CELTA.
International House today
The International House World Organisation is today made up of over 140 schools in 40 countries worldwide. Although these are independent businesses they all share the same philosophy and teaching approach. The aims of International House remain essentially the same as in Haycraft’s day, with a dedication to promoting international understanding through education and the raising of teacher-training standards worldwide.
Today the International House Trust is a registered charity, running our flagship London School and jointly managing the International House World Organisation (IHWO).
2007
Stukeley Street
IH London moves to a fully-equipped building in Stukeley Street, Covent Garden.
1953
The first school
International House is founded by John and Brita Haycraft. The first school opens in Cordoba Spain.
1959
Endell Street
IHLondon is established with its first premises in Endell Street, later moving to 40 Shaftesbury Avenue.
1962
CELTA
IH is the first to introduce a formalised teacher training qualification, which today is the CELTA course.
1964
The IH Trust
John and Brita Haycraft form the IH Educational Trust.
1964
Raising the standard
IH Trust is founded to raise standards of English language teaching and training worldwide.
1977
The Piccadilly years
International House moves to an 18th Century mansion at 106 Piccadilly.
2009
The IH World Organisation
The IH World Organisation is today made up of 145 schools in 50 countries worldwide.