The English Association - over 100 years at the forefront of English

The aim of the English Association is to further knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of the English language and its literatures and to foster good practice in its teaching and learning at all levels.

It does this by working towards a fuller recognition of English as an essential element in education and in the community at large;

by encouraging the study of English language and literature;

by means of conferences, lectures and publications;

by fostering the discussion of methods of teaching English of all kinds;

and by responding to national issues.

The English Association was founded in 1906 by a small group of English teachers and scholars, including F.S. Boas, A.C. Bradley and Sir Israel Gollancz. It took a leading part in the movement to develop English studies in schools, while encouraging advanced studies in further education. Past Presidents of the Association have included John Galsworthy, Harley Granville-Barker, Sir Kenneth Clark and George Steiner.

The Association today is an international organisation with branches, Fellows and members in Britain and throughout the world. It is a registered charity (1124890) and in December 2006 was incorporated by Royal Charter.

The Association has been based at the University of Leicester since December 1993.