“Last week was a forbodeing week for the industry, as it seemed like every other day would bring news of a closure... the week started with fallout from the collapse of Geos in Australia; a situation made worse by suggestions that the schools were functioning well but that the Japanese owners withdrew financial support. Mid-week brought confirmation that one of the oldest and most well established schools in Ireland, Language Centre of Ireland, was closing ‘in an organised fashion’ amid concerns for its profitability and outlook over the next year. Finally, the week was rounded off with clarification that BLS in France, which had operations in Bordeaux and Biarritz, filed for bankruptcy late last year, blaming the recession and costly compensation claims from ex-employees. Three schools closing in different fashions but all of which can blame the recession as a root cause.”