Page 7 - ELG1810 Oct Issue 461

NEWS
New owners of Wall Street seek School boss

new school franchisees in old markets? guilty of

By Melanie Butler are ‘targeting new centre openings’ was badly hit by the scandal sex assault
The adult market for private and looking to expand the number surrounding the collapse of its
sector English language classes is of franchisees, especially in the main rival Opening English.
set to grow worldwide over ten per emerging markets of the Gulf According to its website, Wall By Federica Tedeschi
cent by 2023, according to a white States, Central America and the Street currently has one Spanish The director of a government-
paper issued by the new owners former Soviet Union. centre in Cartagena. funded English language
of Wall Street English, Baring However, three of the five Asked why they thought the school in New Zealand is
Private Equity Asia and CITIC markets in which Wall Street Wall Street brand could prove still in post after being found
Capital Holdings Limited. is currently seeking franchisees successful in these markets, the guilty of indecent assault in
While other operators are have previously seen franchise new owners told the Gazette: ‘The the workplace, the NZ Herald
diversifying into the junior operations close down. cases mentioned were strategic reported.
market, Wall Street remains Wall Street English in Taiwan, ownership decisions which School director Bo Han was
focused on the 16+ segment for example first reported weren’t related to the demand convicted last November on one
worth US$22 billion, according problems in 2009 and the last or potential for the markets in charge of indecent assault.
to an analysis commissioned by school there closed in 2012. The question.’ The unnamed victim, who
the blended learning chain from 26 German schools shut in 2016. ‘The Wall Street English model had only been working in the
Morar HPI. Spain, where Wall Street has a long history of success school for a year at the time
The new owners, who acquired English was established in 1988, around the world and is easily of the assault, ‘wanted to
the chain from Pearson last was one of the group‘s biggest adapted to markets, whatever speak out to encourage other
September, told the Gazette they markets until 2005 when it their make-up,’ they added. victims of indecent assault to
come forward’.
According to a police
summary, the perpetrator
walked the employee to the door
after having discussed contract
renewal in his office, and then
‘grabbed her from behind’ and
assaulted her.
The young woman left the job
after having threatened legal
action and spoke to the police
soon afterwards.
Bo Han, who had declared
himself innocent when
questioned by the police, was
Wall Street English supervision which also included
finally sentenced to 12 months’
undertaking a psychological
assessment. The assailant was
also ordered to pay ‘emotional
harm reparation’ of NZ $5,000
(£3,850) to the victim.
Footballing school head puts best foot forward in fi lm

By Melanie Butler club’s website for supporting and Brenock O’Conner who plays
Language school principal, Mark actors to take part in the film. Olly in Game of Thrones.
Rendell, has made his film debut. He was shocked to be offered Mark found the experience
He appears in The Bromley Boys, a role as a football player: ‘I guess addictive and enjoyed the
a feel good film that is set for the fact that I was slightly over- excitement when the camera
release on DVD on 22nd October. weight and hadn’t kicked a ball was rolling.
Mark, who works at St Giles for fifteen years made me the He appeared in most of the
International London Central, perfect choice for a place in the football scenes, where he admits
plays a Bromley Football Club worst football team in Britain,’ he ‘always seemed to be running
(FC) player in the film, based on said Mark. in … the wrong direction’.
a hilarious novel by Dave Roberts, He attended the film premiere Despite Mark’s new found
about the worst football team in at Wembley Stadium rubbing fame he is keeping his feet firmly
Britain in the swinging 60s. shoulders with a number of well- planted on the ground and has
Rendell who lives in known British actors who starred confirmed that he won’t be taking
the borough, is a Bromley in the film, including Martine his talents to Hollywood just yet.
FC season ticket holder. McCutcheon, star of Love The Bromley Boys DVD is set
He answered a call on the Actually, Alan Davies of QI fame for release on October 22.

editorial@elgazette.com 7