Mount Maunganui Language Centre, Tauranga's longest established private English language school, has won a prestigious award for the second year running, the ‘Japan Best School Award 2018'.

The award was presented to the school by Ryugaku Journal, one of the largest study abroad travel agencies in Japan.

Every year Ryugaku Journal asks 500 of their students for feedback on the schools they studied at, the results are then compiled into a list of the 10 best schools worldwide.

'This award is a testament to the hard work our staff put into giving every student the very best experience they can,” says MMLC director Geoff Butler.

'Our homestay families also take great care of students which leaves them with happy, positive memories of their time in Mount Maunganui.”

MMLC's roots in Mount Maunganui run deep. Anne and Peter Butler started the school on Salisbury Ave all the way back in 1990.

'My parents worked really hard to get the school off the ground. In the early days Mum rented an old house to use as classrooms and rented out the upstairs part to the lady who ran the information centre to help pay the rent. I've tried to maintain and expand on the high standards they set 28 years ago, as well as stay true to the philosophy that this is a family business, so we treat our customers like family as well.”

The school featured in the top 10 list in 2017, coming in at number 10. This year MMLC has moved up four places to rank sixth.

'We're stoked to have made the list for the second year running, and also to feature again as the only school in New Zealand to be selected for the list. It's also important to note that the schools who make the grade are independently evaluated by students, rather than a judging panel.”

Geoff Butler notes that students like the welcoming, friendly community which makes up the Mount.

'We don't operate in isolation – students have a good time in the Mount because local people make them feel welcome, from the shuttle driver who picks them up at the airport to the owner of the fish and chip shop down the road, students always comment on how friendly and easy-going the Mount is.”