Stafford House Study Holidays provides international student immersion programmes across both the UK and abroad, delivering high-quality English-language courses for its young learners at a number of exciting locations. The organisation was established in 1994 and operates under the leadership of Ruth Fenton, its founder-director. Following her recognition in this programme, we caught up with Ruth for more on her integral role within Stafford House Study Holidays.
Based in the UK and the US, Stafford House Study Holidays runs its English language study holidays for international students at some great locations across these two nations, including London, Cambridge, San Francisco, and Boston. Whether students want to stay at a boarding school, college, or university campus in the city centre, countryside, a small town, or near the beach, they can do so with Stafford House Study Holidays. Alongside English language, other courses available include art and design, sports, and academic prep.
Ruth explained: “We specialise in English language study holidays, offering immersive programmes that combine high-quality English tuition with cultural experiences and travel. Our courses are delivered across a range of locations in the UK and internationally, allowing students to learn English while exploring new destinations.” This appeals particularly to young learners around the world, from individuals looking to improve their skills to those travelling in groups curated by schools and agents.
More than three decades delivering excellence in this space has seen Stafford House Study Holidays build a strong reputation in the UK and globally for its expertise, high-calibre teaching, and unique commitment to exceptional student experiences.
As the hands-on founder-director of this operation, much of the success fostered over the last 30 years can be attributed directly to Ruth Fenton. Her role includes overseeing the strategic direction of Stafford House Study Holidays, ensuring its programmes are engaging and beneficial and that relationships with its global partners remain strong.
Ruth draws on her wealth of experience concerning English language education, travel, and tourism to consistently deliver across her role, and has developed a deep and unique understanding of the needs of both the industry and the internal students she serves. The decades she has spent honing her craft have proven instrumental in shaping the growth and continued success of Stafford House Study Holidays.
Having spent a great deal of time in these environments over her career, Ruth has seen many changes across them, especially regarding female accessibility. She told us: “When I first started, leadership roles were less accessible. Today there is far greater visibility of women in senior positions.” Discussing the reasons behind this, Ruth commented: “I believe the industry has become more accessible to women, supported by broader social change, increased awareness around equality, and more inclusive workplaces.”
However, challenges still remain, and long-term success in this sector requires resilience and adaptability from those at the top of the chain, especially given this is an industry shaped by constant political, social, and technological shifts. Ruth stays one step ahead of these developments by leveraging both her own longevity and that of Stafford House Study Holidays, with her rich tenure in the industry being a career highlight.
“Sustaining and growing a company over more than 30 years, despite evolving global challenges, reflects not only industry changes but also the increasing role and impact of women in leadership.”
Another highlight for Ruth has been the consistent delivery Stafford House Study Holidays has stood for all of this time, with this serving as the foundation for the many long-standing relationships it enjoys with its partners, some of whom it has been with since the very beginning and others still since before Ruth established the organisation. The key to maintaining these is trust, continuity, and a reputation for reliability.
Shining some more light on what these partnerships mean to her and the wider organisation, Ruth proudly said: “Having repeat customers for over 30 years is something I am incredibly proud of and consider my greatest achievement in this industry.”
These values have helped to guide Ruth through a career filled with make-or-break moments, something which comes with navigating a role that sits between a variety of stakeholders and balances the expectations of clients and suppliers whilst still maintaining trust on all sides. “I strongly believe in never promising what you cannot deliver”, Ruth added. “Building a successful and sustainable business depends on finding the right balance and consistently working to achieve the best outcomes for everyone involved.”
For women looking to follow in Ruth’s footsteps and succeed in the world of education or beyond, her advice is simple: listen, learn, and remain resilient. To this end, Ruth is keen on supporting women (as well as men) beyond this advice, nurturing the growth of those around her through a combination of guidance, encouragement, and growth opportunities. Stafford House Study Holidays embodies this ethos perfectly, with its international and inclusive environment serving young people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Its ability to do so effectively starts from within, and Ruth is incredibly proud to have built a team over the years who share the same values as she does when it comes to customer service, the standard of education provided, and other such fundamentals of the brand. As a member of the senior leadership team at both Stafford House Study Holidays and its parent company, CATS Global Schools, Ruth also helps to coach and champion the women around her, something she considers fundamental to her founder-director position.
Looking ahead, Ruth strives to continue to grow and evolve the organisation, all whilst adapting its strategy and day-to-day operations to the changing needs of the industry. This includes further digitisation of its operations, the development of new and engaging programme materials, and the integration of new technologies to enhance learning and the overall student experience. All of this will be carried out against a backdrop of international presence expansion and a strengthening the partnerships that are so essential.
Of course, the nature of the work that Stafford House Study Holidays does also means that political, social, and technological shifts all define how it operates, and the realities of these are both immediate and complex. Ruth commented: “For example, when global events occur, such as travel disruptions, you naturally consider how this may affect the regions you work with and the students you support. It requires constant awareness, adaptability, and careful decision making.” Focusing on these areas remains key moving forwards.
Ultimately, reflecting on her recognition in this programme, Ruth believes her status as an Influential Businesswoman comes from her adherence to consistency, reliability, and trust, three traits she looks to demonstrate every single day of her working life. Having built a great team who believe in these values and established a partner network with these as its cornerstones, the future is bright for Stafford House Study Holidays, which is continuing to raise the bar in study travel programmes for groups and individuals alike.
For more on the remarkable work of Ruth Fenton, named the Language Education Industry Veteran of the Year 2026 (UK) and celebrated with our Leadership Dedication & Resilience Award 2026 in this this year’s stacked and coveted Influential Businesswoman Awards programme, visit Stafford House Study Holidays at the web address below.
Contact Details
Contact: Ruth Fenton
Company: Stafford House Study Holidays
Web Address: https://www.studyholidays.com/
