17 March 2026
Dear Agents, Colleagues, Group Leaders, and Parents,
I am writing to you in your capacity as our valued recruitment partners, group leaders, and parents of students due to join us at Chaucer College, to make you aware of a meningitis outbreak that has been reported in Canterbury over recent days. We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to all those who have been affected, and particularly to the families of those who have tragically lost their lives.
We fully understand that news of this nature may cause concern, and we want to be as transparent and reassuring as possible. The welfare of every student in our care is our absolute priority.
Chaucer College is following the guidance of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) closely. The UKHSA has specifically advised schools in the Canterbury area, that have had a case, that school contacts are only very rarely at risk and that the risk of another case in their school is very small. We are not aware of any confirmed cases among our students or staff.
The outbreak has been linked primarily to a specific nightclub venue in Canterbury and has principally affected students aged 17- 21 (Year 13 pupils and university-age) students. As a language school delivering structured short-term programmes for international student groups, our college environment and the supervised nature of our programmes are quite different from the settings in which cases have been reported, and we have separate facilities to the University of Kent campus.
We want to reassure you that the college remains open and operating normally. The UKHSA has confirmed there is no reason to change school routines, and our programmes will continue as planned. We are taking all appropriate precautionary steps in line with official guidance and will continue to monitor the situation as it develops. Providing updated advice to all staff, students and groups on the UKHSA advice and the symptoms to be aware of for meningitis.
For group leaders and parents of students currently due to travel to Chaucer College, we encourage you to proceed with your arrangements with confidence. Should the situation change in any way that affects our programmes or the safety of our students, we will contact you promptly and directly.
We ask that all students arriving at Chaucer College, and those already with us, be aware of the symptoms of meningitis: sudden high fever, severe and worsening headache, stiff neck, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and in some cases a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass. Students or staff who develop any of these symptoms should seek medical help immediately by calling NHS 111 or attending the nearest A&E and our staff are briefed on recognising these symptoms, the majority also being First Aid Trained.
If you have any questions or concerns — whether as an agent, a group leader, or a parent — please do not hesitate to contact us directly. We are committed to keeping you informed and to ensuring that every student who comes to Chaucer College is safe, supported, and well looked after.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Mitsutoshi Horii
Principal, Chaucer College
Canterbury, Kent
United Kingdom
