Bridging the language gap
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.”
Of working-age adults only 35% in the UK, 50% in Spain, and 60% in France reported knowing a modern foreign language, compared with 65% across the EU.
API Horizons helps bridge this gap one learner at a time — developing the knowledge, confidence and enjoyment all students need to succeed in languages and connecting their learning with their wider ambitions.
API Horizons turns that aspiration into opportunity through:
1. Confident language learners
2. Ambitious student-athletes
3. Meaningful international experiences
4. Informed families
API Horizons is
Aspirational, Purposeful and International
API Horizons was founded by Alex Iltchev, an experienced languages and sports educator with more than 17 years of teaching in leading UK independent and international schools, who studied at Eton College and then undertook a degree in French & Spanish at St Catherine's College, at the University of Oxford, where he was awarded a Distinction in the Spanish oral.
Alex has taught French and Spanish at GCSE, A Level, Pre-U and beyond, while also supporting students preparing for Oxbridge applications, university admissions and international pathways.
Rates start at £95 per hour.
About the founder
During his 8 years’ experience as Head of Spanish at Dulwich, he oversaw the Spanish language and co-curricular provision to over 500 students annually, setting up a mentoring programme for younger students led by Spanish A Level students.
Alex was also a form tutor to GCSE and A Level students, supporting them in their academic choices and pathways.
Whilst at the 4 schools he has worked at, he has participated in 20 successful international trips, run and organised 11 trips and set up 4 new trip destinations in Spain.
Alex was Director of Squash and a Year 11 Tennis Coordinator at Eton College. At Dulwich College, in addition to assisting with the squash and tennis programmes, he also ran padel, yoga, and pilates activities for students and staff.
Alex is passionate about helping your children and students use languages in authentic local international settings.
Through international work experience and cultural immersion opportunities in Spain - as well as more local activities in the UK - Alex has seen young people develop confidence, independence and genuine intercultural understanding.
The most meaningful language learning happens when students have a reason to use the language.
Beyond the classroom
Alex's Educational Philosophy
Learning a language should do more than help students succeed in examinations—it should open doors.
Every student has different goals, whether that's achieving top grades, preparing for university, pursuing opportunities in sport or gaining the confidence to communicate internationally.
That's why every programme at API Horizons is tailored to the individual.
Alex's aim is to develop confident, independent learners who can use language with purpose, think critically and embrace opportunities beyond the classroom.
Academic success matters, but the skills and confidence gained through language learning can last a lifetime.
