Frank Bell founded the first Bell Language School in Cambridge in 1955. His mission was to promote international understanding by providing high quality English language training to students all over the world.

In 1972, he established an educational charity - the Bell Educational Trust (now trading as Bell International). Its main aims remain: to provide language education, mainly in English, for adult students and young learners; to train teachers of English and to offer language learning and teacher training experiences that will promote international understanding and intercultural exchange. The Trust has no shareholders, and money from fees is reinvested in developing and improving the services and facilities for students and the worldwide services that are offered.

Bell staff and staff in Bell partner schools include among their numbers some of the most expert language teachers, trainers, educational managers, consultants and materials writers in the world, and Bell staff work closely with national and international organizations involved in language teaching worldwide.