UK English Language Courses – make sure it’s Accredited

UK English Language Courses – make sure it’s Accredited

If you’re in the process of choosing UK English language courses makes sure the school you choose is Accredited by The British Council.

Accreditation UK, run by the British Council and English UK, is the quality assurance scheme for the UK ELT sector, covering UK schools, colleges, and universities offering courses in English as a Foreign Language (EFL).

Participating schools agree to regular inspections - including unannounced spot checks - covering the premises, teaching, food, welfare, standards of hygiene and safety and overall management. This encourages excellence and ensures that all students will be well taught and looked after.

All UK schools which have been Accredited by The British Council are listed as 'Registered Providers' by the UK government. From 1 January 2005 UK student visas will be issued only for English Language courses given by 'Registered Providers'.

Furthermore, from March 2009 colleges and universities who want to teach non European Economic Area (EEA) nationals must have a license issued by the UK Border Agency. Licensed institutions can then sponsor non EEA students to come to study in the UK. Accreditation by The British Council is a minimum requirement for language schools to be issued a license by the UK Border Agency.

Don’t rely on a school telling you that it is Accredited by The British Council: there are some schools that claim to be accredited and even display the British Council Accreditation marque when they are not accredited. The consequences of studying in a non-Accredited school can however be very serious.

You can check if a school is Accredited by viewing The British Council’s list of accredited providers at http://www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation-az-list.htm

By choosing a school that is Accredited by The British Council you can be sure of an enjoyable and worthwhile stay in the UK.

English Country Schools

http://www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation-az-list.htm
British Council list of Accredited Providers