English UK's Partner Agency Scheme this week welcomed its 100th agency to have achieved partner agency status, just over a year after it was officially launched.

Agencies from all over the world have now joined the scheme, which is restricted to those who meet high professional standards and are already working closely with English UK members. The scheme was praised in an official report by MPs into the student visa system earlier this year.

Jodie Gray, English UK's senior international manager, said: "We're really delighted by the popularity of the scheme.

"Much of the continuing success of our business has been down to quality partnerships between the best agents and the best language centres, and we believe this scheme will help to support and develop these relationships.

"We've responded to the demand this autumn by creating an online briefing system for agents who are applying to join the scheme. Before, they had to attend an official seminar to get all the information required, which often meant waiting a long time for this to be arranged in their own region. Now it can all be done online at a time which suits them."

In order to join the scheme, agencies have to fulfil criteria including the completion of a business profile form and the online briefing, and provide five references from English UK members with whom they already do business. A fee is also payable.

In return agencies get attractive benefits including a listing on the English UK website and the use of special logos and marketing products.

Click here to view more details of the 100 agencies that have already achieved Partner Agency status.

For more information on the Partner Agency Scheme, click here.