Accreditation UK: what accreditation means and how we can help you achieve it

Accreditation UK is the principal quality assurance scheme for the English language teaching industry in the UK. The British Council manages it in association with English UK. Accreditation under the scheme demonstrates that a provider has achieved professional standards in its internal management, teaching, resources, environment, student welfare, and safeguarding of under-18s.

The scheme's requirements are among the most rigorous in the world. It is one of the Home Office-approved inspection schemes for providers that only wish to teach students under the short-term student visa route for English language courses lasting up to 11 months.

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English language providers must be accredited under this scheme before applying to join English UK unless you are a Higher or Further Education institution and are interested in associate membership and not full membership. 

Achieving accreditation: how we can help

English UK offers an independent consultancy service to advise English language providers on managing the accreditation process successfully and achieving the best possible outcome. Our Accreditation Consultancy Service (ACS) is for new and established providers teaching English as a foreign language.

Huan Japes, English UK's membership director, manages the team of accreditation consultants. Our consultants have a wealth of knowledge and experience in all types of ELT provision and will help you prioritise when preparing for inspection.

There are three types of consultancy to choose from:

1. A thorough review of the inspection documentation, including policies, publicity materials, staff qualifications, and a follow-up report.

2. A one-day consultancy visit with a follow-up report.

3. A two-day consultancy visit with a follow-up report combining the document review and a one-day visit.

In addition, English UK can provide a bespoke service to meet your centre's specific needs. For example, the consultant can work with you to produce and edit the required documentation. Please contact us for further information and costs.

All subscribers will get:

• A pre-consultancy appraisal, usually by telephone
• Continuing access to advice up to the date of inspection
• The opportunity to attend English UK conferences and training events at member prices.

Applying for the Accreditation Consultancy Service

• ACS application form (for non-members)
• ACS application form (for members)

Any questions?

Contact Naadiya Rawat for more information.

Note: The Accreditation UK scheme is not valid for centres wishing to sponsor students under Tier 4. To apply for a Tier 4 licence, ELT providers must be inspected by an educational oversight body such as the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). If you need assistance with an educational oversight inspection, don't hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.