Accreditation and quality

Accreditation under the Accreditation UK Scheme, run by English UK and the British Council in partnership, is the only guarantee of quality for English language courses in the UK.

All English UK members are accredited - it is a requirement of membership. If a member loses accreditation, their membership of English UK ends at the same time.

Accreditation by the British Council happens after an inspection by independent experts against the most rigorous standards in the world,
with more observation of teaching than happens in any other
accreditation process.

The Accreditation Scheme criteria cover:

• Management, including safety and security and the accuracy of publicity.
• Resources and environment, including buildings, equipment and teaching materials.
• Teaching and learning, including teacher qualifications, how lessons are planned and how teachers actually teach in the classroom.
• Welfare, including accommodation and all arrangements for student support and counselling.

Accreditation lasts for four years, but the inspectors visit most centres in between the main inspections. These interim visits are unannounced
- the centre does not know when they will happen.

Accreditation is the best guarantee for a student of a quality course.

Full details on the operation of the Accreditation Scheme, the criteria and costs can be found on the British Council Website » click here.

“English is spoken
in 104 countries
outside the UK.”