Accreditation UK is the oldest accreditation scheme in the world, originally founded by the British government in 1957. The scheme is now run by the British Council and English UK.
Accreditation UK aims to develop, establish and maintain quality standards for English language teaching for international students. It provides an assurance of the quality of English language providers to agencies and their students.
Centres that are accredited under the Accreditation UK scheme may use the following marque:
What does an Accreditation UK inspection cover?
To pass the initial inspection, language centres must meet high standards set down in the inspection handbook. There are 119 inspection criteria in four main areas, which are management, resources and environment, teaching and learning, and welfare and student services.
There are further criteria for students aged under 16.
At least two inspectors will carry out each inspection. Each centre will have an initial inspection, a full re-inspection every four years, a spot check in the first year and additional checks at random.
The inspection team will observe classes, visit accommodation, look at the premises, the resources and the records, interview staff from every area and talk to teachers and students.
They will be looking for clear English or translations to be used in information about the centre and its courses. This information must accurately reflect what is provided.
Accommodation should be regularly inspected by the centre (every 2 years) and meet the high standards of the scheme.
All accommodation must be comfortable, clean and in good repair, with adequate space, heat and light. Baths or showers must be available every day, bedding and towels changed weekly and students must have access to laundry facilities.
In homestays, the student must be treated as a member of the household. Private homes will have a host who lives on-site, and English will be spoken.
For more detailed information on the Accreditation UK scheme, visit www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation
Downloads
To download English UK's essential information for agents as a printable document, please click here.
