Accreditation Consultancy Scheme
The Accreditation Consultancy Service (ACS) is aimed at new and established private sector schools and ELT centres in universities and further education colleges that are preparing for accreditation for the first time.
Accreditation and visas
Accreditation UK is the quality assurance scheme for the English language teaching industry in the UK and is managed by the British Council in partnership with English UK. Up until spring 2009, Accreditation UK had operated as a voluntary quality assurance scheme. However, under Tier 4 of the new Points Based System (PBS), part of the Government's Managed Migration policy, the granting of full student visas has become dependent on providers holding appropriate accreditation.
After a rigorous inspection process by Ofsted, Accreditation UK was the first scheme approved by the UK Border Agency to act as an accrediting body for the English language teaching industry. This means that working towards accreditation is an urgent priority for many centres. Only accredited institutions can be listed on the new Register of Sponsors. Students enrolling at organisations not on this list will not be issued visas for entry into the UK.
How we can help
English UK offers an independent consultancy service to advise English language providers on how to successfully negotiate the accreditation process for the first time and achieve the best possible outcome. The key benefit is a one-day consultancy visit, perhaps best described as an accreditation 'pre-MOT test'. This consultancy visit may result in a school applying for inspection with greater confidence or it may be that the organisation will delay taking the step until certain areas have been developed further. No centre wishes to fail an inspection and a consultancy is a cost-effective way of identifying details which can easily be overlooked.
The expert team of English UK consultants is managed by the Deputy Chief Executive (Professional Services) of English UK. Having managed all types of ELT operations, our consultants offer a wealth of experience, as well as a thorough knowledge of the Accreditation UK scheme.
During 2008-09, our consultants helped 36 providers to gain accreditation. Our success rate of 83% compares favourably with the Accreditation UK scheme average of 66% for first time applicants.
