Guardianship Services for Studying in the UK: Understanding the Requirements and Costs

For parents considering sending their children to study in the UK at the secondary or even primary level, understanding the UK's guardianship services for international students is essential. Cyclopes introduces the requirements for guardians in the UK and outlines the costs and services included in UK guardianship services, ensuring parents are fully prepared before letting their children embark on their UK study journey.

The UK has clear legal requirements for the guardianship of foreign underage students. According to UK law, international students under 18 who are to receive education in the UK for a period exceeding 12 weeks must have a legal UK guardian. The guardian must be a resident over 25 years old, holding British nationality and residing in the UK.

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In the UK, a student's guardian acts as the intermediary between the school and parents, ensuring the student's safety, health, and welfare during their stay in the UK and providing support and assistance in case of emergencies.

If a student doesn't have a qualified relative or friend in the UK to act as their guardian during their studies, they might need to seek local guardianship services.

UK guardianship services are provided by companies that assign personnel to act as guardians for international students. Guardians assist students newly arrived in the UK, including initial airport pick-ups, helping with the purchase or activation of UK mobile data SIM cards, finding suitable host families, conducting regular checks and training for host families, attending school parent meetings, and regularly reporting to the student's parents. Most importantly, they provide 24-hour support in emergencies to ensure the student's safety.

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To guarantee the quality of guardianship services, the UK government requires that guardianship companies be accredited, including certifications from authoritative bodies like the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS) and the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) to ensure and regulate the service quality and safety and rights of international students.

Depending on the service plan, the basic service fees for reputable UK guardianship service companies are around £1,700 per year (usually plus an initial registration fee), covering the aforementioned arrival support services for students. More advanced service plans range from £2,500 to £5,000, including more frequent visits (e.g., once per term), medical appointment bookings and accompaniments, tutoring arrangements, and assistance with school transfer applications if needed.

When parents are not around, a guardian in the UK plays the role of a 'parent,' so choosing the right guardianship service is crucial for the child's study life in the UK. Parents should carefully screen guardianship companies to ensure comprehensive care for their child. Consider the following factors when choosing:

Reputation of the guardianship company: Opt for companies with good reputations and accreditations from AEGIS and BSA. Parents can refer to online platforms or word-of-mouth recommendations to review other parents' and students' feedback on the guardianship company.

Clarifying service content and costs: Understand the specific services and cost standards provided by the guardianship institution based on different service plans and packages. Some items, like transportation and medical accompaniment, may require additional fees, so it's best to clarify these in advance to avoid budgeting issues later.

Source: Australian Associated Press

Guardianship is a legal requirement in the UK, and hiring a UK study guardian is key to ensuring parents' peace of mind while their child lives abroad. If parents have any questions about UK guardianship services and costs, they are welcome to consult Cyclopes' professional team for the most satisfying answers.