UK law requires that all boarding schools “promote and safeguard” the welfare of every boarding student, including those over the age of 18. The Home Office, responsible for issuing VISAs, must also have regard to the need to safeguard children and to promote their welfare. All children studying in the UK must therefore have suitable care arrangements in place for their travel, reception on arrival and living arrangements whilst in the UK. This is a compulsory requirement.

During the term time, boarding schools must comply with the “Boarding Schools National Minimum Standards” in the care of their students, and they are regularly inspected. However, there are times when the school is closed and as sponsors of the Tier 4 (Child) VISA, a boarding school must also be able to hand over parental responsibilities to another adult. These times include Fixed “Exeat” weekends, Half Terms, suspensions, exclusions, medical emergencies, weather extremes and other unforeseen.

• Be a 24‐hour point of contact for the school
• Act with delegated parental authority in the case of emergency
• Provide both pastoral and educational support
• Liaise with the school over holiday and exeat weekend arrangements, including informing the school about travel and accommodation, which must be appropriate depending on the age of the student.
• Provide appropriate overnight full board accommodation and care

• Be over 25 years of age
• Reside in the UK at all times and be able to reach the school within 2 hours travelling time
• Be a 24‐hour point of contact for the school
• Act with delegated parental authority in the case of emergency
• Provide both pastoral and educational support
• Liaise with the school over holiday and exeat weekend arrangements, including informing the school about travel and accommodation, which must be appropriate depending on the age of the student.
• Provide appropriate overnight full board accommodation and care

A guardian can be a family friend or relative who can comply with the above requirements, but the guardian cannot be:

• Under the age of 25 years’ old
• A full time student living in accommodation provided by another education institutions

Some parents have relatives or friends living quite near the chosen school, who are willing to undertake this role. If you have difficulty in locating a UK guardian, a guardianship agency can offer assistance in making arrangements for your child. The guardianship agency you choose should be officially checked and accredited by one of the two professional organisations who offer accreditation.

If you wish to enquire or need assistance with guardianship service, please contact us for more information.