The majority of UK boarding schools now rely to some extent on educational consultants (also known as agents) operating in local markets overseas, although it may sometimes be necessary to approach agents directly. The way in which they operate differs from country to country. Schools normally prefer to work with only one or two agents in any particular country, as this allows a strong relationship to develop.
The British Council does not accredit or formally recognise any agents, but it values the work they do for UK institutions, and in many countries it is working to increase the effectiveness and quality of agents operating on behalf of UK institutions. The organisation is working with consultants and UK institutions to help develop a network of well-trained, reliable and professional educational consultants.
The British Council has developed a central package of training programmes to increase agents’ capacity to promote the UK as a study destination. The course develops an agent’s ability to provide high-quality information, resources and services to students seeking an international education. The course also develops skills to source relevant information and updates knowledge about studying in the UK. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded an ‘Education UK Certificate for agents’ from the British Council. The certificate is recognised by UK institutions, and it demonstrates to students and parents that agents have gained knowledge in the following areas:
• the UK education and training system, including units and qualifications at each level
• the attractions for students considering studying and living in the UK
• quality assurance mechanisms and how they operate
• student lifestyle issues, for example living costs, travel and accommodation
• unit fees and scholarships
• welfare and support provided for international students in the UK
• UK application procedures and standard entry requirements, including visa and immigration regulations.
You can find out more about what agency and consultant services the British Council offers to students and parents by contacting your local British Council office
In addition to boarding school consultants, there are also agents operating for the spring and summer language schools that run in the UK during the school holidays in March/April and July/August. Language school agents will be far more involved in marketing and travel arrangements.
What consultants offer
A boarding school consultant or agent will provide you with a number of services – in particular, the vital liaison between you and the school. Whenever a school’s head or another member of staff visits an overseas country, the local consultant will arrange meetings with parents of current and potential pupils, and meetings and interviews with prospective pupils (either on an individual basis, or at an exhibition or the consultant’s local office).
Increasingly, prospective international students also take tests and assessments, so that their applications can be considered as quickly as possible. In some cases, consultants will arrange for local interpreters to be present during these meetings and interviews. The consultant will also hold a ready supply of school prospectuses, information about studying and living in the UK, and other publicity material, which they will make available to you.
Why did you choose the UK as a boarding destination?
We were more comfortable choosing the UK in comparison to anywhere else. Having considered the options, we deemed UK education to be more serious in terms of teaching, learning and boarding life. We preferred somewhere that had public examinations after secondary schooling, as we believe this is the most fair and objective way to assess a student, and what he or she knows. We also considered New Zealand, but their academic year did not fit in with our schedule.
Why did you decide to use an educational consultant?
We knew it would be a competitive marketplace with an exhaustive pool of selections, with each school having different strengths and values to suit students of different talents, so we chose an agent to ensure we found the right one!
What were the most important things you were looking for?
We looked for a school that would provide both good results and good memories of school days! We expected a simple culture with no bullying, and equal opportunities for local students and boarders.
Did your consultant help you meet your criteria?
Yes. We found a school that just fitted our criteria, so there would not be many problems of adapting from the school in Hong Kong to one in the UK.
Did you visit any schools in the UK before making your decision?
We had a three-week UK summer school experience and prior knowledge of the school that we chose. We'd paid a visit to another school, but found that the location was not so ideal.
What do you think the greatest advantage of using a consultant is, and would you recommend it to others?
Apart from giving you more options to choose from, it also gives you peace of mind and is trouble-free. We would not hesitate to share our views and joyful experience with our friends too! In fact, we are always thankful for Enoch's placement in such a good school – a dream which might not have come true without the assistance of our consultant!
UK guardians
UK boarding schools ask parents who live overseas to appoint a UK guardian for their child. It is extremely important for international students to have a guardian who is their representative in the UK, and generally a guardian should be over 25 years of age. Guardians offer support and advice to the student, act as a point of contact whenever the parents cannot be contacted, and provide accommodation during school holidays when it is not practical for the student to return to their home country.
The school of your choice is the best initial point of contact when seeking advice on UK guardians. However, some consultants will be able to arrange either an individual guardian or, more likely, comprehensive guardianship care through a guardianship organisation at a discounted rate for when the student is in the UK.
Find out more about guardianship organisations and guardians in the UK.
Finding a consultant
There are various steps to take when looking for an educational consultant. First, if close relatives or friends have successfully sent a son or daughter to a UK school, their experiences will be extremely helpful. Second, you should find out which consultants are operating in your country by checking on the internet or in local educational directories. Third, you should compile your own shortlist of schools using this Guide and make sure that any consultants operating for these schools in your country appear on your list. Many British Council offices will also be able to provide contact details and information on local consultants and the UK institutions they represent.
You are advised to carry out as much research into the background of each consultant as you can, and make sure you understand their fee scales. If you are uncertain about anything, you may also want to contact an independent UK educational consultancy.
Using an educational consultant
Once you have selected your consultant, you will want to make the best possible use of them. If possible, seek to meet the consultant in person, so the needs and ability of your child can be discussed. This will give you an opportunity to find out just how much the consultant knows about the school or schools they are recommending, their links with them and the costs involved. You then need to discuss arrangements for admission and when it will be possible to meet representatives from the school, take entry tests, be interviewed and be informed of the results. You should ask if it will be necessary to be considered for other schools and, if so, how many. Once a programme has been agreed, you have to await the outcome of the application, and, if successful, start to make all the arrangements for travel and arrival at the school.
Choosing a consultant
Steps to take when choosing a local educational consultant:
• Ask friends who have used a consultant for their advice.
• Search the internet and/or local educational directories for details of educational consultants/agents.
• If possible, choose a shortlist of schools from this Guide and
discuss your options with a representative of the British Council in your country.
• Ask your local British Council office if they have information
about local agents who represent UK educational institutions.
• Approach your favoured consultant, and discuss how best to seek a place at one of the schools on your shortlist.
• Agree a programme for applications and consideration for admission.
Why should I consider using an educational consultant?
They represent schools, offer advice and assist in the admission process. A good agent will have visited the schools they represent and met staff and students.
Do all UK schools appoint consultants?
The majority of schools do use consultants, but it may be necessary for you to approach one or two schools directly.
Do I have to use a consultant?
No, you will often receive excellent advice from those who have personal experience of UK schools.
What should I expect from a consultant?
Advice and general information on a number of schools, application and entrance procedures, scholarships, performance indicators, information on fees and visa requirements, and pre-departure assistance and advice.
What won’t they know?
Consultants are unlikely to have in-depth knowledge of the curriculum and daily routines.
Can consultants guarantee admission?
No. The decision will be taken by the school.