Accreditation

How do We Accredit an Educational Institution?

Education Institution makes initial contact enquiry to UK Accreditation.

Guidance: When we receive an initial enquiry, we attempt to reply immediately. We respond to the enquiry to arrange a formal on-line meeting with the organisation’s representatives. We aim to arrange a meeting within 2 weeks after receiving the initial enquiry.

Online meeting arranged and conducted.

Guidance: The on-line meeting allows both parties to explore the possibility of collaboration. This is the start of the accreditation process. General enquiries can be addressed at this meeting and both parties can informally assess their suitability to a working partnership.

Formal decision to proceed with, or to postpone the application.

Guidance: UK Accreditation management team discuss the meeting and decide to either proceed with the accreditation process or to postpone it with recommendations and advice to the education institution. Where both parties agree to proceed, the process can continue. Should UK Accreditation decide that the institution is not yet ready for accreditation, an open invitation to re-apply for accreditation is extended to the organisation, this will be conditional and based on the successful attainment of the recommendations made by UK Accreditation.

Limited access to UK Accreditation courses provided to institution.

Guidance: UK Accreditation provides the education institution with limited and provisional access to our programmes. This is an opportunity for the organisation to explore our courses and learning platforms. This is also the time that the institution can discuss the costs of courses and decide what programmes they can offer on behalf of UK Accreditation.

Formal Agreement.

Guidance: UK Accreditation produces a formal agreement between both parties. The agreement details the terms and conditions of the working partnership. Upon acceptance, the agreement is signed by both parties.

Invoice raised.

Guidance: UK Accreditation will provide the partner organisation with an invoice for the agreed accreditation fee. The invoice should be paid in full within 3 weeks of receipt. The accreditation process can progress upon receipt of payment.

Information and evidence gathering.

Guidance: The partner organisation is required to produce a video or PowerPoint presentation; the following areas need to be featured:

Organisation Overview

  • The registered name and address of the organisation.
  • Date founded
  • Official legal status
  • Mission statement
  • Aims and objectives
  • Organisation structure (Organogram)
  • Description of services and courses offered
  • Number of students / clients
  • Affiliations and connections to other schools and organisations

Physical Overview

Photographs or video evidence of:
  • External building/structure
  • Grounds, car parks, playing fields
  • Classrooms
  • Staff rooms
  • IT suite
  • Communal/student areas
  • Dining facilities
  • Washrooms and WC
  • Offices and admin areas

Due Diligence

Following the completion and submission of the video evidence, the partner organisation will be required to provide the following documentation:

  • Any official licence or permit to operate in education sector, issued by the local and/or national government.
  • Accreditations and affiliations with national or international bodies.
  • Audited accounts for financial compliance with national legislation.
  • Details for Solicitors and Accountants acting for the partner organisation.
  • Public liability insurance certificates.

Policies and Procedures

UK Accreditation require copies of all policy documentation that the partner organisation possesses. This is not an exclusive list, it is important however, that all documentation that guides the organisation’s business activities are included. Where policies and procedures are deemed to be absent or substandard, UK Accreditation will advise and support their development.

  • Health and Safety Policy
  • Safeguarding Policy and Procedures
  • Complaints Procedure
  • Fire Safety Certificates
  • First Aid Certificates
  • Student / Staff Codes of Conduct
  • Digital Privacy Policy
  • E-Security Policy
  • Equal Opportunities Policy

Staffing Structure

The quality and expertise of all employees affects the quality of provision for all organisations. UK Accreditation places great importance on the staffing of all accredited organisations and requires the following documentation and information.

  • Job Description and CV for Principal / Director
  • Job Descriptions for Senior Management Team
  • Teaching staff qualifications (can be grouped and anonymous)
  • Number of support staff, including brief Job descriptions
  • Certificates of association/affiliation to professional bodies

Interviews

Guidance: UK Accreditation would like to meet your team and a selection of randomly chosen students or clients. We would like to assess the culture that drives your organisation. We are interested in how your employees feel and think about their positions, their workloads and their relationship with the values and objectives of your organisation. We prefer to discuss the following subjects in an informal video meeting with 2 teaching staff and 3 students:

Teaching Staff:

  • Awareness of your organisation’s mission and objectives
  • Curriculum knowledge
  • Student / Teacher relationships and support
  • English Language competence
  • Awareness of UK High School Programmes/ Learning Platforms
  • Pedagogy and teaching styles
  • Resources and teaching support materials
  • Overall satisfaction levels

Student/client Representatives:

  • Confidence in teaching and support staff
  • Satisfaction with the learning progression
  • Satisfaction with facilities and resources
  • Feelings of security, stability, and confidence in the organisation
  • Access to learning support
  • Availability of and access to technology and internet
  • General comments and considerations

Submission of evidence and UK Accreditation Board consideration.

Guidance: Once we have received all the requested information, the UK Accreditation Board will make a formal decision to approve the accreditation or to defer accreditation until full compliance with our standards are achieved. Our Board is constructed using our education experts in the UK. The board will assess the application using a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis tool. We will compile a report and present it to your organisation. Successful applicants will be awarded accredited status to UK Accreditation and will receive a wall mounting plaque and a flag, displaying our logo and announcing your official partnership with UK Accreditation. All accredited institutions are permitted to promote and deliver our UK High School Diploma, TESOL, ITEL and European Language Portfolio courses. Access to our wide range of learning materials will also be available.

Welcome Aboard UK Accreditation – It is our pleasure to work with you!