Why use a Guardian?
In the UK, British boarding schools generally require overseas pupils under the age of 18 (or in some cases at any age) to appoint a local guardian. Many schools require this appointment as a condition of any offer of a place and / or sponsoring any visas that may be required. So it is important that parents have their guardianship arrangements in place early.
If you do not have a family member in the UK or someone who will act as your child guardian, you need to appoint a UK based guardianship service who perform several roles. Understand that some schools will require the guardian who is appointed to be a within a certain distance or travel time from the school. Guardians provide a place for your child to stay during the – sometimes numerous – school holidays (and many schools also have compulsory home weekends and half-term breaks when all pupils have to leave the school).
They may also need to serve as your representatives, making some decisions for your child, signing forms, attending parents’ evenings and being available in an emergency – for instance, if your child falls ill or is temporarily or permanently excluded from school (it happens more often than you think).
Guardians may need to assist with transport to and from school or from airports etc.
In addition, they are sometimes required to act as a sort of bank, managing pocket money, funds for school trips etc. In general, the younger the pupil, the more comprehensive the service will need to be.
Remember it is important to choose the right guardianship provider who will provide the care and focus on your child’s welfare.
At Guardians International our focus is on your child’s welfare and happiness and we truly believe if these are both positive your child will get the most out of their time and experiences as a student in the UK.
Guardians International is recognised as one of the UK’s leading service providers by parents, schools and agents. We continually strive to improve upon what is already considered to be the “gold standard” of service to all our stakeholders. We genuinely do put the child at the centre of everything we do – WE CARE
