Why guardianship is not a formality
- ✓ Schools are not responsible for students outside campus
- ✓ During exeats and holidays, students must leave school
- ✓ In urgent situations, decisions must be made immediately
- ✓ Families need a trusted person in the UK who can act without delay
A guardian is a responsible adult who ensures your child's safety and wellbeing while you are in another country.
- ✦Exeat and half-term — students must leave campus
- ✦Illness, injury, or emotional crisis
- ✦Parents' meetings and consultations with school staff
- ✦Transfers — airport, school, host family
Required under Student Visa conditions and the policies of most UK boarding schools.
AEGIS Gold is the highest accreditation standard for guardianship organisations in the United Kingdom.
Guardianship in the UK: a formal requirement
All international students under 18 are required to have a UK-based guardian.
Accredited
A guardian:
- ✓ Represents parents in communication with the school and medical services
- ✓ Acts in urgent or unexpected situations
- ✓ Ensures the student's safety outside school
Guardians may be individuals or organisations. However, only AEGIS-accredited organisations are independently inspected against recognised safeguarding standards.
Choosing the right guardianship model
Friend or relative
- ✓Low cost
- ✗No experience with schools
- ✗No structured responsibility
- ✗No system in emergencies
London International Agency
- ✓AEGIS Gold accreditation
- ✓One dedicated guardian throughout
- ✓Direct communication
- ✓Fast response
- ✓Consistent and structured approach
Large agency
- ✓Formal structure
- ✗High volume of students
- ✗Multiple contacts
- ✗Limited personal attention
Formal guardianship and local support in the UK
Reliable Contact
A clear point of contact for both student and family in any situation.
Emergency Response
Immediate action and support, 24/7, in any unforeseen circumstances.
School Communication
Formal liaison with school administration, house staff and medical teams.
Accommodation Arrangements
Carefully selected host families for exeats and holidays.
Transport Coordination
Safe and reliable travel arrangements from airport and back.
Responsible Adult Presence
Acting on behalf of parents when immediate decisions are needed.
Local Support
Assistance in situations where the presence of a responsible adult is required.
Additional educational and family advisory support is provided separately and tailored to each family.
A clear and structured process
How guardianship works in practice
Flight cancellation
A student is left at Heathrow. Within a short time, we are present and managing the situation.
Unexpected school issue
We liaise with the school and ensure parents receive clear information and next steps.
School closure
The student is placed in a safe, organised environment with full supervision.
Who we work with
Boarding school students
Mandatory guardianship and structured support in the UK.
Safety, coordination, school communication and reliable oversight.
Students (18+)
Optional UK-based support during the first year and transition to independent life.
Practical assistance, coordination and support when needed.
What families say
Discuss guardianship for your child
Tell us about your situation — and we will advise on the most suitable approach.
The initial consultation is free and without obligation.
Book a Consultation