Why is a guardian needed for studying in a boarding school?
When planning your child’s education at a British boarding school, you will likely encounter the question of appointing a guardian.
This is not just a formality but an important requirement that ensures your child’s safety and comfort throughout their entire period of study
Why is this important?
Most British boarding schools require that international students under the age of 18 (and sometimes even older) have a local guardian.
This is related to the legal aspects of guardianship and responsibility for minors.
What does a guardian do?
- A guardian becomes your representative in the UK, providing full support and care for
your child throughout the academic year. - Provides accommodation during school holidays.
- Helps with transportation to and from the school, the airport, or other locations.
- Monitors the child’s pocket money spending.
- Makes decisions in the absence of parents, for example, signing forms or attending parent-teacher meetings.
- Provides assistance to the child in emergencies, such as illness, expulsion from school,
or other unforeseen events.
How to find a guardian?
If you don’t have close relatives or friends in the UK who could take on the role of a guardian, you can turn to a specialized British guardianship service. Such services offer a wide range of support, including selecting a suitable guardian based on your needs and preferences, as well as establishing communication with the chosen guardian.
Here are a few companies that can help with this:
Guardians International, Best Start Education,
AEGIS, White House Guardians
When choosing a guardian, it is important to consider their personal qualities, experience working with children, place of residence, and whether they can provide your child with the necessary level of care and support. It is also important to establish clear communication with the guardian so that they are aware of your expectations.
Guardianship services are usually paid for separately. The cost varies depending on the range of services provided.
And if you need help finding and choosing a guardian, the experts at Only English Education, specializing in overseas education, can assist you with this.
