Student Guardianship in London & the UK
Support for parents of international students under 18 studying at UK schools.
Student guardianship in London and across the UK for international students under 18 at British boarding schools, colleges and academic programmes. When parents are overseas, a UK-based guardian is the school’s local point of contact and the person who steps in when something comes up.
What is student guardianship?
Most UK boarding schools require an international student under 18 to have a guardian based in the UK. A guardian is a responsible local adult who acts for the parents while they are abroad: the school’s emergency contact, the person who arranges accommodation during exeats and half-terms, and someone who keeps an eye on the student’s welfare through the year. For most boarding schools a formal guardianship arrangement is a condition of enrolment.
Who needs a guardian in the UK
- Parents of international students under 18 at UK boarding schools or colleges
- Families without a close relative living permanently in the UK
- Students on academic-year, GCSE or A-level programmes who need cover during school breaks
How London Homestays arranges guardianship
London Homestays is your first point of contact. We look at your child’s school and what it requires, explain what UK schools usually expect from a guardian, and connect you with an established guardianship organisation. The guardianship itself is delivered by our specialist partner, an AEGIS Gold Standard accredited organisation with more than 30 years’ experience and local guardians across the UK. AEGIS (the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students) sets the recognised standard for the sector, and Gold Standard is its highest level of accreditation.
How it works
- Enquiry — tell us your child’s school, year group and start date using our guardianship form.
- Review and guidance — we confirm what the school requires and explain the options and the level of support involved.
- Guardian matched — our AEGIS-accredited partner assigns a DBS-checked local guardian near the school, with a named deputy for backup.
- Ongoing support — 24/7 emergency contact, exeat and half-term accommodation, school liaison and welfare oversight for the whole year.
What guardianship includes
- A DBS-checked local guardian as the school’s emergency contact
- Around-the-clock support in an emergency, with parents informed quickly
- Accommodation and care during exeats, half-terms and unexpected school closures
- Liaison with the school and help with permissions, travel and short absences
- Welfare oversight and regular communication with parents overseas
Safeguarding and accreditation
Safeguarding matters most in guardianship for under-18s. Every guardian is DBS (criminal record) checked. Our partner’s AEGIS Gold Standard accreditation means its safeguarding, guardian vetting and welfare procedures are independently inspected against the highest benchmark in the sector, so parents deal with an accountable organisation rather than an informal arrangement.
“The staff at London Homestays are very trustworthy and thoughtful. I contacted them from overseas and they responded very sincerely. I asked about some concerns I had, and they explained everything in great detail. If you are looking for a homestay provider in London that you can trust, I can confidently recommend them.”
— Sayaka, Google Review ★★★★★
Ready to arrange a guardian? Enquire about guardianship and we’ll guide you through the next steps. The level of support varies with each school’s requirements and the student’s circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a guardian in the UK?
Most UK schools require international students under 18 to have a suitable UK-based guardian while parents are overseas. This is often a condition of enrolment, particularly for boarding schools and colleges.
Do all UK schools require guardianship?
Requirements vary by school and programme. We recommend confirming the school’s policy early. Most boarding schools and many colleges require a formal guardianship arrangement for students under 18.
Can a relative or family friend act as guardian?
Some schools allow this, but many require an approved guardian who can meet specific responsibilities and availability requirements. We can advise based on the school’s expectations once you submit an enquiry.
What does a guardian do?
A guardian acts as a responsible local point of contact while parents are overseas. This typically includes acting as an emergency contact, liaising with the school where required, and supporting the student’s welfare during their time in the UK.
What happens in an emergency?
Emergency support is typically available around the clock. In an emergency, appropriate steps are taken to support the student and inform parents as quickly as possible.
How are parents kept informed?
Parents remain fully involved. Communication arrangements depend on the school’s requirements and the student’s individual circumstances. Regular updates can be arranged where needed.
Can guardians help with travel or permissions?
Yes, support can include practical assistance such as travel permissions, coordination around short absences (exeats), and help with school-related paperwork, depending on what is needed.
What about school breaks and exeats?
Arrangements depend on the school’s calendar and the student’s plans. We can help parents understand typical expectations and ensure appropriate support is in place during breaks.
How do I apply for guardianship?
Submit an enquiry through London Homestays using our online form. We collect and review initial information, help clarify what the school requires, and coordinate the next steps once your enquiry is submitted.
Who provides the guardianship service?
London Homestays coordinates guardianship enquiries and next steps. Guardianship support is then provided by experienced UK guardianship specialists, with arrangements tailored to the student’s school and individual circumstances.
Do you publish pricing?
We don’t publish fixed pricing because requirements vary significantly depending on the school, the student’s circumstances, and the level of support needed. Details are confirmed after reviewing your enquiry.
Are guardians DBS-checked?
Yes, all guardians undergo DBS (criminal record) checks. Safeguarding is taken seriously, and appropriate checks and procedures are in place to ensure student welfare.
What happens if my guardian is unavailable?
Backup arrangements are in place. If a local guardian is temporarily unavailable, an assigned deputy or alternative contact takes over responsibility. Students are never left without support.
Can I stop the service when I turn 18?
Many schools require guardianship support to continue even after a student turns 18, particularly if they are still in school. Please check with your school before making any changes to your arrangement.
In their words...
“We have been working with London Homestays since 2011. With their support, we have managed to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. We strongly recommend London Homestays to anyone who’s looking for quality, reliability and exceptional customer service.”
Alex Fernandes, Accommodation & Visa Compliance Manager, Malvern House London
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Carl Roberton, Principal, Stafford House School of English
“We at Burlington School have worked with London Homestays since 2014, and I professionally know the team since 2009 when I worked for another company in the education and accommodation industry. Having had the opportunity to work with London Homestays since the company started operations in London, all of the enquiries have been dealt with in a dedicated and timely manner, the team members are customer-oriented and always provide an exceptional accommodation experience to our students. I have no hesitation to recommend London Homestays as excellent accommodation providers and business partners.”
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Laura, student from France: Homestay booking in Zone 2
“When my children went off to university and got married, my husband and I were empty nesters rattling around. We have an empty bedroom and I quite enjoy keeping it fresh for new students who come to stay with us both short and long term. Invariably, they show us a lot of respect. Coming to London to study or to work as interns is a big adventure for them and I enjoy settling them in and seeing them flourish. Some return or recommend to their friends to come and stay with us. London Homestays are a great organisation to deal with – good at communicating and highly ethical.”
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I was nervous and apprehensive at first but it was so worthwhile and I look forward to continue hosting in the future. It has given me a boost knowing that I can give someone an opportunity that they may not have been able to afford without using London Homestays”
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Dmitriy and Maria, two students from Russia: Residence booking
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Doris, student from Italy: Superior homestay in Zone 2
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The London Homestays portal is amazing. You can manage availability, update photos, and see when you’ve been paid — something I’m always chasing the other agencies. Can’t recommend it highly enough!
Sharon, host in Finchley“I have been a host for London Homestays for over 8 years. The team is professional, friendly and always quick to respond. They do a great job matching students with hosts and making the whole process smooth and straightforward. The students I’ve hosted have been respectful and lovely to have in my home. I would happily recommend London Homestays to anyone considering becoming a host.”
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Ruoxi, student from China
