UK Guardians & Homestays
If your child is under 18 and studying at a UK boarding school, they will usually need a UK-based guardian. A good guardian provides a vital safety net — a trusted local point of contact and a home away from school during exeats and holidays. Here is what guardianship and homestays involve and how to choose well.
What is a UK guardian?
A guardian is a responsible UK-based adult or organisation appointed by parents to look after their child's welfare while they study in the UK. Most boarding schools require under-18 international students to have a guardian based in the UK.
Guardians act as the local emergency contact, attend parents' evenings on the family's behalf, and arrange care and accommodation when the school is closed.
Why guardianship matters
A reliable guardian gives parents peace of mind that someone trustworthy is close by if their child is unwell, has a problem at school, or needs somewhere to stay at short notice.
Look for guardianship organisations accredited by AEGIS (the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students), which sets safeguarding and quality standards for the sector.
Homestays explained
A homestay is when a student stays with a host family during school breaks or, in some cases, while attending a day school. Reputable providers carefully vet and train host families and carry out safeguarding checks.
Homestays help younger students improve their English and experience UK family life in a supportive environment.
Choosing a guardian or homestay
Check accreditation, ask about safeguarding and host-vetting procedures, and clarify exactly what is included — transport, holiday accommodation, school liaison and emergency cover. We can recommend reputable, accredited guardianship providers as part of our free service.
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Book a Free ConsultationFrequently asked questions
Do international students need a guardian in the UK?
Most UK boarding schools require under-18 international students to have a UK-based guardian who acts as a local point of contact and arranges care when school is closed.
What does a UK guardian do?
A guardian is the local emergency contact, attends parents' evenings, liaises with the school, and arranges accommodation and care during exeats and holidays.
What is a homestay?
A homestay is an arrangement where a student stays with a vetted UK host family, often during school breaks, providing a safe, supportive home environment.
How do I find a reputable guardian?
Choose a provider accredited by AEGIS, check their safeguarding and host-vetting procedures, and confirm what is included. We can recommend accredited providers for free.