If your child is studying at a UK boarding school, a good guardian is one of the most important arrangements you will make. A guardian is your family's trusted local point of contact — someone who cares for your child when the school is closed, liaises with teachers, and is there in an emergency. Most boarding schools require under-18 international students to have one.
Guardians we recommend
For most families, the best route is to be matched with an established, specialist guardianship organisation. We work with a carefully vetted network of AEGIS-accredited guardianship providers and help you choose the right one for your child, their school and your budget — so you can be confident your child is in safe, professional hands.
We only recommend guardians accredited by AEGIS (the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students), the body that sets safeguarding and quality standards for the sector, because your child's safety and happiness come first.
Our bespoke guardianship service
On occasion — for a small number of families each year — we provide our own fully bespoke, hands-on guardianship service. It is built entirely around your child, with everything agreed in advance and a single, transparent annual fee. A personalised package can include:
- A pre-arrival consultation with your family
- Carefully vetted, matched and managed host families
- Airport meet-and-greet and supervised transfers
- 24/7 emergency support, all year round
- Regular updates and open communication with parents
- Active liaison with your child's school, including parents' evenings
- Care and accommodation during exeats, half-terms and holidays
- Academic, language and pastoral mentoring
- Enrichment trips and cultural experiences in the UK
- A transparent, fully inclusive annual fee
Costs at a glance. Guardianship fees are typically agreed for the year and are fully inclusive. Host family stays usually cost around £75–£100 per night. We make sure you understand exactly what is included before you decide.
Guardianship — frequently asked questions
Does my child 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 provides care when the school is closed.
Are the guardians you recommend accredited?
Yes. We only recommend guardianship organisations accredited by AEGIS (the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students), which sets safeguarding and quality standards for the sector.
Do you provide guardianship yourselves?
For a small number of families each year, we offer our own fully bespoke, hands-on guardianship service. For everyone else, we match you with a trusted accredited partner suited to your child, school and budget.
How much does UK guardianship cost?
Guardianship fees are usually agreed for the year and vary by provider and level of service. Host family stays typically cost around £75–£100 per night. We help you understand exactly what is included before you commit.
What does a guardian actually do?
A guardian is the local emergency contact, liaises with the school and attends events on the family's behalf, and arranges vetted accommodation and care during exeats, half-terms and holidays.
Find the right guardian for your child
Tell us about your child and their school, and we'll recommend a trusted, accredited guardian — or discuss our bespoke service. It's free to ask.
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