'The UK education system is respected and valued all over the world. To ensure standards remain high, there are many independent organizations who regularly inspect and accredit UK institutions and courses. You can be sure that studying in the UK is the right choice to make the most of your education and enhance your future career prospects.'
Although each UK institution is responsible for the standards and quality of its programs, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) regularly carries out independent audits. They ensure that institutions in the UK are providing higher education, awards and qualifications of an acceptable quality and at an appropriate academic standard.
The QAA have also developed a code of practice for UK institutions who deliver degree programs in other countries. So if you choose to study a UK qualification online, you will benefit from the same high standards of teaching, resource and support as you would from studying in the UK.
Many departments within UK institutions are also accredited by professional bodies who guide the curriculum and carry out review visits.
Colleges in Scotland are subject to inspections by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe). Find out more at the HMIe website.
UK independent schools
The majority of independent schools in the UK are members of the Independent Schools Council (ISC). The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), part of ISC, ensures that all member schools are regularly inspected to maintain high standards.
UK independent schools that are not members of the ISC are inspected by the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted). In Scotland they are inspected by HMIe and inspections reports for each institution can be viewed at the HMIe website.
All UK independent schools are measured against the following range of standards:
• quality of education provided
• spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students
• welfare, health and safety of students
• premises and accommodation
• provision of information and the way in which complaints are handled.
UK independent sixth-form and tutorial colleges
Independent colleges in the UK are regularly inspected and accredited. This is carried out either by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) or the Independent Schools Council (ISC). Inspectors are aware of the needs of international students, such as advice on living in the UK.
State sector further education colleges in the UK are inspected or quality assured by different bodies according to the courses they offer. You can search for UK universities, colleges, independent schools and English language teaching centres in the institution finder.
