Accreditations
We are accredited by the British Council and the British Accreditation Council (BAC). We are also a member of English UK.
The British Council
The stated purpose of the British Council is “to build mutually beneficial relationships between people in the UK [United Kingdom] and other countries and to increase appreciation of the UK’s creative ideas and achievements.”
To these ends, the British Council operates an accreditation scheme for English language schools, in order to help foreign students identify top-quality language schools where they can study English in the UK. Accredited institutions must meet the British Council’s strict evaluation criteria and maintain very high standards of teaching and school administration.
Like all institutions accredited by the British Council, we undergo a full inspection every four years and a random spot inspection from time to time.
British Accreditation Council
The British Accreditation Council (BAC) “has provided a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education in the UK since 1984,” says the organisation’s website. “Our accreditation is recognised the world over by students, agents and government officials as the clearest mark of educational quality in the private sector.”
All BAC-accredited institutions like CIE undergo interim visits, regular spot checks, and re-inspections. We are also required to submit an annual return outlining our current state of affairs as well as plans for the future.
English UK
In 2004, two previous associations (ARELS and BASELT) merged to form English UK.
“We have over 350 member centres in private schools, educational trusts and charities, further education colleges and universities. The British Council accredits all our members under the Accreditation UK Scheme, which we run in partnership with the British Council.”
“Our key roles are to promote quality and to represent our members’ interests. For students, enrolling at an English UK centre is the best way to ensure that you have a good experience in the UK and get the most you can out of your English language course.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate Reports (2012 – 2018)
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) accredited CIE from 2012 until August 2018. As we no longer sponsor students for more than 12 months, we decided not to continue with this accreditation. However, the Independent Schools Inspectorate did the most recent full (4-day) inspection in August 2016 with excellent results.
The College of International Education is already accredited by both the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education and the British Council for our English Language Courses.
ISI’s inspectors reported that the College exceeded expectations for the quality of education, stating that “The quality of the curriculum, teaching and learners’ achievement is excellent. Course provision is excellent, and effectively exploits the cultural opportunities offered by the college’s location.” In addition, inspectors noted that “knowledgeable teachers promoted a positive learning environment … Assessment is thorough and students are well informed regarding their progress … Attainment and progress is excellent.”
The inspectors wrote that “Students’ welfare, including health and safety, is excellent…Attendance rates are very high … Safeguarding for under 18s is excellent, home-stay provision is excellent; home-stay is exceptionally well managed, resulting in high levels of student satisfaction. The quality of pastoral care exceeds expectations. Excellent relationships prevail amongst students and between students and staff”.
The inspectors also noted that “The effectiveness of governess, leadership and management is excellent … monitoring of college activities is very effective … Responsibilities are delegated successfully … and communication throughout the college is highly effective”.
They also found that “Pastoral support for students is excellent … Relationships among students, and between staff and students are very positive, with all staff working effectively together to ensure students’ well-being … Teachers provide additional help outside of class time and pastoral issues are part of tutorial for long-term students.”
Full ISI Report:
Monitoring Visit Reports:
July 2013