EC has a commitment to high standards and accountability, and therefore, our schools have gained approval from the top accrediting agencies. Accreditation proves that our schools are operating to the benefit of students, like you. Accrediting bodies regularly inspect our English schools to make sure that we continue to maintain high standards of quality. EC’s head office is ISO quality accredited, which means we ensure your satisfaction through focused commitments and continuous improvement.
What is accreditation?
How do schools become accredited?
Why choose an accredited school?
Accreditation and Membership
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British Council
UK - The United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations
note: Accreditation applies to all EC schools in the UK.
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English UK
UK - The national association of accredited English language centres
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AAIEP
USA - Through its support for ethical and professional standards for intensive English programs, AAIEP promotes the well-being and educational success of its English language students.
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ACCET
USA - ACCET provides institutional accreditation for organisations whose primary function is for educational purposes and also for organizations offering continuing education as a clearly identified institutional objective within the operational entity, such as in-service corporate training. EC New York is currently in the process of obtaining accreditation with ACCET.
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SAYTC
South Africa - South Africa Youth Travel Confederation (formerly ELTASA) is committed to ensuring that its members meet or exceed guaranteed minimum standards of professionalism and quality.
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FELTOM
Malta - Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations in Malta
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ALTO
Global - Association of Language Travel Organisations
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FIYTO
Global - Federation of International Youth Travel Organisations
What is accreditation?
Accreditation is a form of quality assurance. It's a process whereby an English language school is checked to make sure that it meets the standards established by an accrediting body. The aim of accrediting bodies is to protect English language students. This is done by school inspections which make sure that English schools are giving their students great service. An accrediting body is an organisation that carefully checks a school and awards it accreditation when the body is satisfied that the school is offering its students an excellent service in all areas. Accrediting bodies monitor the schools in their countries. Only the schools which offer the best service become accredited schools. Therefore, accreditation ensures that you will receive a high-level of quality service at an EC school. Accreditation is an internationally recognised mark of quality that shows a school is offers the best possible level of service to its students. Our English schools have been thoroughly examined, investigated and found worthy of accreditation. Top of Page
How do schools become accredited?
It's not easy for a school to get accreditation. Accreditation is not something you can buy - we work very hard to make sure that is school continue to be accredited by the top education agencies. To be accredited, EC has undergone a very intensive examination to ensure that our schools meet the strict targets demanded by accreditation organisations. An examination team from the accreditation organisation visits a school to check everything in great detail. The examination team then writes a report of the visit and gives it to the accrediting commission for processing. After careful consideration the commission then awards accreditation to the school if it believes it is a offering the highest possible service to English language students.
So what happens when a school is checked by an accreditation organisation? Amongst other things, an accreditation organisation visits the schools and checks:
- All staff (including teachers).
- Classrooms.
- School facilities.
- Student welfare services.
- Student accommodation.
- English courses and lessons provided.
- Accounts and finances.
- The administration of the school and how the school is managed.
- Student satisfaction.
This is all done through interviews (with staff & students), observing lessons, methodically checking the schools paperwork and visiting all school and accommodation premises. Only when an accreditation organisation is satisfied the criteria has been met will accreditation be given.
Accredited schools are re-inspected every few years, and each year a number of accredited schools, selected at random, undergo unannounced interim visits.
This means that accredited schools can not let the level of service they provide slip. Schools must keep their schools at the top level at all times. Top of Page
For you, choosing an accredited school means that the institution is considered to be authentic by immigration officials. These days, student visas are granted only to students at accredited English schools. This is especially the case for UK and USA English language schools.
To be accredited schools must ensure that students receive the level of professional and personal care that they are entitled to expect from top English language schools.
Accredited schools are re-inspected every few years, and each year a number of accredited schools, selected at random, undergo unannounced interim visits.
This means that accredited schools can not let the level of service they provide slip. Schools must keep their schools at the top level at all times. This is good news for you - you can be sure that accredited schools are being watched by powerful organisations that have your interests at heart!
When accrediting bodies check an English school they make sure it has:
- Qualified English language teachers.
- A school premises with properly-equipped classrooms, areas for relaxation and a good environment for learning.
- Suitable accommodation, which is regularly inspected for safety and suitability.
- Proper 24-hour supervision of young learners on junior programmes.
- Advertising and marketing which accurately reflects the service it provides.
Our accreditation proves that our schools are there to support and enhance your English studies. Our schools have teachers who have appropriate qualifications and are given sufficient support to ensure that their lessons meet your needs. Your requirements for security, care, information and leisure activities are met; your accommodation is suitable and your overall well-being is our main concern. Top of Page
