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International students under the age of 18 in the UK must have a guardian.

According to the UK’s Children Act 1989, Protection of Children Act 1999, and Care Standards Act 2000, if a student’s parents do not live in the UK and their child is receiving full-time education in the UK (for more than 12 weeks), they must appoint a UK-based guardian to care for the child on their behalf.

For example, it is illegal to appoint a relative who is studying at university as a guardian. The student is also not allowed to stay in that relative’s university accommodation during holidays. All students under 18 studying in the UK must have a guardian.

For Chinese students leaving home for the first time to study in the UK, they may face various challenges and needs. Some students may even develop psychological or emotional difficulties that affect their studies. The guardian system exists to meet these needs. A guardian acts as a bridge of communication between the school, the student, and the parents.

Homestay-Profile.pptx

Responsibilities of a Guardian

A qualified guardian must meet the following requirements:

1. Hold British citizenship or permanent residency

2. Be over 25 years old

3. Have no criminal record

A responsible guardian will usually meet the student at the airport at the start of term and personally take them to school. At the end of term, some guardians will pick up the student from school. For older students, the guardian may simply arrange flights and provide instructions for getting to the airport.

Most UK boarding schools have one or two short “exeat weekends” (about 3 days) each term, during which all students must leave the school. Local students return home, but international students usually cannot travel home for such a short time, so they stay with their guardians. The guardian is responsible for taking care of them during these periods.

Similarly, during longer mid-term holidays (1–2 weeks), many Chinese students also stay with their guardians. Staying with a guardian not only ensures safety but also helps students improve their English in a fully English-speaking environment and learn about British family culture.

During longer holidays such as Christmas, Easter, or summer, most international students return home. Guardians typically assist with booking flights and arranging transportation.

In addition to daily care, guardians also support students academically. They maintain communication with the student and stay in contact with teachers to understand the student’s strengths and any issues. Schools will contact the guardian directly regarding any problems. The guardian then communicates with the parents, ensuring they are informed even from afar.

Schools usually hold an annual parents’ meeting. If parents cannot attend, they can send their questions to the guardian, who will attend and speak with teachers on their behalf.

Many parents have negative impressions of guardians, believing they only seek profit without real responsibility. In reality, a good guardian can effectively take on a parental role—providing accommodation and transport during holidays, maintaining regular communication, understanding the student’s thoughts, and supporting their development. Therefore, a good guardian is very important during a student’s time abroad.

Ways to Find a Guardian

There are generally four ways to find a guardian:

1. Relatives or family friends who meet the requirements

2. Some UK schools act as guardians or help arrange one through agencies

3. Through study-abroad agencies, which often have long-term partnerships with guardianship companies

4. Directly contacting a guardianship company to arrange a suitable guardian

How to Choose a Guardianship Company

If parents have trusted relatives or friends in the UK who meet the legal requirements, they may choose them as guardians. However, most families do not have suitable contacts, making it challenging to find a reliable guardian.

First, parents should consult the school their child will attend. If the school strongly recommends a particular guardianship company, it usually indicates a good working relationship and satisfaction with their services.

Second, it is often advisable to choose a smaller, local company. These companies tend to build closer relationships between guardians and students, maintain strong local networks, and can respond quickly in emergencies.

Finally, most guardianship companies offer different levels of service. Basic services may suit older, more independent students (aged 17–18), who can manage their own accommodation and travel. For younger students, it is not recommended to choose minimal services just to save money. Parents can start with a higher level of service in the first term and adjust later if the student proves independent. For younger children in preparatory schools, the highest level of guardianship service is recommended.

Please download the relevant document from the list below.

Guardianship-Brochure.pdf