Accreditations

Castle School has been awarded British Council Accreditation

 

Publishable statement

The British Council inspected and accredited Castle School of English, Brighton in September 2009

The Accreditation Scheme assess the standards of management, resources and premises, teaching and welfare and accredits organisations, which meet the overall standard in each area inspected.

This private language school offers courses in general English for adults and for closed groups of adults.

The inspection report stated that the organisation met the standards of the Scheme

 

We are also a member of English UK

 

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 Castle School. Accreditation is an internationally recognised mark of quality that shows a school offers the best possible level of service to its students. Castle School has been thoroughly examined, investigated and found worthy of accreditation.

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 Castle School continues to be accredited. To be accredited, Castle School has undergone a very intensive examination to ensure that our school meets the strict targets demanded by the British Council. An examination team from the British Council visits the 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 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.

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!

Why choose an accredited school?

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 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.

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 school is there to support and enhance your English studies. Our school has 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.