We are required by law to ensure that every child whose parents live overseas has an appointed Guardian who lives within reasonable distance of Epsom College.
During term time, we are legally responsible for each pupil’s welfare, and we undertake delegated parental responsibilities. However, there are times (such as the beginning and end of term, half-term breaks, Exeat weekends or when a child is suspended or excluded by the College) when we must be able to hand over these parental responsibilities to another adult. And, in the case of children whose parents live overseas, that adult must be a properly-appointed Educational Guardian.
Who can be a Guardian?
We would strongly recommend that your Educational Guardian is from an AEGIS-accredited guardianship agency. AEGIS is a national body for monitoring and regulating the welfare of international students and all of its guardians meet the UK Government’s requirements.
Guardians can be a relative or a close family friend, but they must be a British Citizen or have settled status in the UK. They should be over the age of 25, not in full-time education, and live no more than two hours from the College.
Parents are responsible for arranging the Guardian, but we have to conduct safeguarding checks before approving the Guardian.
What does a Guardian do?
An appointed guardian will:
- Be a 24-hour point of contact for parents, the pupil and Epsom College.
- Act with delegated parental authority in the case of an emergency or crisis.
- Provide both pastoral and educational support.
- Liaise with Epsom College and parents over holiday arrangements.
- Make appropriate arrangements for medical care.
- Assist with any visa issues.
- Inform Epsom College, in writing, about all the details of travel arrangements made prior to a child leaving the School for a weekend or a longer holiday period. We must know the exact details of pupil’s accommodation and methods of transportation.
Guardians should also respect the rights, religion and customs of a child, and adhere to what is commonly regarded as best practice in the guardianship and hosting of international students. This includes having in place a proper agreement with the student’s parents as to what the guardian’s responsibilities are.
What if my child doesn't have a Guardian?
All full boarding students require a UK guardian.
If your child does not have one, or your appointed guardian does not meet the criteria outlined above, we will ask that you appoint a new guardian via AEGIS.
Please note: if your child requires a Child Student Visa to study in the UK, we can not issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies) – which is required for the visa application – until a suitable educational guardian has been approved.
Airport Transfers
The College is happy to help with arranging airport transfers at the start and end of terms and for Exeat weekends to guardians or host families. However, while we use regulated taxi companies, these public companies do not form part of the guardianship service for pupils, and drivers may not be DBS checked.
We must remind you that it is the Guardian’s responsiblity to ensure pupils travel safely to and from the airports, and that they board their flight and arrive safely on their return to the UK.
When booking flights for international boarders we request that pupils don’t depart/arrive at unreasonable hours in order to prevent disruption to others.
This means that pupils should not leave/arrive at their Boarding House before 6am, or later than 11pm. A very early morning or late evening flight may therefore require a pupil to stay overnight with their guardian.
