The Association of British Language Schools (ABLS) held its annual general meeting this month at Peterhouse, Cambridge University, and many at the meeting were concerned about the cost of the new ISI inspections, according to Executive Director, Diana Lowe.
She told The PIE News that she used the meeting as an opportunity to update members about both regular and extended student visitor visas, confirming that the UKBA will continue to approve ABLS Accreditation Services for schools recruiting international students through these routes.
Delegates also discussed gaining Highly Trusted Sponsor status through the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which since April has been the government-mandated route for private language colleges seeking to enrol Tier 4 students. Institutions had to apply for accreditation by September.
Around a third of ABLS members have registered to become accredited by ISI, according to Lowe, with many concerned about the fees, which start at £8,000, plus £1,250 application fee.
