The Quality Assurance in Language Education Network, a worldwide network of English language accreditation bodies, has officially launched its website and branding this month, following a symposium in Malta. The developments put the organisation on track to create a forum for sharing best practice and comparing accreditation systems used in different countries.

The British Accreditation Council has gained a European accreditation endorsement this month, which new CEO Paul Fear says will help the organisation expand its international projects.

We have this fine line as an organisation with a mission to balance national security but also provide the opportunity for legitimate students to come to the United States and attend legitimate schools. It’s a fine line.

Until December 2010, it was not a legal requirement for English language schools in the USA to be accredited. Since then, IEPs have had to at least begin the process, leading to a surge in demand with hundreds of new applicants. Sara Custer finds out the impact and implications of the new legally-enshrined quality landscape in the US.