Why choose an accredited centre?

All inspections result in an inspection report. These reports describe the English language teaching provision in relation to Accreditation UK requirements at the time of the inspection. 

The reports are written for the Accreditation Scheme Advisory Committee to make a recommendation on accreditation. They also help the centre continue to improve.

You can read the latest inspection reports on our A-Z list of accredited centres. Some accredited centres are yet to have their next inspections and therefore do not yet have a published inspection report. 

What does the inspection report include?

The reports:

• include statistics and a description of the centre (profile and introduction)
• assess provision against all inspection criteria with detailed comments and a summary for each section
• include a ‘summary statement’ indicating main strengths and any areas needing significant improvement (previously called 'publishable statement')

Summary statements are a helpful review of the inspectors’ findings for all accredited centres and are available in one document (A-Z for easy reference). They include:

• name of centre and date of last full inspection
• type of institution, main type of course offered and age range of student enrolled
• any areas, which need improvement
• any areas, which are a particular strength 

Reading the reports

Reports should be read with reference to the full inspection criteria for the relevant year. You can download the criteria on the A-Z page.

Some individual criteria may be N/A (not applicable) or ‘not met’ but each section has a summary of the inspectors’ assessment against the section standard. All four section standards (management, resources and the environment, teaching and learning and welfare and student services)  must be met for accreditation to be awarded. There is additional standard which must be met, 'Care of under 18s', for those centres that enrol such students.

Short unannounced inspection visits are conducted in addition to the full inspection.

These take place:

• on newly accredited centres

• to check action has been taken to address necessary improvements

• to inspect new or additional premises

• to inspect new courses.

Reports on these spot checks and supplementary inspections will be included on our A-Z list after the full inspection report.

The British Council also conducts interim visits on a selection of centres chosen at random. These inspections are not part of the regular full inspection schedule and the reports are not published.