Accreditation & memberships

Accreditation UK is a quality assurance scheme for UK providers of courses in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) which the British Council runs in partnership with English UK. Schools, colleges and universities which offer courses in EFL can join the scheme voluntarily and members are inspected on a four-yearly basis, supported by unannounced interim visits between inspections. The scheme gives an assurance of quality to international students who are taking or are planning to take an English language course in the UK.

FCLC Edinburgh was granted accreditation in 2008, our second year of operation. We are proud to have been awarded seven areas of strength in our most recent full inspection – care of under 18s, quality assurance, care of students, premises and facilities, accommodation, staff management and leisure opportunities.

Our most recent inspection was in the summer of 2022, which resulted in our accreditation being extended for a further four years.

English UK is the national association of accredited English language centres in the UK. It represents UK English language teaching nationally and internationally, promoting the highest quality, supporting their member centres and working to ensure that students enjoy the best-possible experience in the UK.

English UK is a membership organisation for accredited UK ELT centres and works with many groups and organisations around the world, including agents and students, governments, global organisations, international education providers and associated industries. FCLC Edinburgh has been an active member of English UK since 2008 with a member of our team having served on the Board of Directors of English UK Enterprises.

English UK has a variety of subgroups representing either teaching specialisms or regions. Subgroups are intended to help members work together for marketing, business and training and to make it easier for agents to find suitable courses for their students.

English UK Scotland’s member schools include privately-owned centres, universities and state-run further education colleges. FCLC Edinburgh has been an active member of English UK Scotland since 2009 and has also participated at committee level over the years.