Parents of International students coming to the UK to study need to appoint a UK-based guardian to represent them whilst their child is at school. They will act on their behalf in the event of an emergency.
For international students over the age of 16 not wishing to board, a local host family can be provided for the academic year.
Stand-by Service
A 24-hour emergency service with back-up support.
We can provide a Guardian family at short notice, arrange travel and assist with most last-minute requests.
We are a phone call away if you need us when your child is in the UK.
Full Guardianship Service
24 hour Emergency Service with background support and a Guardian family for exeat weekends and half-terms.
We help with transport arrangements and liaise with the school regarding travel plans and academic progress.
There can be an annual visit to the school to see how your child is progressing plus attendance at parents’ evenings on your behalf.
Day School Hosting
For students aged 16+ for whom boarding school accommodation is not available or selected. We arrange for your child to stay with a Host Family during the academic year and enjoy the same lifestyle as other day school students.
Explore our school Guardianship services, backed by 100 years of expertise.
We have been providing Guardianship for over 100 years Our processes and procedures have been fully inspected by the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and we are a member of the Boarding Schools Association (BSA) Certified Guardian Scheme.
We understand how overwhelming it can be leaving home, family and friends. An experienced and supportive Guardianship Agency together with a kind and caring Host or Guardian Family can make all the difference.
Gabbitas has an in-depth understanding of the British education system plus an excellent track record in taking care of international students.
Read an article in Independent Insight explaining how Guardianship benefits students and schools.
We have some excellent Guardian and Host Families located throughout the UK. They take great pleasure in opening their homes and welcoming our international students. Our approved families remain with us for many years and their experience is invaluable.
The welfare and wellbeing of our students coming to the UK to study is extremely important. Our processes for checking Guardian and Host Families are extremely thorough and include:
We have Regional Organisers recruited from our most experienced Guardian Families. They are trained to provide ongoing support. They explain our safeguarding procedures and what to do in the event of an emergency to new Guardian and Host Families. They also check the safety of the accommodation provided.
Each Family receives a copy of our ‘Guardian and Host Family Handbook’ outlining the standard of service we expect.
We have designated Safeguarding Officers within the Guardianship team and have worked with the NSPCC to develop our policies and procedures to ensure we have the highest possible standards. We are also a member of the BSA Certified Guardian Scheme.
Read Independent Schools Magazine’s feature on Homestay for International Students.
Gabbitas supports families all over the world in their educational journey through life. See some of the Gabbitas clients’ endorsements.
Gabbitas successfully relocated a family with three daughters from the US to UK
From prep school in China to school in the UK and a place at Cambridge University.
From academic assessment to tutoring to successful placement, in under 9 months.
