For parents
For parents
Sending a child abroad is a big decision. Here is exactly what we do, what it costs and who you will be speaking to.
Three questions make the decision easier
Start with how independent your child is, not with a price list.
Think about how familiar your child is with the UK, how much school liaison you want, whether they will need homestay during holidays and how much day-to-day support will help them feel secure.
Tell us the things only a parent can know
Good care begins with accurate information about the student, family and expectations, including the small details that can make a big difference once they arrive.
Share medical information, food needs, travel plans, school details, important family contacts, preferences and anything else that could affect your child’s safety, comfort or wellbeing.
You should hear from us before you have to ask
Good communication gives parents confidence without making students feel constantly monitored. The aim is to keep you informed when it matters while helping your child become more independent.
We keep the right people updated about arrangements, important school matters, welfare concerns and changes that need a decision, while giving students space to develop confidence in everyday life.
Start here
Understand guardianship
What a guardian is responsible for and what schools require.
Read moreSee how hosts are checked
DBS* checks, home visits, training and review.
Read moreCompare packages
Elite, Classic, Limited and First Response, side by side.
Read moreRead our safeguarding approach
Who to call, when, and what happens next.
Read more
* The enhanced UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks criminal records to help confirm a person’s suitability to host children in their home.
What others say
Sending my child to England was difficult for me. But with the caring and professional guardianship service offered by Study Links, I felt confident that my child would be ok. They followed academic progress, which was very important to me, and the team were always available by email or telephone.
Due to their professional experience and pragmatism, the team’s care to my daughter was aptly balanced, giving her boundaries while strengthening her independent thinking.
During our children’s time in the UK, they were both thoroughly supported by Angela and Study Links. Study Links kept in regular contact with both our children and us so we had complete peace of mind at all times. Angela and Study Links cared for my children like they were their own children and for this I am grateful. I never worried for their safety when they were under Study Links’ care. I would always recommend their service to any parents thinking of sending their children to the UK.
Common questions
What is an educational guardian?
A guardian is the person or organisation parents appoint to take responsibility for their child in the UK. We act on your behalf to look after your child’s wellbeing and academic progress while they are studying here.
Why does my child need a guardian?
UK boarding schools require every international student to have a UK-based educational guardian, and universities require all under 18s to have one too. Your child needs someone responsible for them in school, making sure studies and school life are going well, and out of school, during travel, leave-weekends and holidays.
What does Study Links actually do?
We provide a 24/7 emergency contact number and act quickly if anything goes wrong. We stay in touch with your child, you, your agent and the school. We match your child to a checked, welcoming homestay family for time out of school, arrange safe travel to and from school, homestays and airports, and give advice on studies and next steps.
How should we contact you?
Call us on +44 (0)1274 679710 if you’d like to talk something through (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm UK time), or email office@studylinks.co.uk if that’s more convenient. We’ll make sure your enquiry reaches the right person and respond as quickly as we can.
For emergencies, please always call our dedicated emergency phone number. WhatsApp, WeChat and email are useful for everyday communication, but should not be relied on for urgent support.
Can you provide guardianship at any school or university?
Yes. We provide guardianship throughout the UK, with staff and homestay families around the country so we can reach a student quickly in an emergency.
Can you provide accommodation during the holidays?
Yes. We arrange homestay accommodation during school holidays, and can also arrange holiday camps if you would prefer that.
How can you help our child prepare for studying in the UK?
We send parents and students a detailed guide covering everything from packing and phones to school routines and money. As your guardian, we are there to answer the questions the guide does not cover.
What else can you arrange?
Private tutoring, university application advice including Oxbridge, Medicine and Law, UK trips for visiting families, airport chaperones and transfers, homestay accommodation, holiday camps, integration workshops, study skills sessions and conversational English classes. Full details come with registration.
Send us a message
Tell us a little about your situation. We aim to answer our enquiries within 1 working day.