Education
Schools, international schools, tutors and universities. Education is a long commitment, so the checks are worth doing before the first deposit.
Types of provider
- State or public schools, usually free for residents and allocated by catchment or lottery.
- Independent or private schools, which charge fees and set their own admissions.
- International schools, which teach a foreign or international curriculum, often in English.
- Universities and colleges, at home or abroad.
- Tutors and tutoring centres, which are lightly regulated in most countries.
What to check for a school
- Its licence or registration with the education authority where it operates.
- Its accreditation or inspection. Ask to read the latest report.
- The full cost: tuition, registration and capital fees, uniforms, trips, transport and exam fees.
- Refund terms for deposits if your plans change.
- How long teachers stay, and how large classes are.
- Support for children learning in a second language or with learning needs, and whether it costs extra.
What to check for a university
- That the institution is recognised by the government in the country where it is based.
- That the degree will be recognised where you plan to work, especially for regulated professions such as medicine, law and engineering.
- The total cost over the full length of the degree, including living costs.
What to check for a tutor
Ask about qualifications and experience with the exact exam or curriculum. For anyone working with children, ask whether they hold the background check used locally, such as a DBS check in England and Wales. Agree the fee, the cancellation terms and how progress will be reported before the first lesson.