The UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) was launched in 2023 at the British Universities’ International Liaison Association (BUILA) conference. The framework brings together institutions, education advisers and government stakeholders in a collaborative community, united by a shared commitment to the AQF Charter.

As licensed student sponsors, both Hazlegrove Prep School and King’s Bruton have since signed the AQF pledge. In doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to working transparently and collaboratively with our global recruitment partners, supporting positive and informed relationships, and ensuring that applicants are advised and supported in an ethical, responsible and student‑centred manner.

The AQF recognises the critical role that agents and counsellors play in attracting and supporting international students on their journey to study in the UK. It provides a suite of guidance and quality assurance tools designed to enhance the partnership between UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors and their agent/counsellor representatives.  

There are nine parts to the AQF:  

  1. A student and parent guide to choosing an education agent. The guide provides students and their parents with practical advice on what to be aware of when considering using or selecting an education agent and highlights the National Code of Ethical Practice for Education Agents as an important benchmark. 
  1. The National code of ethical practice for education agents
    A code of practice which sets out the standards and best practice that education agents representing UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors must adhere to. 
  1. The Good practice guide for providers using education agents
    A guide on education agent management best practice for UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors. The information in the guide allows providers new and established to international recruitment to use it as a step-by-step guide, minimising their risk and embedding resource-efficient processes. 
  1. The Good practice guide for UK education agents partnering for quality
    A best practice guide for all agents and representatives partnering with UK providers on the register of licensed student sponsors to support them to deliver high quality applicant experiences. 
  1. The Agent Quality Framework pledge
    The AQF pledge was established for UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors to demonstrate their commitment to the AQF and its principles. 
  1. The UK agent and counsellor certified training
    British Council training that provides agents and counsellors with knowledge and awareness of the UK as a study destination and certifies them through assessments. 
  1. The British Council UK agent and counsellor training and engagement hub
    The British Council hub that provides agents and counsellors access to all the latest news and developments from the UK education sector, as well as a global calendar of in-person and online events. 
  1. British Council database of certified counsellors 
    The publicly accessible database hosted by the British Council lists all the agents and counsellors who have successfully passed the assessments within the UK certified counsellor training
  1. The AQF Agency management course
    The course is designed to strengthen the AQF by providing all major agencies, their leaders and compliance managers with sufficient knowledge and understanding of the framework and its principles, so that they can build the code of conduct into their day-to-day work.   

The AQF applies to all UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors and to education agents themselves.

The AQF promotes transparency, accountability, and strong governance across the UK education sector to ensure that international students receive an excellent application experience and feel fully supported throughout their journey to study in the UK.