Why Education Businesses Work With Us
Independent schools, language providers and EdTech businesses are all competing for the same pool of specialist subject teachers, curriculum designers and academic leaders. For many, international recruitment is not about filling gaps. It is about finding people with the specific expertise their programmes require.
Education sector sponsorship has its own complications: Ofsted and ISI registration, QTS questions, DBS obligations and, for institutions that also enrol international students, a separate regulatory track entirely. We operate in corporate immigration and handle Skilled Worker sponsorship for educational businesses of all sizes.
Roles Typically Sponsored in Education
SOC code accuracy matters more than most people realise. Incorrect classification is one of the most common reasons a Certificate of Sponsorship gets refused or flagged at audit.
Qualified Teacher
Subject specialists in private and independent schools. QTS or an equivalent overseas qualification is expected.
Academic and Lecturer
University and further education lecturers, researchers and academic leads.
SEND Specialist
Special educational needs coordinators and support specialists in private provision.
Head of School and Principal
Senior leadership in independent schools and private colleges.
Curriculum Designer
Specialist curriculum and instructional design roles in EdTech and private education.
EFL and ESOL Teacher
English language teachers in accredited schools. CELTA or Trinity qualification is standard.
Educational Psychologist
HCPC-registered educational psychologists for SEN assessment services.
EdTech Product Manager
Product leadership roles in education technology companies.
Which Immigration Routes Apply
We confirm the correct route and applicable threshold on your free assessment call. Figures below reflect 2026 thresholds.
| Route | Minimum Salary 2026 | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | £38,700 general / going rate | The primary route for qualified teachers, academics and education managers. Ofsted-registered and ISI-inspected schools are seen as credible sponsors. |
| Government Authorised Exchange | Not applicable | For short-term teaching exchange programmes with approved sponsoring bodies. Not a long-term solution for ongoing staffing needs. |
| Senior or Specialist Worker | £48,500 or going rate | For international school groups and EdTech businesses with multinational structures transferring staff to UK operations. |
What Education Sponsors Get Wrong
These are the areas UKVI focuses on most when visiting education businesses. Getting them right before you start is considerably easier than fixing them after a visit.
- 🏫Ofsted and ISI RegistrationUKVI requires private schools and colleges to hold appropriate regulatory registration. New private schools without an inspection history receive additional scrutiny. Registration status should be current and clearly documented.
- 🎓QTS and Overseas Qualification RecognitionIndependent schools are not legally required to employ QTS-qualified teachers but UKVI expects qualifications to be verified and appropriate. ENIC equivalency assessments strengthen applications for candidates with non-UK teaching qualifications.
- 🛡️Safeguarding DocumentationDBS checks are not a UKVI requirement but they are mandatory for roles working with children. Safeguarding compliance and immigration compliance run on separate tracks. Both need proper documentation.
- 📋Student Sponsor versus Worker Sponsor LicencesSchools and colleges that enrol international students require a separate Student sponsor licence. This is entirely distinct from a Worker sponsor licence. We handle Worker sponsorship only but can refer to specialists for Student sponsor applications.
Private language schools and unaccredited education providers receive particularly close UKVI scrutiny. A clear Ofsted registration, transparent curriculum and demonstrable student enrolment activity significantly strengthen the sponsor application. We advise on how to present your business in the best honest light.
What Clients Say About Working With Us
"As a fast-growing startup we needed this urgently. ACG walked us through every step. Documentation was immaculate. Approved first time."
"I was sceptical about the turnaround time but they genuinely had our application submission-ready in four working days. Licence approved eight weeks later without any issues."
"Clear advice, straightforward pricing and a fast turnaround. We would not go anywhere else."