About the Independent Schools Inspectorate

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is an agency approved by the Home Office to carry out Educational Oversight inspections of Private Further Education Colleges and English Language Schools in England and Wales.  ISI has worked closely with the Home Office and other government departments to develop the Standards applicable for inspection.  This voluntary programme fulfills the inspection requirements necessary when applying for or renewing a Tier 4 licence to sponsor international students under the Points Based System.

ISI inspection is for the benefit of the students in colleges and seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of their education. Inspection also provides objective and reliable reports on the quality of institutions and, by placing reports in the public domain, makes the information available to the wider community.  In this way it helps colleges, their staff and proprietors to recognise and build on their strengths and to identify and remedy any weaknesses.

The first cycle of inspections is due to be completed by December 2012.  Colleges that did not apply by the published deadline may do so until 22nd October 2012, but they should note that they will not meet Home Office requirements for existing sponsors.  Colleges should contact the Home Office  for further information on how this will affect their licence.