The Association of Educational Guardians for International Students (ÆGIS) promotes best and legal practices in all areas of guardianship and the care of international students under 18 years of age at schools or colleges in the United Kingdom.
ÆGIS owes its inception and name to Andrew Sutherland, who first presented the concept and its aims to guardianship organisations and heads of schools in May 1996. The active involvement of Jeremy Nichols, then headmaster of Stowe School and representative of independent schools on the DTI’s Education and Training Sector Group of the Overseas Project Board, led to support from the DTI. Under his chairmanship, ÆGIS was launched at the House of Lords on 14th November 1997. A Development Director was appointed in 1999.
ÆGIS is an incorporated company limited by guarantee and is administered by an Executive Committee. It organises conferences and training for all parties responsible for, or interested in, the education and welfare of international students. The ÆGIS helpline directs enquirers to the information they need. ÆGIS does not act as an advisory service beyond providing its own guidelines.
There are different categories of membership to include all those involved in the care and welfare of international students. Schools, as well as those wishing to become Associate Members, are required to give an undertaking to adhere to the ÆGIS Guidelines, Code of Practice, and Membership Criteria. Guardianship organisations can only be granted membership after a full and successful accreditation inspection. They too must adhere to the Code of Practice and Membership Criteria. Prior to gaining full membership, guardianship organisations may apply to join the Interim List and may attend ÆGIS events.
ÆGIS issues annually a list of schools, guardianship organisations and associates in membership.
