This week, Diana Lowe of ABLS in the UK writes,

"ABLS is buzzing… the sun is out, spring is here, the summer season looms and in recent weeks, the UK English language world has embraced the rolling out of Tier 4 of the new visa system – quite a lot going on! From my desk, looking out on all this and looking back over many years, there is no doubt that the introduction of compulsory accreditation for schools wishing to accept visa nationals and the subsequent sponsorship responsibility being taken on by language schools is hugely significant.

But have things gone far enough – I think not – we really should be working towards accreditation for all. Students of all ages and from all countries are entitled to the assurance of a quality marque and the industry needs to work towards that goal. Meanwhile, we are pleased that as a result of the announcement that our partners, The Accreditation Body for Language Services, is now a UKBA-approved accrediting body, many loyal agents from visa national countries can rest assured that it is ‘business as usual’ and ABLS member schools will continue to deliver.”