Introduction
This section describes the requirements and procedures that apply to all colleges as a Tier 4 Sponsor and to all enrolled students. Where possible, references are made using direct links to official documents provided by the UK Visa Immigration (UKVI).
Approved study courses
The above information is described by a UKVI guidance document about acceptable courses for general students.
Attendance Reporting
Global London College has strict policies on monitoring attendance of all its students. The attendance monitoring team of the college visits each classroom daily with the attendance register to double check each student`s attendance and to ensure that system is not abused .Any student found attempting to abuse the system gets immediately suspended followed by a disciplinary action. The system automatically shows absences, and a warning letter or an email is sent to a student who misses five expected contacts. If the student misses 10 expected contacts then his registration will be cancelled and the student`s attendance will be reported to UK Visa Immigration.
The college has zero tolerance for students with poor attendance and poor academic progress.
Global London College is required to track student attendance and report the following information to the UKVI:
The above information is described by a UKVI guidance document about reporting duties for sponsors.
In addition to the UKVI requirements, Global London College will consider students who have missed 5 expected contacts to have made unsatisfactory academic progress and withdraw such students from the course.
Expected contacts and study hours
The primary form of attendance monitoring is by tracking expected contacts. This applies to all students at Global London College. The following are a list of valid expected contact events:
Study hours are no longer monitored separately. Instead, study hours are monitored as part of expected contact events such as lectures, tutorials and seminars. Students who are late to an expected contact event by 30 minutes or more are considered to have missed the event.
Below are some examples of expected contact events and study hours monitoring:
The above information is described by a UKVI guidance document about duties specific to Tier 4 sponsors.
For a full information about student Tier 4 please click here:
How to get a VISA?
Please make sure that your passport is valid and that you have a visa (if you need one) prior to your travel date. It is best to have a passport that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in London in order to avoid having to renew your passport at the embassy in London. If you are not sure whether you need a visa please check with your local British embassy or view https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
Immigration officers will try to check that you are a serious student so they may look carefully at all your documentation. In particular, they will want to ensure that you have sufficient money to support yourself during your stay here and that you will not need to work.
You will need to show your documentation from the school and information about your accommodation in London. Nationals from certain countries will require entry clearance prior to travelling to the UK.
UK Entry Requirements
To apply for permission to enter the UK as a student you must apply to your closest British High Commission / British Embassy. They will explain the application process and ask you to prove you meet the following requirements:
You need the following documents to submit along with supporting documents:
This should be:
The visa fee cannot be refunded and you must normally pay it in the local currency of the country where you are applying.
Supporting Documents to include with your application
You should include all the documents you can show that you qualify for entry to the UK as a student. If you do not, we may refuse your application.
As a guide, you should include:
Police registration
Students from the European Community need not register with the police, but all other students must. If you are staying in the UK for more than six months, you must register with Borough Police Station. This can be found at:
Ground floor, Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LH
Tel: 020 7230 1208
Nearest underground station: Borough (Northern Line)
Embassy Registration
It is a good idea to register with your embassy in London in case you lose your passport or have an accident. We have all the embassy addresses, on request.
Useful and Important Website
For a full information about student Tier 4 please click here:
Entry requirements for Undergraduate, Postgraduate Diploma Courses
English Language Proficiency Requirement
English Requirement: If a Tier 4 (General) student will be studying a course that is below QCF Level 6 (except a Foundation Degree or an English language course), using a CAS issued on or after 12 August 2010, he/she must be competent in English language at a minimum of level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR):The student must have passed an English language test with an approved test provider for Tier 4, and has achieved at least CEFR level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening).
A CAS will be issued to international students who satisfy academic course entry requirements and the UKBA English language requirement.
For a full list of English language tests accepted by the UKVI, level and minimum grade required, please click on the link below:
http://www.ukvi.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf
Some of the English Language tests accepted by Global London College and the minimum score required for each CEFR Level
For a full information about Tier 4 student`s please click here: Tier 4 of the Points Based System – Policy Guidance
WELCOME TO THE COLLEGE
Global London College is a quality education centre located in the heart of London, a vibrant city with one of the largest student population in the UK. We understand that international students come to the UK for a variety of reasons. We design our English courses to help the students adjust to living and studying in Britain, but we also do our best to make the experience enjoyable, memorable and fun, both in and out of the classroom.
This document aims to provide information advice and guidance that will help you get the most out of your study experience in London by preparing for your stay before you leave home.
PRE AND POST ARRIVAL DOCUMENTS AND ADVICE
When to arrive in the UK?
We recommend that you arrive about a week before your course is scheduled to start. This gives you sufficient time to recover from your journey, to get to know your way around, and settle into life in London. If you have a choice of dates, try to come on a weekday, so if you encounter any problems we are available to help.
If you anticipate a late arrival please tell us by fax or email when we can expect you. However, College regulations state that we are only able to accept students up to one week after the start of lectures, which means that you should be in a position to commence your studies by the second Monday after the date of registration.
If you know that you will not be here in time, you may wish to delay your journey until close to the next start date.
When booking flights to the UK, you may be able to get a discounted student airfare. Show your travel agent proof of student status such as your Visa Application Document or the visa itself. Once you have booked your flight you can go ahead and reserve your accommodation.
Transfer from the airport to your accommodation
There are various ways to find your way from the airport into London. If you are arriving late at night or early in the morning or you would like the easiest option, you can order a taxi in advance. If you would like us to arrange this service (which will cost approximately £65) please use the booking form in the Arrival Pack (which will be sent to you upon registration).
What to bring with you
Making sure you bring all items that you need to help you settle in quicker. Ultimately you decide what you will need to bring and what you can find here once you arrive, but we have made the following suggestions.
First Time Student Arrivals 10 Top Tips
As part of your preparations for your studying in the UK this year, Border Force want to make sure you have everything you need to get through the UK border as efficiently as possible. Follow these top tips for a smooth journey through the UK border:
Reporting to Global London College
You should report to the college reception for registration at 10am on the day stated in your letter of enrolment. It is important that you bring the following with you:
On this day you will meet the College Welfare Officer to whom you will pay any fees which are due and who can give advice on how to manage your finances.
You will also have your photograph taken for our records and for the Global London College (GLC) Identity Card. You will then see the Examinations Officer who will explain academic matters, as well as issue you with a Global London College (GLC) Induction Pack. Please take the time to read it carefully as it contains a large amount of useful information for your course, and life in London.
On the Friday following Registration day you must attend the Induction given by the Principal or Head of Department. At the Induction you will be given:
Classes will commence the following Monday. Have a safe journey and we look forward to seeing you in the near future!
Make sure these documents are presentable and easily accessible.
If you are a national of any of the following countries you may be asked to register with the Police within 7 days of arrival. Ask at the College for details of how to do this.
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Moldova, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Palestine, Peru, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, UAE, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen.
REGULATIONS ON ATTENDANCE
Students must participate in the learning activities and arrive for their classes on time.
Students must attend 100% of classes. A record of students’ attendance is taken for reference when students apply for an extension of their visas. The regulations for language schools require that the College takes responsibility for reporting, to the Home Office, the students who have registered and then failed to attend without any acceptable reasons.
The student did not attend class will be regarded as an unauthorised absence. According to the rules and regulations set out by the HOME OFFICE UK all full time students must attend for at least 85% of their classes and failure to do so can lead to loss of the visa and in some cases deportation.
Further regulations pertaining to attendance, monitoring of attendance and reporting of absences can be found in the GLC Student Handbook
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
What follows is a summary of Global London College’s Health and Safety Policy. The purpose of this document is to make students aware of their responsibilities to uphold general health and safety standards. Our full Health and Safety Policy is available on request.
Key Student Health and Safety Responsibilities
Accidents, Incidents & First Aid
When someone is injured or taken ill whilst on the premises during working hours the company First Aider will be called to attend.
A First Aid box is kept in the Reception and access to it will be granted on request.
If an accident is caused by a hazard, the member of staff who is first on the scene should ensure that the area is made safe for all students. The member of staff concerned should then inform the Administrator who must immediately take action to remove (or block access to) the hazard until the area is made safe.
Accidents will be investigated by the Health and Safety Officer. If the accident is serious, the Principal will carry out an investigation and ensure that remedial action is taken.
Electrical Hazards
If any student discovers an electrical hazard, he/she must inform their teacher immediately.
No Smoking Policy
The College is a no-smoking area. This applies to events held on the premises, too.
Fire Drills
A fire drill will be carried out every 6 months. When the bell sounds all staff and students should leave the building by the nearest available route and assemble in MUSEUM ST. Teachers will be responsible for taking out their class registers and accounting for their students. (Appendix 1: Fire Evacuation Plan) During Induction all students will be shown the available escape routes and the assembly point
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
The College fully supports the concept of equal opportunities and we are committed to satisfying these principles in all our activities and materials.
The College is committed to equal opportunities for all employees and students in education, training and employment. It is the College’s clear intention that every reasonable step shall be taken to ensure that employees and students are not discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender or sexual orientation. They also have the right to expect reasonable protection from aggression, bullying, violence or harassment by any other student or member of staff, irrespective of his/her seniority. Further information regarding the GLC Equal Opportunity Policy can be found in the GLC Full student hand book or via the GLC website.
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Additional Learning Support
On enrolment students are encouraged to indicate whether they have additional needs that can be supported through their time at the College.
Support will be provided for students who identify themselves as needing additional support such as Dyslexia, Impaired Mobility etc.
Students may have other conditions affecting their studies i.e. epilepsy, asthma. Students are advised to call us for advice on the support available.
Note In order to qualify for special consideration, students will have to present the college with a valid medical assessment from a recognized doctor. The College will endeavor to identify a student’s special requirements. However, the responsibility for initiating these arrangements lies wholly with the student. The College will help as much as possible in making special arrangements, but the financial burden lies wholly with the student.
Exemption to the above rules can be found on the GLC website and in the GLC Student Handbook.
ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR
Students should cultivate good habits in study as well as in life. Breach of regulations is not acceptable, severe breaches will be punished. In extreme cases, the student may be expelled from the College.
Respect:
Please abide by the classroom regulations for not coming late or leaving early. Please do not leave the classroom during classes without permission. Mobile phones must be switched off. Please follow teachers’ orders and do not interrupt lessons.
Anti-Social Behaviour:
Any incident of violence is a breach of College regulations and the student will be excluded from the College permanently with no right of refund.
Smoking, fighting, gambling, drug abuse and alcohol drinking are forbidden in the College.
Food and Drink:
Students may remain in the classroom during breaks; however, they are not allowed to consume food in the classrooms.
Please note: Nothing but water may be consumed during classes.
Damage to Property:
Do not damage the desks, books, walls or equipment. Any damage to College property will be compensated for by the student who caused the damage.
Computers
College computers are primarily for educational purposes: If you are merely surfing and another student wants to study, please move.
DO NOT detach the computer LAN cables and connect your personal laptop.
DO NOT use our computers to download software and music.
Cleanliness
Please take care of College property and maintain the sanitation of the classrooms. Waste paper and disposable cups must be thrown into the bin. Students are responsible for keeping their immediate work area clean and tidy. Please remember to flush the toilet, turn off the tap and switch off the light.
Dress Code
Global London College believes that all students should be allowed to dress according to their personal taste and convictions, provided that the clothing is suitable for a public space. We therefore request the students refrain from wearing clothing with provocative statements, sunglasses, and other casual headgear that prevents the student’s face from being visible.
Politics and religion
Activities such as political campaigning and religious proselytising should not be carried out on the College premises. However, students are entitled to express their political and religious beliefs in a reasonable manner.
Tuition Fees and Costs
Students will pay for all costs and tuition fees themselves. The College will not pay any costs; neither do we act as a guarantor for students. Students do not receive any medical insurance from the College. All medical expenses will be paid by the students themselves.
REFUND POLICY
Global London College has a transparent policy on refunds and college transfers. This policy provides guidelines as to when Global London College can refund a deposit payment or course fees. It will also offer advice about the type of documents that are needed for a refund application to be processed successfully.
For full policy please click: Refund Policy
Transfer Policy
Transfer within the College:
In general, courses are non-transferable. Once a student has enrolled for a particular course they cannot transfer to another one because it may require a fresh UKVI application in some cases. Exceptions to this rule would include English courses or requiring additional courses to support their learning.
If a student does wish to transfer their enrolment after a course has started to another course at the College the following must be satisfied:
Transfer to another learning institution
No fee transfers will be made to other learning institutions.
Transfer between students:
No transfer fees between students are allowed.
Cancellation
The College will refund all the tuition fees a student paid if the College cancels the agreed course before it starts.
USEFUL LINKS
DfES Register of Providers: www.dfes.gov.uk/providersregister
Trinity College: www.trinitycollege.co.uk
IELTS: www.ielts.org
CAMBRIDGE ESOL: www.cambridgeesol.org
Attendance monitoring requirements
Introduction
This section describes the requirements and procedures that apply to all colleges as a Tier 4 Sponsor and to all enrolled students. Where possible, references are made using direct links to official documents provided by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).
Students must attend 100% of classes. A record of students’ attendance is taken for reference when students apply for an extension of their visas. The regulations for language schools require that the College takes responsibility for reporting, to the Home Office, the students who have registered and then failed to attend without any acceptable reasons.
Attendance reporting
Global London College has strict policies on monitoring attendance of all its students. The attendance monitoring team of the college visits each classroom daily with an attendance register to double check each student`s attendance and to ensure that the system is not abused. Any student found attempting to abuse the system gets immediately suspended followed by a disciplinary action. The system automatically shows absences, and a warning letter or an email is sent to a student who misses five expected contacts. If the student misses 10 expected contacts then his registration will be cancelled and the student`s attendance will be reported to the UKVI
The college has zero tolerance for students with poor attendance and poor academic progress.
Global London College is required to track student attendance and report the following information to UKVI:
In addition to the UKVI requirements, Global London College will consider students who missed 5 expected contacts to have unsatisfactory academic progress and withdraw such students from the course.
Expected contacts and study hours
The primary form of attendance monitoring is by tracking expected contacts. This applies to all students at Global London College. The following is a list of valid expected contact events:
Study hours are no longer monitored separately. Instead, study hours are monitored as part of expected contact events such as lectures, tutorials and seminars. Students who are late to an expected contact event by 30 minutes or more are considered to have missed the event.
Following are some examples of expected contact events and study hours monitoring: