SERVICESUK Child Student Visas
for 2026/7 School Intakes
The UK is home to some of the world’s most respected independent, boarding and private schools, offering high academic standards, strong pastoral care and a long-established educational tradition.
For many families, a UK independent or boarding school place is a major investment in their child’s future. Once a place is offered, the next step is securing the Child Student Visa - and where eligible, the Parent of a Child Student Visa, correctly, and on time.
This route is for: International parents whose child has a place, or is applying for a place at a UK independent or boarding school for academic session 2026/27.
Child Student visas are available to children aged 4 to 17 where the intended school holds a valid Student Sponsor Licence.
These applications are time-critical and must align precisely with the school’s Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), accommodation arrangements and Home Office guardianship requirements. Recent changes have increased scrutiny in these areas, particularly where children are not boarding full-time.
Our Child Student Visa team support families by ensuring applications are carefully prepared, compliant and realistic, allowing families to focus on education planning while remaining independent of the school’s sponsorship and safeguarding responsibilities.
You will be advised by a properly regulated UK Immigration Advisor, lawfully authorised to provide Immigration advice and make representations to the UK Home Office on your behalf.
Support includes:
Advice on Child Student Route requirements, including accommodation rules for day, part-boarding and full boarding pupils.
Review of all supporting documents (finances, consent, guardianship/ boarding, TB and other evidence required).
Ensure visa application alights with the Schools CAS, course details and term dates.
Full preparation and submission of the Child Student Visa Application, and Parent of a Child Student Visa where applicable.
Guidance on biometrics, decision timelines and next steps, so your child can travel and arrive on time.
Where authorisation, liaise with schools in relation to timing and practical matters linked to the visa process.
Support for Independent Schools
Alongside our work with families, we also provide support to independent schools and colleges seeking clarity on the immigration aspects of their admissions processes.
Schools are sometimes approached by parents or agents with visa‑related questions that go beyond general admissions information. We provide independent, regulated immigration advice directly to families, allowing schools to signpost such queries safely, without admissions staff needing to interpret Home Office rules or correspondence themselves.
Where requested, we can also offer briefings or informal policy reviews to assist schools in understanding current immigration rules - particularly following recent changes affecting guardianship, sponsor compliance and record‑keeping standards.
Our approach is designed to complement existing admissions processes, not replace them – providing practical, proportionate support when needed, without any ongoing commitment or outsourced arrangement.
Take the first step today.
Whether you need expert guidance or have questions about your options, book a consultation today and get clear, trusted advice.