BBSN & Fragomen Education AQF Agent Training

Programme at a glance

Format	Online: self-paced Foundation Learning followed by two live Applied Learning sessions.
Foundation Learning Modules	Three online video modules with supporting workbooks and resources. Watch the videos at your own pace. Pause/rewind/rewatch as you need.
Applied Learning Modules	Two live online sessions of two hours each
Assessment	Online end-of-course assessment - 90% pass mark with an opportunity to resit if required
Certificate	Issued on successful completion of the programme requirements
Resources	Delegate Handbook, optional workbooks, checklists, guidance and downloadable resources
Fee	£125 + VAT per delegate
Capacity	Maximum 100 delegates per live session
Platform	The BBSN portal will provide access to a dedicated training dashboard, which will provide access to the modules and resources for the Foundation Learning and the details of how to access the Zoom webinar platform for the Applied Learning Modules.

Why has this training been developed?

The UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) sets out expectations for UK education providers and education agents working with international students and families.

For agents working with boarding schools, applying these principles requires an understanding not only of the AQF itself, but also of the particular environment in which UK boarding schools operate – including admissions, safeguarding, under-18 students, immigration, Student Sponsor responsibilities and the professional relationship between schools, agents, students and parents.

BBSN and Fragomen LLP have therefore developed a programme specifically for agents working with UK boarding schools.

Whether you have worked with British boarding schools for many years or are relatively new to the sector, the programme will help you to:

strengthen your understanding of the UK boarding school sector and the role of the education agent;
work professionally and effectively with boarding schools, students and families;
understand the AQF, the National Code of Ethical Practice and relevant professional expectations;
develop your knowledge of UK immigration, sponsorship and compliance requirements;
apply AQF principles and professional judgement to realistic situations; and
take practical learning and resources back into your own company.

This Training Programme is not compulsory and is not a requirement for maintaining BBSN Approved Agent Membership. It has been developed in response to the needs of the UK boarding school sector, to provide practical, sector-specific training for agents working with British boarding schools. The programme is not intended to replace or duplicate training agents may already have completed, including the British Council’s agent and counsellor training. Instead, it complements wider agent training by focusing specifically on the AQF, professional practice, immigration and compliance within the UK boarding school context.

access to all three Foundation Learning video modules via the training dashboard on the BBSN portal. This should take one hour to complete.
a Course Handbook guiding you through the programme, learning journey, time commitment, assessment and available support;
two interactive Applied Learning sessions (2 hours each), led by Fragomen LLP and BBSN and delivered via Zoom;
reflective workbooks to help you consider and apply the learning within your own professional practice;
resource packs that can be used during the programme and to support embed the learning with your staff via internal training and ongoing professional development;
the end-of-course assessment and a Certificate of Completion on successful completion of the programme; and
an invitation to a post-training focus group on 16 December, providing an opportunity to share experiences, discuss how the learning is being applied in practice and help inform future AQF support and resources.

The programme has been designed to support both individual professional development and wider good practice within education agencies.

We recommend that companies nominate an AQF Lead – someone who takes responsibility for helping their organisation understand and embed the principles of the AQF.

AQF Leads should complete the full BBSN & Fragomen LLP programme. They will then be able to use designated programme resources to support appropriate internal training and professional development within their company, subject to the programme terms of use.

For BBSN Approved Agents, completion of the programme can also be recorded within the Training & Professional Development section of the company’s BBSN Portal profile.

Programme Cycles & Dates

Cycle	Foundation Learning materials available on our portal	Foundation Learning (Modules 1-3) to be completed by	Live Sessions delivered via Zoom
Cycle 1	Available now upon receipt of booking and payment	14 October before first live session	Module 4: Wed 14 Oct, 15:00 UK time (BST) Module 5: Wed 21 October, 15:00 UK time (BST)
Cycle 2	Available now upon receipt of booking and payment	1 December before first live session	Module 4: Tue 1 Dec, 10.00 UK time (GMT) Module 5: Tue 8 Dec, 10.00 UK time (GMT)
Cycle 3	Available now upon receipt of booking and payment	1 December before first live session	Module 4: Tue 1 Dec, 15:00 UK time (GMT) Module 5: Tue 8 Dec, 15:00 UK time (GMT)

All live-session times are UK time. Delegate materials will be released by the date shown for each cycle. Delegates must complete all three Foundation Learning modules by the deadline and attend both live sessions in their selected cycle.

Follow-up focus groups: BBSN will host two optional follow-up focus groups on Wednesday 16 December 2026, at 10:00 and 15:00 UK time (GMT). These sessions are designed to give delegates additional space for questions, discussion and more in-depth exploration of how the learning applies in practice.

The programme fee is £125 + VAT per delegate. The same fee applies to each delegate, including where more than one person from the same agency attends.
BBSN will invoice your company following confirmation of your place and we request payment by return to ensure we have payment when we release the materials.

The programme is being delivered by BBSN and Fragomen LLP on a not-for-profit basis, with the fee covering the specialist training and programme delivery provided by Fragomen.

Places are limited to a maximum of 100 delegates per live session and are allocated on a first-come, first served basis. Your place is confirmed only when you receive written confirmation from BBSN.

BBSN & Fragomen LLP AQF Agent Training Programme for UK Boarding School Agents

Programme at a glance

Why has this training been developed?

Your Learning Journey

What is included in the programme?

Suitable for new and experienced agents

Supporting professional development across your company

Programme fee and availability

Accessibility and support

Booking Terms and Conditions

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