Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, following the UK’s departure from the European Union, what instructions they have given schools to ask for documentary proof of pupils’ indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom.

The Government provides advice for state funded schools and local authorities on gov.uk. The website is clear ‘school admission authorities must not refuse to admit a child on the basis of their nationality or immigration status nor remove them from roll on this basis. The guidance can be found at:

www.gov.uk/guidance/schools-admissions-applications-from-overseas-children

It is the responsibility of parents to check their children have a right, under their visa entry conditions, to study at a school.’ The School Admissions Code would not permit schools to ask for proof of pupils’ indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as a condition of admission.

Independent schools which also hold a student sponsor license have a general duty to assure themselves sponsored students have a right to study in the UK throughout their course. This is a long-standing policy for student sponsors able to recruit international students from overseas through the Student or Child Student routes.