Throughout this statement, references to “Across the Pond,” “we,” “us,” and “our” (or similar expressions) mean Across the Pond – Study in Britain Ltd.
Across the Pond is committed to upholding the principles and requirements of the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) and to supporting ethical, transparent, and professional international student recruitment to the United Kingdom.
The UK Agent Quality Framework is a sector-wide quality assurance framework
developed collaboratively by the
The AQF applies to UK education providers that hold a Student Sponsor Licence and to the education agents and counsellors who represent them. It sets out shared expectations for ethical recruitment, student protection, transparency, accountability, and continuous professional development across the international student recruitment lifecycle.
In line with the Agent Quality Framework, we operate in accordance with the following core principles:
We place the best interests of students at the centre of all recruitment and counselling activities. We provide accurate, current and impartial information about UK study options, entry requirements, costs, progression pathways, and visa considerations to enable students and their families to make well-informed decisions.
We ensure that students understand that:
We do not misrepresent courses, institutions, outcomes, rankings, or immigration prospects, and we actively discourage unrealistic expectations.
We commit to the National Code of Ethical Practice for Education Agents, which forms a central component of the AQF. This includes acting with integrity, professionalism, and honesty in all dealings with students, parents, partner institutions, and regulatory bodies.
We:
We recognise that high-quality recruitment depends on well-trained, knowledgeable staff. Our student-facing counsellors undertake the British Council UK Certified Counsellor Training, ensuring up-to-date understanding of:
We actively support continuous professional development and maintain internal processes to ensure that advice provided to students remains accurate and compliant.
We are transparent in how we work with UK education providers and students. This includes clarity around:
Our role in the recruitment and application process
If we start working with sub-agents, we take responsibility for ensuring they operate in accordance with the Agent Quality Framework and the National Code of Ethical Practice, and that they are appropriately trained, monitored, and accountable.
We work collaboratively with UK education providers to support their compliance with the AQF and UKVI Sponsor Licence requirements. This includes:
We recognise that the AQF is a shared commitment between institutions and agents, and we actively engage with our partners to maintain high standards across the student journey - from initial enquiry through enrolment and beyond.
We view the Agent Quality Framework not as a one-off requirement, but as an ongoing commitment to quality, professionalism, and trust. We regularly review our policies, processes and staff training to ensure alignment with:
Through our commitment to the UK Agent Quality Framework, we aim to protect students, support our partner institutions, and contribute positively to the global reputation of UK higher education as a trusted and world-class study destination.
Across the Pond adheres to and endorses UK sector best practice and a shared commitment to the Agent Quality Framework and all the elements it includes. As such, you are strongly encouraged to read the Student and Parent Guide to choosing an agent.
Across the Pond adheres to both the National Code for Ethical Practice for Education Agents and the Good Practice Guide for UK Education Agents.
All of Across the Pond’s student-facing staff have completed the UK Certified Counsellor Training as provided by the British Council and this is evidenced via the listings in the British Council Database of Certified Counsellors.
Across the Pond is not partnered with every higher‑education institution in the UK, and while we stand by the quality of our listed partners, we strongly encourage you to explore all available information independently to support your decision‑making.
Across the Pond acknowledges that the AQF does not constitute regulatory endorsement of agencies or counsellors. Certification under the British Council’s UK Certified Counsellor Training applies to individuals, not agencies, and is intended to demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the UK as a study destination.