International agents

Agent Quality Framework

Escape Studios has committed to the key principles of the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) and applies these principles to the selection, appointment, training, monitoring and review of education agents.

Our commitment:

• Agent selection and due diligence: We undertake appropriate due diligence before appointing education agents and assess their suitability, reputation, experience, market knowledge and ability to represent Escape Studios appropriately. Agents are appointed under formal agreements setting out their responsibilities and expectations.
• Training and support: We provide regular training to our agents to ensure they offer high-quality guidance to applicants, making the pre-enrolment journey as smooth as possible.
• Monitoring and review: We monitor our agents' activities and performance and periodically review our agent relationships. This includes considering student feedback, recruitment outcomes, compliance with our requirements. Where concerns arise, we take appropriate corrective action, which may include additional training, suspension or termination of the relationship.
• UK immigration and visa advice: Our agents are expected to provide accurate and responsible information about UK immigration requirements and to direct applicants to appropriate official sources where necessary. Agents must not provide misleading information or encourage applicants to make applications that do not meet the relevant requirements.
• Ethical practices: Our agents adhere to ethical practices, ensuring transparency, professionalism, and integrity in all interactions.
• Agent compensation: Agents receive payment from Escape Studios for the counselling and other services they provide, which lead to student enrolment.
• Transparency and remuneration: We are transparent about our relationships with education agents and the commission arrangements that apply. Where agents charge applicants for additional services, they are expected to clearly explain the nature and cost of those services before the applicant commits to them.

Complaints, feedback, and concerns: We are committed to maintaining high standards and welcome feedback to improve our services. If you have any complaints or concerns about the services provided by one of our educational agents, please contact us. Complaints are reviewed appropriately and may inform agent monitoring, additional training, corrective action or decisions regarding continuation of the agent relationship.

Choosing an education agent: Agents are expected to provide accurate, clear and balanced information to enable applicants to make informed decisions. Agents must not exert inappropriate pressure on applicants or misrepresent Escape Studios, its courses, entry requirements, fees, outcomes or immigration requirements. UKCISA (UK Council for International Affairs) have published a guide to help you choose an education agent.

Guides for agents: our agency network is made aware of the Good Practice Guide for UK providers using education agents as well as the National Code of Ethical Practice for education agents.

Governance and records: Escape Studios maintains appropriate records relating to the appointment, training, monitoring and review of its education agents, in accordance with its sponsor duties and the Agent Quality Framework.

Contact information: For more information about our work with agents or to submit a complaint, please reach out to us at admissionscomplaints@escapestudios.ac.uk.