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Concerns over the quality of English-language teaching to overseas students in private schools and colleges in UK are, unfortunately, justified.

EnglishUK has a database of more than 1,100 non-accredited schools. Of the 670 the Home Office has visited so far, only about 175 are genuine. About 200 are deemed bogus, and the remaining 300 are at first sight so dubious that they need more thorough investigation. In effect, only one in five of the non-accredited colleges is likely to be providing teaching worth the name - or the money. University admissions tutors in particular should bear this in mind. The only real guarantee of quality for private-sector language courses is accreditation under the English in Britain Accreditation Scheme or those vouched for by the British Accreditation Council.

Tony Millns
Chief executive English UK, London