Mind your language! Could foreign student reforms hit English Language Schools?

Adrian Sanders, the Lib Dem MP for Torbay, is concerned that proposed reforms to allowing foreign students into the country will hit language schools teaching English as a Foreign Language.

He asked a question of the Secretary of State for the Home Department “if he will assess the financial effect on language schools teaching English as a foreign language of proposed reforms to Tier 4 of the points-based system”.

The review team of Teir 4, it turns out is the UK Border Agency and the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

“The review team have been asked to assess whether the current Tier 4 policy strikes the appropriate balance between facilitating access of genuine students to education in the UK and preventing abuse by economic migrants,” answered minister of state Phil Woolas.

“The review is looking at evidence gathered from the early stages of Tier 4, which was launched in March this year, to look at the case for or against any policy changes. The review will consider all of the available data and evidence, including the potential financial impact of the proposals on the different parts of the education sector such as the English language sector.”

Phew, well, that’s a relief.

Find out what Tier 4 is all about