Academic Families acquires English Country Guardians, extending resources in prestigious UK boarding school network

Academic Families is delighted to announce the acquisition of English Country Guardians (ECG), a highly regarded British guardianship company based in the South of England. This partnership reflects both organisations’ shared commitment to providing exceptional opportunities and UK guardianship for international students – from boarding school through to university.

For Academic Families, bringing ECG into the fold helps to widen their network of boarding schools and host families throughout England, and further builds upon their 13+ years of industry experience, professionalism and expertise. The acquisition also provides continuity for students and families under the guardianship care of ECG, as its owner retires and the staff join the wider team at Academic Families’ headquarters in Scotland.

Why ECG is a perfect match: Fully accredited guardianship support across the UK

Academic Families and ECG are united by shared values and a student-centred approach. Both companies were founded by strong, visionary women dedicated to providing personalised and high-quality care for international students attending UK boarding schools.

“Joanna has built an incredible organisation with a hardworking, knowledgeable, and independent team. Her child-focused ethos aligns perfectly with ours and we’re excited to build on her legacy.”

- Lorna Clayton MBE, Managing Director and Founder of Academic Families, Owner of ECG

With ECG’s commitment to local care and Academic Families’ extensive resources, the consolidation is a natural fit. Together, the two organisations aim to bring even greater opportunities and support to current and prospective families who want the best education for their children.

What this means for our international families and students at British boarding schools

For families currently supported by either Academic Families or ECG, your main contact and personalised service will remain unchanged. Additionally, the acquisition brings enhanced benefits for international students attending UK schools -

• Expanded network of host families - ECG students will gain access to Academic Families’ UK-wide host family network, providing more opportunities for travel and cultural exchange.
• Support for Oxbridge applications - ECG’s team has extensive experience supporting students applying to Oxford and Cambridge, with many of their staff and their children having attended these prestigious universities. Academic Families students aspiring to go to Oxbridge can now benefit from this specialised guidance.
• Streamlined processes - the introduction of new technology will make communication and organisation even more efficient for ECG families.

“Families and host families can rest assured that nothing is changing except for more opportunities and support. Since 2012, I’ve watched Academic Families grow from a small business to a UK-wide organisation, and I’m excited to ensure this transition is seamless for every family.”

- Sophie Clayton, Head of Guardianship at ECG and Academic Families

Expanding upon a legacy of top-quality guardianship care for students in the UK

Joanna has built ECG into the outstanding organisation it is today. Her leadership has created a team that is both hardworking and deeply committed to the international students in their care.

“I am delighted to pass on the leadership of English Country Guardians to my good friend, Lorna Clayton MBE. Lorna has a wealth of guardianship experience since starting Academic Families in 2012 (she was awarded her MBE by King Charles for her Services to Young People).

We have worked closely together to ensure a smooth transition during which time Lorna has proved to be an excellent leader and custodian of our ECG values and service. The ECG team enjoy working with Lorna and Sophie; and I know this dynamic and friendly pair will maintain the care, high standards and reputation of English Country Guardians.

It has been a great privilege to be the Principal of ECG since we started in 2011 and to lead the ECG team to provide the outstanding Guardianship service for which ECG is well renowned.”

- Joanna Winstanley, Founder and Previous Owner of English Country Guardians

Refreshed ECG brand identity and new website

To reflect the shared values of the two organisations, ECG now has a new brand identity and a fresh new website with extended content and functionality: englishcountryguardians.co.uk.

"As we welcomed English Country Guardians into our portfolio, we wanted them to truly feel like part of our family, of Academic Families. That includes their brand identity, which we evolved to symbolise the caring nature of high-quality guardianship services."

- Lorna Clayton MBE, Managing Director and Founder of Academic Families, Owner of ECG