Testimonials

"I am so glad I came across Academic Families on one of their trips to Kenya. It was invaluable being able to have Academic Families introduce schools matched to our needs and liaise between the schools and ourselves. We had the best possible experience and look forward to our daughter enjoying the best possible schooling!"

Chetal, mother of Saara, age 16 - Kenya - Strathallan School

“My experience with Academic Families over the past 4 years has been exemplary. They have been consistent, professional and we have not had one negative experience. Communication is prompt and their support in ensuring my son arrives safely and departs to school has been excellent. Our primary contact has been Sophie and she has just been wonderful with my son and our family.”

Timothy, father of Nathan, age 15 - Canada - Merchiston Castle School

"It may not be difficult to find a professional guardian, but it is not easy to find a guardian who is part of the family like Academic Families. I am very happy with the service provided by Academic Families. Sophie is very professional and capable of handling issues that may arise for international students. She is very responsive and most importantly she is very caring, thoughtful, and loving just like a family. She works very hard to learn what we need and matches our son to lovely hosts. Nowadays we are all facing a tough time due to the Covid 19 pandemic. We are very lucky to have strong support from Academic Families so that my son is now safe and happy even though he is not able to stay with his parents.

Jing, mother of Evan, age 14 - China - Merchiston Castle School

"Thanks again for all the attention and great management that the whole team showed to make Isabel's return home possible. It is the only place where she needs to be right now. I have suffered a lot of anguish during the last few days thinking she might be stuck in Scotland due to the Covid-19 situation.

Academic Families have been key at this time. You really elevate your business to the highest level and the most important thing for me is how personal your service is. My best wishes and my admiration."

Maribel, mother of Isabel, age 14 - Spain - Loretto School

"The ethos of Academic Families, that the school should meet the needs, strengths and values of the child and not the other way around, was aptly manifested by Roni throughout our application process.

The children have secured places in their schools of preference, and all that remains is finalizing the admission processes. The children look forward to joining their schools of choice, thanks to Roni's support. We are grateful and have already recommended Academic Families to some of our friends who require similar support. We will certainly recommend Academic Families to anyone who would require exemplary services in identifying schools in the UK."

Parents of Joshua and Josepha, age 17 - Uganda - Ellesmere College and Wells Cathedral School

“Thank you all for the services you provide. We especially appreciate how available Sophie is especially during the Covid-19 crisis when Shirlene was on a leave weekend with her host family. She gave us frequent updates, went out of her way to arrange an extra night for Shirlene with her host family and even arranged Shirlene's flights. We are truly grateful. We look forward to our continued relationship with Sophie and with the entire Academic Families family. Ahsanteni sana.”

Charity, mother of Shirlene, age 12 - Kenya - Chetham's School of Music

“Carlene told me how she loved everything about her time at Marie’s. I must say I am truly relieved. Thank you Sophie for the match. I can say, you are the best! It is tough parenting from a distance and you have made it a lot easier. Tell Marie I appreciate it. Lots of love.”

Harriet, mother of Carlene, age 10 - Mali - Fettes Prep School

"Keep up the good work! We felt nervous at first but Roni was very patient and understood this life altering move. Everything was very well organised and we felt confident with our decision in the end."

Joan, mother of Savannah, age 16 - Kenya - Oakham School

"We have been very fortunate to choose such a great and responsible guardianship company which enabled my child to go to the UK alone to study. Especially when our English is not good, they help children communicate at school, arrange homestays during the holidays, airport transfers, and answer all our questions about further studies. I am very happy to have your assistance so that we can feel at ease. Sincere blessings and thanks."

Jessica, mother of Jen Pin, age 15 – Taiwan – Loretto School

"Academic Families understood our needs. Time was not on our side, but I was amazed at how quickly they were able to match my daughter with schools based on subjects she likes and wants to pursue. Throughout the process, we got real-time support. The service was professional and personalised. Academic Families gave us peace of mind and they handled most of the things that I would have had to do. That help was priceless."

Pauline, mother of Iman, age 16 – Kenya – Harrogate Ladies’ College

"Academic Families were extremely helpful in assisting me to find a school and set up visits to various schools around the country during the time we were on holiday in the UK. They helped through the registration process and once school had commenced were always available to set up transportation to and from the airport as well as being on hand for any day to day issues that arose through my daughter’s 2 year “A” level course.

I would highly recommend them to any parent looking to place their child in education in the United Kingdom."

Saleem, mother of Tandia, age 16 – Kenya – Box Hill School

"Academic Family is a professional company in providing guardian services for all international pupils studying in Scotland. I am sincerely relieved that they, on behalf of us, take care of my son in Scotland and appreciate their services. Thank you so much."

Raymond, father of Horace, age 14 – Hong Kong – Loretto School

"I am short for words to describe how much Academic Families helped and supported us throughout the entire process of selecting a school for our children. Roni supported us all and guided us through the search until we found the right school for our children. Roni helped us visit the schools and it was all well planned and arranged. My children are now settling into their new school and I am glad I chose Academic Families. Thanks for your professional support and guidance."

Rita, mother of Ayo and Kishi, age 16 and 13 – Nigeria – Trinity College School, Canada

"Academic Families took the time to understand my child and her needs and help us choose a school where she is the most comfortable! The pastoral care is outstanding as well as everything else. Strathallan may seem far to the ‘normal’ Kenyan where London seems to be their base. But don’t underestimate Scotland and its warmth - it will by far outweigh London. Academic Families made us see this!"

Chetal, mother of Saara, age 16 – Kenya – Strathallan School

Schools

“I am always so impressed with the professionalism of Academic Families. Every member of staff I have had interactions with is on the same wavelength as I am with regard to the focus being on the safety and wellbeing of the pupils, and they have the knowledge and experience to deliver time after time. They are a very friendly and helpful organisation who I have found to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to help find the right solution. They communicate well with schools, parents and pupils, and they take a genuine interest in the whole person so that they can best support and nurture the young people in their care.”

Freddie, Housemaster, Merchiston Castle School

“I always feel very comfortable when I know that one of my pupils has Academic Families in their support network. Academic Families are easy to deal with, always well informed, and there is no question that they put the best interests of the pupil above all else. The channels of communication with Academic Families are always open and this makes my job so much easier."

James, Housemaster, Fettes College

“I can unequivocally recommend Academic Families. Roni and Sophie are meticulous with pupil arrangements and very easy to speak with over the phone. Always available. Always on time with transitional arrangements. Always friendly.”

Andy, Housemaster, Loretto School

“I have worked closely with Academic Families, and have always been extremely impressed by the quality of service which the company provides. Host families really do provide a warm and caring service for children of all ages, and a real bond is formed between them. The company is extremely well organised, and parent and child satisfaction is always extremely high. This is a company which really does go “the extra mile” on behalf of the children with which it works.”

Philip, Housemaster, Merchiston Castle School

“Good, clear, regular communication. Always on hand to help. Great with the boys. Regular visits to the boys, cards, gifts, etc.”

Daniel, Housemaster, Merchiston Castle School

Brian and I are a retired couple in our late sixties whose children left home a long time ago. We have an active social life, enjoy being busy and useful in our community. When the opportunity came our way, through our daughter, to host students she immediately said, ‘Mum, you would enjoy this.’ And indeed, she was right!!

Our only criteria for Academic Families regarding hosting was that our students would like dogs, as our two working cocker spaniels are an integral part of our family. And on many occasions when a teenager would not consider saying to us that they needed a cuddle, the dogs have been an excellent alternative, giving empathy on demand. We have hosted several students over the years, and each has brought a different dynamic into our household.

Throughout, Academic Families have organised, supported, and been at the end of a phone for us. Our experiences with these youngsters have enriched us with details and culture of countries we have not yet visited.

Margaret & Brian - hosts since 2016

"We have been hosts for about 3 years now. During this time, we have had the pleasure of meeting many young people from a few different cultural backgrounds. We have learned so much from these experiences and hope the young people feel we have contributed to their experiences in a positive way. They have helped us with new technologies and laughed with us over many things. We just hope that being part of our family while they are with us has helped them understand a little of normal everyday family life and that they have felt comfortable in our home.

Academic Families have been there for us whenever we have needed, always understanding when we talk to them. They also care very much about the health and wellbeing of all the young people as individuals. They have been, and we hope will continue to be, a great organisation to be part of."