Irish Language Schools Call for Clarity on TrustEd Ireland Accreditation
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Dublin, Ireland – Ireland’s English Language Education sector is urging greater clarity on the state-backed TrustEd Ireland accreditation scheme, introduced to regulate and protect international learners. While stakeholders broadly support the initiative, concerns over its cost and implementation have led to hesitation among providers.
The TrustEd Ireland mark, developed by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), is a voluntary scheme. However, participation is essential for schools recruiting non-EU/EEA students who require study visas. Despite recognising the value of a robust accreditation system, language schools highlight unanswered questions about the scheme’s financial impact and operational details.
Critics have pointed out steep costs, including an application fee of up to €30,000 and annual charges of up to €20,000. Additionally, schools must contribute 4% of tuition revenue to the Protection of Enrolled Learners (PEL) sinking fund, a figure they say disproportionately affects their margins compared to higher education institutions, which contribute 2%.
Stakeholders, including English Education Ireland, have described the fee structure as “punitive and unsustainable,” prompting some members to withhold applications. Others, like the Centre for English Studies, await further details before deciding.
“We support regulation, but the current model raises many questions about sustainability,” said Justin Quinn, CEO of Centre for English Studies. Mauro Biondi, managing director of Emerald Cultural Institute, added that clarity is essential to ensure schools align with the scheme’s requirements.
The scheme’s introduction comes at a challenging time, with declining demand from key markets and the sector recovering from the effects of COVID-19. While stakeholders welcome closer collaboration with the government, they warn that unresolved issues could jeopardise the future of many institutions.
“It’s a positive but precarious moment for the industry,” said Biondi, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to ensure the scheme’s success.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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