British Accreditation Council

For over 30 years we have been responsible for setting standards within the independent further and higher education sector. Our accreditation is held by more than 200 universities, colleges and training providers in the UK and overseas. BAC was established in 1984 to provide a comprehensive quality assurance scheme for independent further and higher education in the UK. Our accreditation is recognised the world over by students, agents and government officials as the clearest mark of educational quality in the private sector. Alongside the British Council, whose Accreditation UK scheme serves as the definitive guide to the country’s English language centres, we have overseen the inspection of private post-16 education for over 30 years. We are committed to both encouraging the highest standards of education offered by independent colleges and providing prospective students with an invaluable guide to quality in an often complex sector. Our charitable status informs our efforts not merely to pass judgement on institutions, but also to nurture their attempts to raise standards and the quality of education for all. Our central office staff, a network of expert inspectors, and a team of experienced specialist consultants work together to help independent education and training providers raise their standards and reach their potential. We are the only registered charity of its kind in the UK. BAC’s services include accreditation and bespoke consultancy for a wide range of diverse education providers. UK and overseas governments seek BAC’s advice based on our experience and unrivalled knowledge of the sector.