Pippa’s Guardians – Where it all began
What has made Pippa's Guardians the business it is today? Managing Director Ben Hughes shares the secrets of its success.
I am often asked how I got into this line of work and what exactly is a Guardian. It’s not exactly a well-known job although there are 47 accredited AEGIS agencies. Someone once asked me if I was a ‘manny’ which did sound about right!
My mother, Pippa, formed Pippa’s Guardians in 1997 after her role as a Registrar at Cheltenham College – my old school. In April 2013 I relocated back from Melbourne, Australia with my four-month-old and new wife and bought Pippa’s Guardians from my mother as she wanted to retire.
At first we looked after a handful of students in key schools such as Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies' College and Wycombe Abbey. Before long we were being asked to care for students in new schools and I had the burning ambition to support my family and grow the business.
In truth expansion has never been a challenge, we are fortunate that way, but sustainable expansion has been. Pippa’s Guardians could be double the size it is today but it would have compromised our level of service and we’d have been neglectful to our students. One of the biggest challenges was saying no to new business as I knew we couldn’t cope with the demand.
Employing caring, compassionate, organised and trustworthy staff coupled with safe and welcoming host families is the key to our success and the biggest challenge we have faced. Importantly our fees have remained consistent and we rarely (if ever) discount. We either do it properly or we don’t.... this was always Mum’s mantra and I have carried it on. These are children after all, not something you cut corners on.
I am fortunate in that my mother genuinely cared for her students for a long period of time. The foundations were there for me to build upon and it has been a wonderful and varied seven years since I bought the business. Being the guardian to students throughout the UK, and in 140 boarding schools, is not for the faint hearted. There is never a dull day and it is only because of my incredible staff of 35 that we can offer the personal service we pride ourselves on and support our students properly. After all, our students are mostly teenagers, a long way from home, in a new culture learning in a new language – this is not easy and they need a lot of support and guidance.
‘It’s harder to leave than be left behind.’ What I mean by this is that the students themselves are often fine, busy making friends and relishing the opportunities in some of the best schools in the world. It’s our parents, who bring them over in September then fly home without them.... this takes a lot of courage and why I believe it’s harder to leave their children here. It’s actually quite humbling that they ask us to take on their children. If it was my daughter in China I’d be in turmoil – as would my wife.
Never did I imagine we’d enjoy the success we do today and my five-year plan certainly reflects this. Today, aside from guardianship we offer summer schools, university advice, university guardianship and school advice.
It's been a brilliant time of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing. We are going to continue to grow and evolve but only if it is sustainable - and our students remain our priority. This is something I will never lose focus on – that's my promise to you.
A warm welcome to our two new Area Managers
In early February, Charlotte Wilson and Nicky Cullity joined Pippa’s Guardians as Area Managers, both covering the West Midlands and they will be looking after our pupils who are at schools in and around Malvern, Bromsgrove and Monmouth. Pupil numbers have always been high in these schools, which are local to the Pippa’s Guardians Head Office, and new registrations are also looking healthy for the coming academic year.
Charlotte lives locally in Worcester with her husband and built her early career working in retail buying offices, firstly in London and then in the Midlands. Recently this has included training colleagues in other European countries as she was involved with the international sector of the business.
As a child, Charlotte attended several independent day and boarding schools, so she has experienced the boarding school world. Her own children are now at university and Charlotte has enjoyed supporting them through their examinations and university applications. Charlotte understands how important it is for parents to receive regular updates on their child when they are far from home, and she is looking forward to getting to know her students and their families.
“I will make sure that you have peace of mind that your child is being supported practically and emotionally and therefore have a positive experience during their time in the UK.”
Nicky started her career in property management in Reading and moved to Malvern over 15 years ago where she now lives with her family. Since living in this area, Nicky has worked in Events Management, most recently at Malvern College. In this role she has organised weddings, summer schools and residential courses and as a result she is very familiar with the boarding school environment and the boarding houses. Having also hosted an overseas student, Nicky knows how to help children feel welcome and comfortable in their new surroundings.
Helping children to settle into in their new school is of paramount importance to Nicky, and she will ensure they are safe and happy. She is looking forward to providing support to her students and to reassuring parents that their child is thriving in their new environment.
“The wellbeing of your child is my priority and it is so important to build a good relationship from the very start, so you know they are happy and being well cared for whilst away from home.”
A warm welcome to both Charlotte and Nicky!
Pippa’s Guardians is reaccredited by AEGIS
Pippa’s Guardians is delighted to announce its very exciting news that it has just been reaccredited by AEGIS, the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students. The rigorous inspection looks at all aspects of the organisation and involves meeting with schools, students, host families and gathering feedback from parents. Managing Director Ben Hughes is extremely proud of the praise the company has received and acknowledges that everyone has played a part in achieving such a glowing report. He says:
“I am thrilled to be re-accredited by AEGIS and to pass with such flying colours. This result is a testament to our high standards of safeguarding and the personal care we provide for our overseas students. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the Pippa’s Guardians team for all their efforts we look forward to a prosperous 2020.”
Here are just some of the positive comments from the inspection report:
The wellbeing of students is paramount to Pippa’s Guardians
Pippa’s Guardians is an extremely well-run organisation
Pippa’s Guardians are their (schools’) benchmark when working with other guardianship organisations.
One member of (school) staff said they are overjoyed to be working with Pippa’s Guardians as they share a professional and genuine partnership.
The students are very happy with the service they receive from Pippa’s Guardians
Safeguarding is given the highest priority
The students have formed excellent relationships with their host families, often vising the same host families time and time again. They speak fondly of trips out to the cinema and bowling and how their time with them is very enjoyable.
Pippa’s Guardians take excellent care of their children and lasting relationships are established
Pippa’s Guardians go beyond the call of duty and are a constant support to both the students and the parents
It was clear to the Supporting Inspector following the visits and after analysing the questionnaires from all parties that Pippa’s Guardians are doing an excellent job
Pippa’s Guardians Christmas Party
In early December, Pippa’s Guardians staff had the opportunity to come together for their annual Christmas party. The festive evening was held at The Cottage in the Wood Hotel in Malvern, a stunning venue which was perfect for the company’s celebrations. Drinks in the bar were served as everyone arrived, mingled and met new colleagues. During the three-course dinner, staff had the chance to chat and catch up with other team members – something that is often impossible during the busy working week. Crackers, pea shooters, silly hats and streamers added to the fun, and sometimes competitive, atmosphere between the tables.
Regional Managers, Ceri and Elaine presented awards to some of their Area Managers, who had gone ‘above and beyond’ in looking after their pupils. As the RMs described the efforts of the AMs, everyone agreed they were very well-deserved awards in recognition of the extra mile the team often goes to. As last year, there were also some light-hearted prizes, with staff being nominated by their colleagues for various amusing accolades. And no Christmas party is complete without a Secret Santa, which rounded off the evening in true festive spirit.
It was a wonderful evening, many thanks go to Kerrie for organising the event, and to Ben for his generosity.
Trip to Asia
Tokyo was the first destination for MD Ben Hughes and his wife Louise as they set off for nine days in Asia. The highlight for Ben there was hosting a drinks party when almost 30 parents came along to meet Ben and Louise and talk about Pippa’s Guardians. The overriding feeling from our Japanese families was one of gratitude, as parents praised our host families and Area Managers for looking after their children so well.
After Tokyo, it was straight to Hong Kong to meet with parents and agents. With the current situation there, Ben says they were aware of underlying tension and the violence was certainly the topic of conversation in most meetings. Agents reported that they have seen a huge surge in interest in UK boarding school applications, and Ben is certain that Pippa’s Guardians’ services will be in demand as parents turn to the UK for their children’s education, away from the unrest in Hong Kong.
Beijing and Shanghai were the final two stops of the trip and saw Ben and Louise in meetings with more agents, schools and parents. In mainland China too, there is an increased interest in UK schools, and this looks like being an ever-growing market. The popularity of our education system, coupled with the strong relationship we have with our Asian agents, means we are anticipating a healthy number of new registrations for the forthcoming academic year.
Elaine Kitt Speaks at BSA Conference
Elaine Kitt, our Regional Manager for the South of England, was invited by the Boarding Schools’ Association to talk to their recent Tier 4 conference on Working with Guardians, Best Practice.
It was an excellent opportunity for Elaine to speak to Registrars and Headteachers as well as key pastoral staff, about the role of educational guardians and what they should expect and demand from a good guardianship company.
Out of 29000 international students in the UK, only 5700 are registered with AEGIS-accredited guardianship companies like Pippa's Guardians. The lack of regulation in the guardianship sector means that some 23,000 students are not looked after by accredited companies and might therefore be staying with host families which have not been properly vetted.
Elaine said: "International students are some of the most vulnerable young people in the UK - they are far away from their usual support network of family and friends. Along with AEGIS, we are pushing for legislation in the guardianship industry to be introduced to ensure all students have the same protection as AEGIS students.”
Elaine was also delighted to have been given the opportunity to explain the close partnership between Pippa’s Guardians and the schools it works with, giving students the best possible experience of a boarding school education in the UK.
Pippa’s Guardians New Staff
It’s been a busy start to the new academic year as Pippa’s Guardians has recently taken on three Area Managers and a new Chinese Liaison Officer. With student numbers on the rise, we want to ensure that each young person we look after is properly supported during their time at school here. Our Area Managers are invaluable in the care they provide, by visiting pupils in school – whether to iron out any difficulties or watch them play in a sports match, and by giving parents that vital feedback about their children.
Jo Bagley
Jo will be looking after students in Cheltenham and the surrounding areas. Her early career was in Investment Management, before she then moved into the field of publishing. After the arrival of her children, Jo became a school governor and has greatly enjoyed being involved in the school environment. More recently, Jo has hosted international students so she understands how to support them so they can thrive and do their best here.
I’m sure your child will thoroughly enjoy their experience in the UK and Pippa’s Guardians will ensure that they are happy, safe and secure, enabling them to make the most of their studies, extra-curricular opportunities and new friendships.
Sam Barlow
Sam is from Oxford and the students she is looking after are at schools in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. Sam has two teenage children who have studied in international and UK boarding schools, so she understands what it is like for parents to help their children settle in new surroundings. Having lived in China and Singapore, Sam knows what it is like to be immersed in a new culture and whilst there can be difficulties, she also recognises the many benefits to be gained from such experiences.
I am well aware how daunting it can be to transition into a new school in another country, so my priority will be to take the time to get to know your child and focus efforts on making the process smooth and comfortable.
Cindy Valuto
Cindy is our new Area Manager for Somerset and is looking forward to getting to know our students at Wells Cathedral School. She is in the unique position of having attended the school herself, having worked there and now having her two daughters at the school so she really knows everything there is to know about the school. Cindy has also worked as a Registrar at a prep school, so has experience in many aspects of school life and is looking forward to getting the know the children and their families.
From experience, I know that the key to a successful time at school is to ensure that students feel settled, secure and most importantly happy.
Eden Yang
Eden is Pippa’s Guardians’ new Chinese Liaison Officer and is already getting to know our students and their parents. Eden gained her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree when she was at university in China, and she spent 10 years working in human resources management for large multinationals. After meeting her English husband, Eden moved to the UK and they now have a young daughter. Eden understands the challenges of moving abroad and getting used to the cultural differences between countries. She is looking forward to helping with communication and overcoming linguistic barriers between parents, schools, students and the Pippa’s Guardians team.
Pippa’s Guardians Annual Conference
Pippa’s Guardians Annual Conference has just taken place in the stunning Stanbrook Abbey near Malvern. The two-day event gave the opportunity for all Area Managers to come together with the Head Office Staff and undergo valuable training sessions and workshops on a variety of topics.
The first afternoon saw presentations from the Head Office team on Safeguarding, Operations, Travel and Finance. These informative sessions provided updates and training for the Area Managers on company policy and systems. A wonderful dinner, in the Callow Great Hall (the former chapel) was the perfect end to the first afternoon and we were delighted to be joined by Pippa, who founded Pippa’s Guardians in 1997.
“Navigating the Mental Health Minefield” was the focus of the training for the second day. To follow on from our initial training last year, we again welcomed the Olive Branch Consultancy to take us through developing further Mental Health Skills. The workshop firstly gave staff an opportunity to consider their own well-being and the importance of staying healthy. The speakers then addressed the issues facing adolescents today and how to spot the risks to their health. For our international students, who are dealing with the added problem of homesickness and cultural barriers, it is ever more important to explore strategies to guide them. Discussion amongst colleagues who have a wealth of information between them proved invaluable. Blowing mini bubbles to energise, practising mindfulness, creating a soothe box, questioning and listening techniques were all used as ways to consider mental health issues.
On the afternoon agenda were further presentations from company staff on the recent summer school, the new University Application Service and we also enjoyed a question and answer session with one of our Japanese students and a host family. There was plenty to be learnt as staff had the opportunity to find out what would help students to settle in more quickly when they first arrive, and anything that would make boarding school life easier for them especially in the early days. Our lovely host family meanwhile explained why they enjoy hosting, the impressive level of support they receive and the pleasure they have found in having young people stay with them.
Overall, the conference provided two days of useful training, informative workshops and a chance for the team to reflect on the past year and prepare for the next.
Garden Party
As a thank you to our fantastic host families, Vicky our Area Manager for the East Midlands, recently organised a delightful garden party in the village of Fotheringhay. This quintessential village was the perfect setting for our host families and students to spend a sunny afternoon relaxing and getting to know each other. Because the party was held during half term, many host families were able to bring their students along with them, together with their own children, and we soon welcomed almost 70 people. Not only could potential host families meet some of our international students, but they also the opportunity to chat with those families who already host and ask them plenty of questions. Managing Director, Ben Hughes, and his wife Louise were also at the party to give more details about hosting students and to meet some of our host families.
For those students in the midst of A ‘levels and GCSEs, the relaxing atmosphere hopefully gave a little relief from the pressure of looming exams and a chance to enjoy some fun in the fresh air with their friends.
No garden party is complete without a full traditional tea and there was an amazing selection of cakes to sample. Cupcakes, lemon cake, fruit cake, scones with clotted cream and jam were just some of the treats to enjoy, along with a glass of elderflower cordial or pimms.
Everyone enjoyed taking part in the garden games with an international spin - from croquet to boules, badminton, volleyball, chess, molki – the lawn was the perfect playground for all ages to learn new games or enjoy the old favourites.
A warm welcome to our two new Area Managers
Pippa’s Guardians is delighted to welcome two new Area Managers to the team. Sophie Lindsay and Sarah Nico have just joined the company to look after children in Wiltshire and Rutland respectively. With increasing numbers of pupils registering with us, there is a clear need for extra support in these two counties, where we are also now working with more schools. New student numbers are very healthy from September and with two new members to the team, we can ensure we continue to deliver the best possible service.
Sophie’s career started in London at Christie’s the Auctioneers and having studied French, her marketing work took her on trips throughout Europe. After the arrival of her children, she decided on a career change and retrained as a teacher, subsequently working in schools both in England and overseas. Having taught children of many different nationalities and ages, and with her own two children now at boarding school in Dorset, Sophie has gained valuable experience of life in boarding schools. She also attended boarding school herself as a child while her parents lived abroad, so is in an ideal position to help children thrive in their school environment.
Sophie says: “I am looking forward to using this all-round knowledge to guide and assist you, and to provide your child with all the pastoral and academic support they need in order to flourish and make the most of their school experience”.
Sarah’s working life started with British Rail where she was a Management Trainee, before moving to work for a Removal Company as a Survey Manager. Staying in the property industry, she later set up her own company providing a complete removal service. She enjoyed helping her customers, stopping when her twin girls arrived. She then became involved with their school as secretary of the Parents Association and as a Parent Governor. Through this work she has seen the value of a close relationship between parents/guardians and the school. More recently, Sarah has enjoyed hosting international students and she understands how important it is for a student to have a warm and welcoming family home to stay in during exeats and half terms.
Sarah says:“My regular communication will give you reassurance that your son or daughter is well looked after, happy and settled. With my full support, I will ensure your child thrives both academically and socially during their time here in the UK."