How to check a school's English teaching is properly accredited

Many people assume that because a school offers English tuition, its teaching methods and qualifications are automatically sound. This assumption often leads to wasted time, money and frustration—especially when a learner later discovers their tutor has no formal teaching credential, or the school's curriculum doesn't meet any recognised standard. Before committing to tuition, you need to verify that the teaching itself is properly accredited, not just that the school exists.

Check the individual tutor's teaching qualification

The foundation of accredited teaching is the tutor's qualification. Ask the school directly: what teaching qualification does each tutor hold? The gold standard in English teaching is a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or CELTA certification. These are internationally recognised and require both theoretical knowledge and practical classroom experience. Some tutors may hold a degree that includes teaching methodology, or a local teaching diploma—ask what the qualification is and what body awarded it.

Don't accept vague answers like "they're experienced" or "they studied English at university." University study of English literature is not the same as formal teacher training. Request a copy of the tutor's certificate or ask for the registration number with the issuing body. If the school resists providing this, that's a red flag.

Verify the school's curriculum is standards-aligned

Accredited English teaching follows a structured curriculum tied to recognised frameworks. Ask whether the school's courses align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—this international standard describes proficiency levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Many South African schools also reference the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Request a copy of their course outline or syllabus. A legitimate school will have this ready. The outline should specify learning outcomes for each level, the topics covered, and how progress is assessed. If they can't or won't provide it, the teaching may not be systematically planned. Ask how they assess learners before placement and how they measure progress—proper accreditation includes regular formative and summative assessment, not just informal feedback.

Cross-check institutional accreditation

Beyond individual tutor credentials, check whether the school itself holds institutional accreditation. In South Africa, this might come from bodies like SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) for accredited training providers, or the school may hold Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) or other relevant body registration. Search the national skills development database or ask the school which accrediting body recognises their programmes.

Note that accreditation is not a single checkbox—a school might be registered for some of its courses but not others. Be specific: ask whether the course you're considering is accredited, and request the registration number or certificate. You can then verify this independently by contacting the accrediting body directly.

Call references and verify outcomes

Accreditation on paper means nothing without real results. Ask the school for references—contact details of past learners or employers who have hired graduates. When you call or message, ask specific questions: did the learner complete the course? What level did they reach? Were they able to use English in the way they needed to (workplace communication, further study, exams)? How long did progress take? A school confident in its teaching will happily provide this.

Also ask whether the school's certificates are recognised by employers or universities. If the school claims their qualification is accepted for job applications or tertiary study, verify this claim directly with those institutions. Some school certificates carry no weight beyond the school itself.

Final check: alignment with your goals

Even accredited teaching won't help if the school's programme doesn't match what you need. Before enrolling, confirm that the curriculum addresses your specific aim—whether that's conversational fluency, exam preparation, or workplace English. A tutor with impeccable credentials but a one-size-fits-all approach may still waste your time.

When you've verified the tutor's qualifications, reviewed the curriculum, checked institutional accreditation and called references, you'll have a clear picture of whether the teaching is genuinely accredited. On Strove, you can find verified English schools and tutors who have already been through these checks—saving you the legwork and giving you the confidence that you're learning from properly qualified educators.