Boarding school guardianship: by parents, for parents.

Welcome to Portola, a warm, modern, and personal guardian service for international students at UK boarding schools. We are AEGIS-accredited and fully compliant with the latest UKVI regulations regarding guardianship.

Today, having a guardian is a legal requirement for international students in the UK. At Portola, we offer more than just the basics—we provide thoughtful, wrap-around care that goes beyond expectations.

As a small, dedicated company, we focus exclusively on European students who usually return home during school holidays. As mothers ourselves, living with our families in South West London, we are practical, approachable, and always on hand when needed. We’re within easy reach of hundreds of schools and can even offer emergency accommodation in our own homes if necessary.

Please scroll through our page and don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions.

Warm regards,
Aline Kamps & Laura Keighley

Why a guardian matters

When international students come to the UK, most boarding schools require them to have a UK-based guardian who is over the age of 25.

While the school is responsible for your child’s welfare during term time, a guardian offers an essential extra layer of support for situations where the school cannot assist, or when parents are too far away to step in directly. For example, a guardian can:

  • Provide accommodation if your child needs to leave school in an emergency

  • Help arrange safe travel home for holidays or unexpected events

  • Step in if travel plans are cancelled or delayed

  • Be available for any last-minute needs you can't manage from abroad

A guardian is your child’s local point of contact—reliable, reassuring, and ready to help when you can’t be there in person.

Get in touch

Can we help? Please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help where we can!