Our Services

At PORTOLA, we understand the unique journey of European students studying in the UK. They often return home for half-term breaks and exeat weekends, and our services are designed with these rhythms in mind.

Our co-founder, Aline, brings personal insight to everything we do. As a former international student at a UK boarding school at the age of 16, she knows firsthand the challenges and concerns families face when sending a child abroad. Her experience shapes our approach, ensuring we offer thoughtful, reliable support tailored to each student's needs.

European Service

£ 275 per term

PORTOLA’s European Service is the perfect option for European students who intend to return home for half term and exeat weekends. It includes:

  • 24/7 Emergency Availability: For you, your child, and their school, accessible from our London-based guardians, Laura & Aline.

  • 24/7 WhatsApp Contact: Direct communication with your guardians.

  • On-boarding Call: Prior to your child's arrival in the UK, we will meet online with you and your child in person.

  • Easy Online Registration & Payment: A streamlined efficient process to get started.

  • School Notification: We will inform your child's school of our guardianship agreement.

  • Access to Emergency Accommodation at our home: Where necessary.*

  • Support with Transport Arrangements: We are happy to help you to book safe travel arrangements for your child.

  • The PORTOLA London Guide: access to our regularly updated, interactive, online London guide to get the best out of a trip to London with your family

*Accommodation will incur further costs.

We are fully AEGIS-accredited and meet all the standards required by schools for guardianship organisations, as well as the criteria needed for UK visa applications.

Want us to be your child’s guardian?

Simply send an enquiry via our contact form or the button above.

We’ll be in touch within 24 hours with our Enrolment Form and payment details. Once the form is complete and we were able to review it. We’ll provide everything you need for your child’s visa and school. We’ll then arrange a personal video call to meet them before they arrive in the UK.

While they’re here, we’ll stay in touch via WhatsApp, check in regularly, and offer help with travel plans for the holidays. We’re here to support your child — and your family — every step of the way.