Our services

ServicesCoreGoldPrestige
Assistance with visa paperwork and letter of undertaking, ensuring compliance with UKVI regulations
Completion of guardianship documentation required by schools
First term school visit✓ (2 visits)✓ (2 visits)
Second term school visit ✓ (1 visit)✓ (1 visit)
Ongoing email/phone support
24/7 emergency support
Arranging safe transportation (airport/school breaks) 
Online pre-arrival meeting with Guardians team  
Introduction to fully vetted host family  
Provision of student handbook with guidance about life in the UK  
Provision of parent handbook  

FAQs

What is an educational guardian and why does my child need one?

An educational guardian is a responsible adult based in the UK who acts on your behalf while your child studies here. Guardians provide care, guidance, and support when you cannot be present in person. For students under 18, UK visa requirements mandate a guardian, and most boarding schools require all students to have one, even after they turn 18.

Can you help my child apply for a visa?

Yes, we can provide support obtaining the UK Student/Child visa. We will ensure all required documents are complete and fully compliant, making the application process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What age of students do you support?

We support international students, and those whose parents live overseas, who are studying at UK boarding schools, colleges, and universities. Our services are tailored to each student’s age, stage of education, and individual needs to ensure the right level of care and guidance.

Do you work with all boarding schools and colleges?

We support students at most boarding schools and colleges across the UK. Please get in touch to discuss your child’s specific school and how we can assist.

Will my child have the same guardian for their entire time at school?

Yes, we strive to provide continuity, so your child feels comfortable and well supported. If a change of guardian or host family is unavoidable, we will keep you and your child fully informed and ensure any new guardian is introduced in advance.

How do you choose host families to work with?

All our host families undergo a thorough selection process, including regular home visits, safeguarding checks, and professional training. We also get to know each family personally to ensure they are warm, reliable, and able to provide a safe and welcoming home for your child.

How do you match students to host families?

We take into account your child’s age, personality, and interests, so the more information you can provide about their likes and dislikes, the better the match. We also consider the location and travel convenience from your child’s school. Our goal is to make your child’s stay feel like a home away from home.

How will I be kept informed about how my child is doing?

We understand how important it is for parents to feel informed and reassured when their child is far from home. Clear, prompt, and regular communication is at the heart of what we do. You will receive updates after our school visits, and you can contact us at any time by phone, email, or WhatsApp. If a concern arises, we will inform you immediately.

How can my child and I contact you in an emergency?

We provide a 24/7 emergency phone line, so you or your child can reach us at any time. We also ensure your child has our direct contact details saved in their phone for immediate access.

What happens if my child gets sick or injured?

If your child becomes unwell or is injured, we act quickly to provide care and support. Our guardians are trained to respond to medical situations, and we liaise with doctors, hospitals, and school staff as needed. You will be informed immediately, and we will ensure your child receives the attention and treatment required.

Can you help my child with personal or academic problems?

Yes, we are here to listen, guide, and liaise with you and school staff regarding any specialist support your child may need. We understand the challenges of studying far from home and aim to be a trusted source of support throughout their time in the UK.

What safeguarding policies do you follow?

We follow all UK laws and best practices regarding the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people. This includes enhanced background checks, thorough staff training, and regular policy reviews. Your child’s safety is always our highest priority.

Meet the Sable Guardians team

 

  • Steve Paxton
    Managing Director: UK Education Corporate Services
  • Saskia Johnston
    Service Delivery Director
  • Sihle Vusani
    UK Consultant Support
  • Cèlene Bredeveldt
    UK Consultant Support
  • Jodie Che’ Clayton
    UK Consultant Support
  • Michiel Engelbrecht
    Senior UK Consultant Support
  • Kayla Nkala
    UK Consultant Support
  • Tosca Dette
    UK Consultant Support
  • Lukhanyo Manina
    Junior UK Consultant Support
  • Olivia Manuel
    Junior UK Consultant Support
  • Shellene Polius
    Education Corporate Services Consultant
  • Dana Prodehl
    Admin Assistant
  • Glory Ayara
    Education Corporate Services Consultant
  • Jodi Adams
    UK Consultant Support
  • Sophie Brummer
    Operations Assistant
  • Coco Chen
    Education Corporate Service Consultant
  • Lindsey Latimer-bw
    Lindsey Latimer
    Assistant Guardianship Manager
  • Steve Paxton
    Managing Director: UK Education Corporate Services

    Steve is the Managing Director of the UK Education Corporate Services division. He is an experienced international investment business owner, UK independent school boarding expert, UK Child/Student sponsor licence specialist, including overseeing many UKVI compliance inspections and has been the Commercial Director of a UK immigration firm.

    As a student global mobility specialist, he intends to make Sable International a trusted supplier of advice and support to UK independent schools and their worldwide agents, in the complex sector of Home Office compliance and visa acquisition for UK-bound international students.

    Outside of work, Steve loves travelling, spending time with his family and new grandchild, a quadruple World Cup hockey coach and player, and is currently an England hockey masters player. 

  • Saskia Johnston
    Service Delivery Director

    Saskia has over 10 years of experience within the Sable International Team. Saskia graduated from the University of Cape Town with a B. Sc. (Masters) in finance and a sub-major in economics. She has a keen interest in financial services and immigration which made her the perfect candidate to help drive our Business Immigration team forward. Saskia has a passion for exceptional customer service and is now responsible for the Business Immigration team’s service delivery.

    A confident, enthusiastic individual with a great attitude and a keen motivation to learn. Saskia has spent the last decade growing a very strong and powerful professional business development network in London. Her growth and strategic approach to relationship-led new business has produced some fantastic results and she has enjoyed implementing these successful sales strategies with her team in London. She has extensive experience in all aspects of foreign exchange and business immigration and can apply her high-level, target-driven sales and account management approach to the success of her role.

    Outside of work, Saskia loves experiencing new cultures and travel is at the top of her “spare time” list.”

  • Sihle Vusani
    UK Consultant Support

    Sihle was born and bred in East London in the Eastern Cape. She came to Cape Town to study at the University of Cape Town, and fell in love with the beautiful city. She worked in customer service while studying and hopes to grow her career at Sable International where she works as a Junior UK Consultant Support.

    In her free time she enjoys trying out new restaurants, going to watch the sunset at the beach and just being around her loved ones.

  • Cèlene Bredeveldt
    UK Consultant Support

    Cèlene matriculated from Wynberg Girls’ High School in 2014 and went straight to work to support her family. She worked in the hospitality industry before moving to the beauty industry at Sorbet, then switched gears moving into the debt review industry.

    She believes her customer service relations experience has made her into someone who strives for the best for each client interaction. She is now a Junior UK Consultant Support, assisting those who want to send their children to study at top UK primary and high schools.

    Cèlene's number one passion is dancing. She has been dancing since the age of four and has starred in several music videos as well as being a DHL Stormers Cheerleader.

    In her free time, she loves cooking, trying new restaurants for new experiences, hanging out with loved ones and going for drives around the Mother City.

  • Jodie Che’ Clayton
    UK Consultant Support

    Jodie Che’ born and raised in Cape Town. Before joining Sable International, she worked in the public sector as a secretary. She has a passion for kids, she pursued a diploma in Early Childhood Development and hopes to complete her degree in Education in the future.

    She works in Sable International's Education Corporate Services division as a Junior UK Consultant Support.

    Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.

  • Michiel Engelbrecht
    Senior UK Consultant Support

    Michiel grew up in Namibia and moved back to South Africa to complete his high school studies where he attended boarding school before deciding to make Cape Town his base. He is currently completing his degree in International Relations.

    Before starting at Sable International, he worked in UK-based educational recruitment, supporting the compliance department.

    In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, either at the beach or finding a new spot for coffee.

  • Kayla Nkala
    UK Consultant Support

    Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Kayla brings over a decade of experience in sales within the educational sector. With a deep passion for working with people, she is driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their lives.

    Prior to joining Sable International, Kayla honed her skills at HyperionDev, contributing to innovative solutions in education. Outside of work, she cherishes time with her family and enjoys exploring the great outdoors.

  • Tosca Dette
    UK Consultant Support

    Originally from Cape Town and raised in Mossel Bay, Tosca brings her expertise in education recruitment and compliance to her current role in Sable International's Education Corporate Services Division. As a UK Consultant Support, she is dedicated to helping clients navigate their educational journeys with efficiency and care.

    Tosca holds an undergraduate degree in BA Linguistics from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and has furthered her studies with an Honours degree in Linguistics. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.

    Outside of work, Tosca enjoys beach walks, outdoor adventures and participating in youth activities with her close circle of friends. Raised on the core values of hard work and respect, she lives by the motto: Kindness goes a long way.

  • Lukhanyo Manina
    Junior UK Consultant Support

    Born and raised in Cape Town, Lukhanyo matriculated in 2019 and began exploring the beaut industry. In 2021, a passion for helping others and finding solutions led to a transition into the customer service field. This journey brought Lukhanyo to Sable International as a Junior UK Support Consultant, where dedication to assisting clients is paramount.

    Outside of work, Lukhanyo enjoys unwinding with good wine, socialising with friends, swimming and exploring new places. With a special connection to water, you'll often find Lukhanyo wherever there's a chance to dive in and relax.

  • Olivia Manuel
    Junior UK Consultant Support

    Olivia is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others. Raised in South Africa by her loving grandparents, she blends resilience and warmth in everything she does.

    Her career journey began at the South African Revenue Service, where she served for 17 years before joining Sable International. With a National Diploma in Public Relations Management and a Certificate in Digital Marketing, Olivia brings both experience and expertise to her role, assisting students and parents with UK student applications, visas, and immigration processes.

    A devoted mother of three, Olivia is also an active volunteer with the Reach for A Dream Foundation, fulfilling the dreams of terminally ill children. Outside of work, she enjoys sunrise swims, beach walks, cooking, and quality time with her family and friends. Olivia’s compassion and drive make her an invaluable member of the Sable International team.

  • Shellene Polius
    Education Corporate Services Consultant

    Shellene Polius was born and raised in London and has a background in education and student support. After earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Bedfordshire in 2016, she worked in various roles across different schools before transitioning into student recruitment. In this role, she helped students – primarily from the Middle East – navigate the UK student visa process, supporting them in their journey to study in the UK.

    Now part of Sable International, Shellene is excited to apply her experience and knowledge to assist clients with their visa applications.

    Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, taking long walks (when the UK weather allows!), reading, and exploring new restaurants.

  • Dana Prodehl
    Admin Assistant

    During 2021 - 2024 I studied at The University of The Western Cape while working part-time as a retail assistant, salon front desk admin and lastly a waitress. When I finished my studies, I worked full time looking for a more permanent role. I came across Sable International in February 2025. I have since been an admin assistant to the lovely Sable Education team. Outside of work I enjoy running and e-cycling and spending as much time with family.

  • Glory Ayara
    Education Corporate Services Consultant

    Born and raised in Nigeria, Glory completed his Bachelor of Law in the United Kingdom. Before joining Sable International, he gained experience in litigation, handling group claims and immigration matters.

    At Sable, Glory supports international students in securing UK study visas while also assisting corporate clients with UKVI compliance.

    Outside of work, he enjoys reading, going to the gym, and cooking.

  • Jodi Adams
    UK Consultant Support

    Jodi is a goal orientated and dedicated individual with an honours finance educational background and shares a passion for people with over five years of experience within the customer service industry. After Jodi completed her studies she decided to embark on a new experience and applied to Sable International, where she will assist the Business Immigration team.

    In Jodi’s spare time she enjoys taking scenic pictures and adventuring outside Cape Town admiring the beautiful views nature has to offer.

  • Sophie Brummer
    Operations Assistant

    Sophie was born and raised in Cape Town. She has a great love for the Mother City, but would love to travel more.

    She matriculated from Cravenby Secondary School in 2016 and completed her diploma in Criminal Justice through Lyceum College.

    Her first job was at Ster-Kinekor as a multi skilled employee. She was then employed at WNS Global as a customer service agent. She then moved to CT International Financiers as a Collections Specialist, and was given the opportunity to broaden her knowledge and skills into various administrative roles before starting employment at Sable International.

    She is an administrative assistant at Sable International where she works with our Business Immigration and UK Education Corporate Services teams.

    Outside of work she enjoys hanging out with friend and family, exploring new places and loves watching series and movies.

  • Coco Chen
    Education Corporate Service Consultant

    Coco was born in Taiwan and raised in Hong Kong. She completed her bachelor law degree in the United Kingdom.

    Before joining Sable International she worked in a London city law firm as an immigration paralegal.

    Outside of work she enjoys oil painting and spending time with family and friends.

  • Lindsey Latimer
    Assistant Guardianship Manager

    Lindsey brings over a decade of experience in the education sector, with a professional background in independent advocacy and school business management. This expertise has provided a strong foundation for her current role in guardianship, where she combines a deep understanding of compliance and safeguarding with her ability to build strong, positive relationships with families. She is dedicated to providing high-quality care and guidance for families whose children are studying at UK boarding schools.

    Outside of work, Lindsey is a busy mum to three teenage daughters. When she finds a quiet moment, she enjoys nothing more than sitting in a café with a good book, watching the world go by.