Suspension and Termination

General Principle

Where an accredited school fails to comply with the WEQSC framework, or where the conduct of the school warrants it, WEQSC may impose a sanction, including suspension or termination of accreditation.

The imposition of a sanction is governed by the principles of fairness, proportionality, and due process. A school subject to a proposed sanction is entitled to notice, an opportunity to respond, and a right of appeal.

Provisional Accreditation

Provisional Accreditation is a status imposed where a school has been subject to a Major or Critical Finding that has not been remediated within the specified period, or where a school has failed to comply with a condition of accreditation.

During Provisional Accreditation, the school remains accredited but is subject to enhanced oversight, including more frequent audits and reporting.

Suspension

Suspension is the temporary suspension of accreditation rights. During suspension:

• The school may not enrol new WISE candidates;
• The school may not issue new WISE credentials;
• The school must notify its parents and candidates of the suspension in writing within seven days;
• Existing candidates may complete their programme and sit examinations;
• Credentials previously issued remain valid and verifiable.

Suspension may be imposed where:

• A breach is serious, repeated, or deliberate;
• A Critical Finding is not remediated within the specified period;
• Fees are not paid within the specified period;
• The school fails to respond to WEQSC communications;
• The school fails to appoint a permanent Senior Officer within the specified period;
• The school is subject to a regulatory sanction by the local education authority that restricts its operation.

Termination

Termination is the permanent ending of accreditation. Upon termination:

• The school must cease all display of the Affiliation Certificate and the Marks;
• The school must remove all Marks from its premises, website, prospectus, and marketing materials;
• The school must return the Affiliation Certificate to WEQSC within thirty days;
• The school must publish a notice on its website stating that it is no longer an accredited school, and retain that notice for not less than twelve months;
• The school must continue to honour WISE credentials previously issued to its candidates, and must not represent that such credentials are invalidated by the de-accreditation of the school;
• Credentials previously issued remain valid and verifiable;
• The school may only seek reaffiliation under the Accreditation section of this portal, subject to the cooling-off period.

Termination may be imposed where:

• A breach is critical, deliberate, or repeated;
• Fraud, credential falsification, or material misrepresentation is proven;
• The school is subject to insolvency, administration, or liquidation;
• The school is subject to a regulatory sanction that prohibits its operation;
• The school fails to remedy a suspension within the specified period.

Reinstatement

Reinstatement is the restoration of Active Accreditation following the successful remediation of a suspension. Reinstatement is granted by the Accreditation Committee on application by the school, supported by evidence that the matters giving rise to the suspension have been remedied.

Public Register

Suspensions and terminations are recorded on the public register of accredited schools, maintained in accordance with the Accreditation section of this portal.

Breach — Consequences

A breach of any provision of this page is subject to the audit regime and, where applicable, to the suspension and termination regime set out in this section.

Conclusion

The suspension and termination provisions set out in this page ensure that the integrity of the WISE system is preserved, while providing a fair and proportionate process for the imposition of sanctions. All suspension and termination procedures not expressly set out in this portal must follow the Secretariat's official bylaws.