One of the most common surprises for families relocating internationally is discovering that a child's UK school records are simply not accepted by the overseas school without further authentication. Foreign schools have no way of independently verifying that a PDF report or emailed reference came from a genuine UK school, or that its contents have not been altered. Legalisation closes that gap.
Why school documents cannot go directly to the FCDO
UK school documents are private documents - they are not issued by a government body and do not carry an official signature or seal that the FCDO can independently verify. Before the FCDO will issue an apostille, two things must happen. The issuing school must first confirm the document's authenticity, typically by verifying it via email or validating the version being used. A UK solicitor or Notary Public then certifies the document as a true and verified school-issued record. The FCDO authenticates the wet-ink signature, seal or stamp of the certifying solicitor or notary. The apostille is a physical paper certificate attached to the back of the certified copy.
Which documents can be legalised
Provided the school cooperates with the verification process, the following types of school documentation can be legalised: academic reports, school references, attendance confirmations, predicted grades, leaving or transfer letters, and general school correspondence confirming enrolment or performance. The document must be one the school is willing to verify as genuine.
What causes most delays
The most common source of delay is not the apostille itself - it is the preparation stage. Schools that are slow to respond to verification requests, documents provided in unsigned or informal formats, and email PDFs that the solicitor cannot certify without additional school confirmation all add time to the process. Contacting the school early - before the move date - and requesting formal verification in writing is the most effective way to avoid these delays.
For destinations outside the Hague Convention
For Hague Apostille Convention member countries, the apostille is the final step. For countries outside the Convention, embassy attestation is also required after the apostille. Always confirm the full requirements of the receiving school or education authority in the destination country before starting the process.
Start the process early
School document legalisation adds time to an already busy relocation period. Contact the school, appoint a solicitor, and submit to the FCDO well before the family's move date. Call our team on +44 (0) 204 646 9300 and we will manage the process from school verification through to apostille.