National Centre for Circus Arts Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides National Centre for Circus Arts degree verification and apostille services for graduates who need to use their qualifications overseas.

Our solicitor-led service can include:

• HEDD degree verification;
• University of Kent document checks;
• solicitor verification;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option;
• embassy or consular legalisation; and
• international return delivery.

Students complete their training at the National Centre for Circus Arts. However, the University of Kent awards and validates its higher-education qualifications.

Therefore, graduates must normally use the University of Kent route when they need an official degree check.

Quick answers

Who verifies a National Centre for Circus Arts degree?

The University of Kent verifies qualifications from the National Centre for Circus Arts.

For third-party checks, the principal verification route is HEDD.

Who awards the degree?

The National Centre delivers the training in London.

However, the University of Kent acts as the awarding body for the higher-education programme. For example, the current BA (Hons) in Circus Arts page names the University of Kent as the awarding body.

Can the degree receive an FCDO apostille?

Yes.

A qualification certificate can usually enter the FCDO legalisation process after a UK solicitor or another eligible public official certifies it correctly.

Can a solicitor confirm the degree’s authenticity?

Yes, provided that reliable evidence supports the conclusion.

For example, our solicitor may rely on a HEDD result, a University of Kent authenticated copy, a transcript or an official status letter.

How quickly can Ginkgo Advisory arrange the apostille?

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible and correctly prepared documents.

However, the express period starts after we complete the required degree verification and solicitor certification.

Do I also need embassy legalisation?

You may need embassy or consular legalisation if the destination does not accept an apostille as the final authentication step.

Therefore, we check the receiving country and authority before we prepare the document.

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About the National Centre for Circus Arts

The National Centre for Circus Arts provides specialist circus education and training in London.

Its higher-education programmes include degree-level study in Circus Arts.

Although the National Centre delivers the teaching and practical training, the University of Kent awards and validates its higher-education qualifications.

This difference matters during verification.

A certificate or transcript may refer to both organisations. Nevertheless, the University of Kent holds the role of awarding university.

Therefore, employers, regulators and overseas authorities should not treat the National Centre as a separate degree-awarding university.

Instead, they should follow the University of Kent verification route.

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Teaching institution and awarding body

Many higher-education courses involve more than one organisation.

The teaching institution delivers the course.

Meanwhile, the awarding body approves the academic programme and grants the qualification.

For National Centre for Circus Arts degrees:

• the National Centre for Circus Arts provides the teaching;
• the University of Kent validates the programme; and
• the University of Kent awards the qualification.

The National Centre confirms this structure on its course pages. In addition, HEDD identifies the National Centre as a constituent college whose qualifications the University of Kent verifies.

Therefore, a successful verification result may appear under the University of Kent record.

That result does not mean that the graduate studied at the University’s Canterbury campus.

Instead, it reflects the awarding relationship between the two institutions.

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Who handles National Centre for Circus Arts degree verification?

The University of Kent handles formal verification of the award.

For third-party enquirers, HEDD provides the main online route.

HEDD stands for Higher Education Degree Datacheck.

It allows an authorised organisation to compare the candidate’s information with the university record.

For example, HEDD can check:

• whether the candidate studied on the programme;
• the award obtained;
• the grade or classification;
• the dates of attendance; and
• other information held within the record.

HEDD lists the National Centre for Circus Arts separately. However, the record directs verification to the University of Kent.

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National Centre for Circus Arts verification through HEDD

HEDD provides the official online degree-check route for third parties.

The University of Kent uses HEDD as its exclusive third-party verification service.

Therefore, employers, agencies and professional representatives should normally use HEDD instead of sending informal requests to individual departments.

Ginkgo Advisory can arrange the HEDD enquiry as part of the wider legalisation service.

This approach allows us to connect the university result with:

• the degree certificate;
• the graduate’s identity;
• the solicitor certification;
• the FCDO apostille; and
• any later embassy legalisation.

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Who can submit a HEDD enquiry?

HEDD serves third-party enquirers.

These may include:

• employers;
• recruitment companies;
• background-screening agencies;
• solicitors;
• professional regulators;
• educational institutions;
• government bodies; and
• document legalisation providers.

However, the service does not normally allow a graduate to submit a formal third-party verification enquiry for their own award.

Instead, the graduate must authorise another organisation.

Ginkgo Advisory can act as that third-party enquirer where we manage the verification and legalisation process.

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Special University of Kent consent requirements

The University of Kent applies a stricter consent rule than many universities.

The candidate must provide a consent form that:

1. contains a handwritten signature;
2. carries a date from the last three months; and
3. clearly mentions the release of academic, university or educational data.

HEDD also requires the applicant to upload the signed form as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

Therefore, a general data-protection statement may not be enough.

For example, a form that only says “I authorise an identity check” may fail to cover academic information.

Likewise, an old consent form may no longer meet the three-month rule.

For that reason, Ginkgo Advisory checks the consent wording and date before submission.

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What should the HEDD consent form say?

The wording should clearly authorise the release of education records.

For example, it may state that the graduate authorises the University of Kent and HEDD to release or confirm:

• academic data;
• university records;
• educational information;
• course details;
• qualification details;
• degree classification; and
• attendance dates.

The candidate should then add a handwritten signature and current date.

Although HEDD accepts a scan of the completed form, the underlying signature should be handwritten.

Therefore, the candidate should print and sign the form or use another method that produces a genuine hand signature.

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Common consent-form problems

A HEDD enquiry may face delay or rejection when:

• the candidate typed the signature;
• the candidate used only an electronic font;
• the form carries no date;
• the signature date is more than three months old;
• the wording covers employment data but not education data;
• the graduate signed the wrong page;
• the scan cuts off part of the signature;
• the image quality is poor; or
• the name on the consent does not match the student record.

Consequently, we review every consent form before we submit it.

This check can prevent a simple paperwork issue from delaying the entire apostille application.

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What can HEDD verify?

HEDD can check the academic record held by the University of Kent.

Depending on the record, the result may confirm:

• current or past student status;
• the qualification awarded;
• the degree classification or grade;
• the course;
• the year of graduation; and
• the dates of attendance.

The University of Kent states that third-party enquirers should provide the candidate’s name, date of birth, course, qualification, graduation year and result. They can also request attendance dates.

Therefore, the enquirer should provide complete and accurate details.

A small error can prevent an automatic match.

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Information required for the HEDD enquiry

We normally request:

• the graduate’s full name;
• any former name used during study;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• year of graduation;
• degree classification or result;
• dates of attendance;
• student number, if available;
• a clear scan of the certificate; and
• a valid hand-signed consent form.

In addition, we may ask for the transcript or another University of Kent document.

These supporting records help us identify the correct course and award.

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Name differences and former names

A name difference can cause problems during verification.

For example, the student record may show:

• a birth name;
• a former married name;
• several middle names;
• a different spelling;
• a hyphenated surname; or
• a name order that differs from the passport.

Therefore, the applicant should provide the name used while studying.

They should also provide evidence of any later change.

Useful evidence may include:

• a marriage certificate;
• a deed poll;
• a change-of-name certificate; or
• another official document.

The University of Kent notes that it does not usually change historic alumni records because those records should reflect the details held during the period of study.

Consequently, the legalisation pack may need to connect the historic name with the graduate’s current identity.

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HEDD verification fee

HEDD currently lists a £14 degree enquiry fee for the National Centre for Circus Arts record.

However, HEDD may change its prices.

Therefore, the current platform charge should always be checked at the time of submission.

The HEDD fee does not include:

• Ginkgo Advisory’s verification service;
• solicitor review;
• solicitor certification;
• FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• translation; or
• return delivery.

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HEDD processing time

The University of Kent currently states that its HEDD verification service has a turnaround time of up to 20 days.

Some enquiries may finish sooner.

However, a manual review can take longer than an automatic database match.

For example, the University may need extra time when:

• the details do not match;
• the candidate studied through a partner institution;
• the course title has changed;
• the record uses a former name;
• the classification is missing; or
• the candidate provides incomplete dates.

Therefore, clients with urgent overseas deadlines should start the verification early.

The 20-day HEDD period remains separate from the 2-working-day express FCDO stage.

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Official University of Kent document routes

HEDD does not provide the only source of evidence.

Graduates may also obtain official documents or services from the University of Kent.

Depending on the case, these can include:

• a replacement degree certificate;
• an authenticated copy of the certificate;
• an academic transcript;
• an alumni status letter;
• a digital certificate connection; or
• another official record.

Each option serves a different purpose.

Therefore, the graduate should choose the document that matches the receiving authority’s request.

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University of Kent authenticated certificate copy

The University of Kent offers an authentication service for degree certificates.

Under this service, the University prepares a copy with a printed statement that confirms it as a true copy of the original certificate. The University then signs and stamps the copy.

The graduate must provide a scan of the original certificate after placing the order.

At present, the University lists a £6 fee for this service. It also states that processing can take up to 30 working days.

However, the University only offers this service directly to the graduate.

A third party cannot purchase it on the graduate’s behalf.

Therefore, the graduate may need to place the order personally and then share the completed document with Ginkgo Advisory.

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University authentication and solicitor certification

A University-authenticated copy can provide useful evidence.

However, it differs from solicitor certification.

The University’s authentication service confirms that the copy matches the degree certificate within its process.

Meanwhile, our solicitor reviews the document and prepares it for the relevant legal use.

In some cases, the solicitor may use the University-authenticated copy as supporting evidence.

Nevertheless, the final route depends on the receiving authority and the FCDO requirements.

For example, an authority may request:

• the original certificate;
• a University-authenticated copy;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• HEDD verification; or
• a combination of these items.

Therefore, we check the instructions before we choose the base document.

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Replacement degree certificate

The University of Kent allows a graduate to request a replacement certificate when the original has been lost or destroyed.

The University states that only one degree certificate should remain in circulation at any time.

Therefore, the graduate should not order a replacement merely to create a spare original.

The current replacement fee is £35, and processing may take up to 30 working days.

A replacement certificate may help when:

• the original no longer exists;
• water or fire damaged the document;
• the certificate became unreadable;
• a courier lost it; or
• the graduate cannot use the original safely.

However, the graduate should explain the circumstances honestly when ordering the replacement.

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University of Kent digital certificates

University of Kent graduates can use its Digital Certificates service after graduation.

The service lets graduates view their certificates and create a connection that allows a third party to view the record.

The University currently offers free access for the first three months after graduation. After that period, it charges a viewing fee.

A digital connection can support authenticity checks.

However, it does not automatically replace:

• HEDD verification;
• solicitor certification;
• an FCDO apostille; or
• embassy legalisation.

The overseas authority must decide whether it accepts a digital certificate.

Therefore, clients should check the authority’s rules before relying on the online version alone.

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QR codes on newer Kent certificates

The University states that degree certificates issued or replaced after July 2024 should contain a QR code.

The QR code allows a recipient to check the document’s authenticity.

Therefore, the University normally does not require a separate authentication order for those newer certificates.

Nevertheless, a QR code does not remove every legalisation requirement.

An overseas authority may still require:

• solicitor certification;
• an FCDO apostille;
• an embassy stamp; or
• a paper document.

Consequently, the graduate should not assume that the QR code completes the overseas process.

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Academic transcripts

A transcript provides an official record of the student’s academic results.

It usually includes:

• the programme title;
• modules studied;
• module results;
• academic credits; and
• the final award.

University of Kent alumni from 2003 onwards can currently order official transcripts for £10 each.

The University supplies official paper copies on security paper with a validation stamp and the authorising officer’s name. Processing can take up to 30 working days.

However, third parties cannot place transcript orders.

Therefore, the graduate must order the document personally.

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Transcript limits

The University of Kent states that it cannot produce transcripts for students who studied there before 2003.

This rule mainly affects older University of Kent records.

Nevertheless, a graduate should confirm that the University holds the full National Centre record before relying on a transcript application.

Where a transcript is unavailable, an alumni status letter may provide another option.

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Alumni status letter

A University of Kent alumni status letter can confirm:

• the graduate’s full name;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• registration date;
• completion date;
• degree classification;
• graduation date; and
• that the course used English as its teaching language.

The University currently charges £10 for each status letter.

It supplies paper letters on hologrammed and tamper-proof security paper. Processing can take up to 30 working days.

A status letter may help when:

• the authority requests proof of English-medium study;
• the certificate contains limited information;
• the graduate needs attendance dates;
• the transcript is unavailable;
• the authority asks for a university letter; or
• the solicitor needs extra evidence.

However, the University does not accept third-party orders.

Therefore, the graduate must normally place the order.

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HEDD verification compared with official documents

HEDD verification and official university documents serve different purposes.

It gives an authorised third party an independent result.

By contrast, a certificate, transcript or status letter gives the graduate an official academic document.

Therefore, one route does not always replace the other.

For example, an enhanced certification pack may contain:

• the original degree certificate;
• a HEDD verification result;
• a University-authenticated copy;
• an academic transcript;
• a status letter; and
• the graduate’s passport.

The correct combination depends on the available evidence and final use.

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What about the LAMDA warning?

The HEDD National Centre page includes a warning about qualifications that the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art awarded before 2004.

The University of Kent does not verify those particular LAMDA certificates.

However, this warning does not normally affect a National Centre for Circus Arts degree that the University of Kent awarded.

The warning appears because the University of Kent verifies qualifications from several partner institutions.

Therefore, applicants should check the exact awarding body shown on the certificate.

The normal National Centre route

Use the University of Kent and HEDD route where the document identifies:

• the University of Kent as the awarding body; and
• the National Centre for Circus Arts as the teaching institution.

A different route may apply where:

• the certificate names LAMDA as the awarding body;
• the award predates 2004;
• another university issued the certificate; or
• the document does not show a University of Kent award.

Consequently, we review the certificate before opening the HEDD enquiry.

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What is degree verification?

Degree verification checks the academic record behind the certificate.

For a National Centre for Circus Arts qualification, the process normally uses the University of Kent’s HEDD route.

The result may confirm:

• the student’s attendance;
• the course;
• the qualification;
• the grade or classification;
• the graduation year; and
• the attendance dates.

Therefore, degree verification checks more than the document’s appearance.

It compares the candidate’s claim with the university record.

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What is solicitor verification?

Solicitor verification involves a legal professional reviewing the document and the independent evidence.

For example, our solicitor may examine:

• the original certificate;
• a clear colour copy;
• a HEDD result;
• a University-authenticated copy;
• a transcript;
• a status letter;
• a digital certificate record;
• the graduate’s passport; and
• evidence of any name change.

Next, the solicitor compares the key details.

These details may include:

• the graduate’s name;
• the National Centre;
• the University of Kent;
• the course title;
• the award;
• the classification;
• the attendance dates; and
• the graduation date.

If the information matches, the solicitor can consider the appropriate certification.

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What is solicitor certification?

Solicitor certification places a formal statement on a copy or document.

A standard certified true copy usually confirms that the copy matches the original shown to the solicitor.

UK government guidance recognises solicitors as professionals who can certify true copies. The guidance also sets out common certification wording and details.

This process can prepare a qualification certificate for an FCDO apostille.

However, a basic certified copy does not always confirm that the University genuinely issued the original degree.

It only confirms that the copy matches the document that the solicitor examined.

Therefore, clients should distinguish between:

• copy certification; and
• authenticity confirmation.

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Enhanced solicitor certification

Ginkgo Advisory offers enhanced solicitor certification where reliable evidence supports it.

This route goes beyond a simple photocopy check.

First, we obtain or review an independent university result.

Next, our solicitor compares that result with the certificate.

After that, the solicitor checks the graduate’s identity and supporting documents.

Finally, the solicitor prepares wording that reflects the evidence.

The process may include:

1. HEDD verification;
2. University of Kent document authentication;
3. review of the original certificate;
4. comparison of the academic details;
5. identity review;
6. authenticity confirmation; and
7. solicitor certification.

Therefore, the final document has a clearer evidence trail.

It connects the physical certificate with the academic record held by the awarding university.

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Authenticity confirmation

Authenticity confirmation means that independent evidence supports the document.

For example, the evidence may show that:

• the University holds a matching student record;
• the course and qualification match;
• the degree classification matches;
• the study dates match;
• the University issued an authenticated copy; or
• the digital record confirms the certificate.

However, our solicitor will only confirm authenticity when the evidence justifies that conclusion.

If the evidence remains incomplete, we will explain the limit.

We will not use wording that goes beyond the information available.

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Basic certification compared with enhanced certification

A basic certified true copy answers:

Does this copy match the document shown to the solicitor?

Enhanced certification may also address:

Does independent evidence support the academic document’s authenticity?

Therefore, enhanced certification can provide stronger assurance.

It may help with:

• overseas employment;
• immigration;
• professional registration;
• further education;
• teaching applications;
• arts funding;
• licensing;
• government procedures; and
• formal credential checks.

Nevertheless, the receiving authority decides what evidence it accepts.

For that reason, clients should share its written requirements before we begin.

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Can a National Centre for Circus Arts degree receive an apostille?

Yes.

The FCDO can legalise certain UK qualification certificates after an eligible UK public official, such as a solicitor, certifies them.

Depending on the case, the apostille route may use:

• a solicitor-certified degree certificate;
• a University-authenticated certificate copy;
• a certified transcript;
• a certified status letter;
• a replacement certificate; or
• another eligible University of Kent document.

However, the receiving authority may require a specific document.

For example, one authority may accept a certified copy.

Another may require the original certificate.

Therefore, we check the requirements before our solicitor prepares the document.

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What does the FCDO apostille confirm?

The FCDO Legalisation Office checks whether a signature, stamp or seal matches its official records.

If the details match, it attaches an apostille to the document.

Therefore, the apostille does not independently inspect the student’s academic history.

Instead, it confirms the relevant UK public signature or seal in the legalisation chain.

For a solicitor-certified copy, the FCDO normally checks the solicitor’s signature.

Consequently, the degree verification and apostille perform different roles.

A strong process may follow this order:

HEDD verification → authenticity review → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

Each stage provides a different type of assurance.

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Two-working-day express FCDO apostille

Ginkgo Advisory offers a 2-working-day express FCDO apostille option for eligible documents.

However, the two-working-day period covers the FCDO stage only.

It starts after:

• we receive the required document;
• we complete the necessary verification;
• our solicitor approves the evidence;
• we prepare the certification; and
• the document meets the FCDO requirements.

Therefore, the express period does not represent the total case time.

It does not include:

• HEDD processing;
• University of Kent document production;
• replacement certificate production;
• transcript preparation;
• status letter preparation;
• solicitor evidence enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• international delivery.

Nevertheless, the express route can greatly reduce the FCDO stage once the document is ready.

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Paper apostille or e-Apostille

The FCDO offers paper apostilles and e-Apostilles.

A paper apostille attaches to a physical document.

Meanwhile, an e-Apostille forms part of a digitally signed document package.

However, not every document or receiving authority accepts the electronic route.

For example, the authority may insist on:

• a physical certificate;
• a wet-ink solicitor signature;
• a paper apostille;
• an embassy stamp; or
• original documents.

Therefore, we check whether the destination accepts an e-Apostille before using that route.

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Embassy legalisation for non-Hague countries

An apostille may complete the UK legalisation process where the destination accepts the Hague Apostille system.

However, some destinations require further embassy or consular legalisation.

A typical process may involve:

1. degree verification;
2. solicitor certification;
3. FCDO apostille or authentication;
4. embassy or consular legalisation; and
5. local approval after arrival, where required.

UK government guidance confirms that some documents may need an embassy stamp after the Legalisation Office stage.

However, every embassy sets its own rules.

For example, an embassy may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• HEDD verification;
• a University-authenticated copy;
• a transcript;
• a status letter;
• a certified translation;
• a passport copy;
• an application form; or
• specific certification wording.

Therefore, we check the destination requirements before preparing the document.

This approach reduces the risk of rejection and repeated fees.

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Documents we normally require

To review a National Centre for Circus Arts degree case, we usually request:

• a clear colour scan of the degree certificate;
• the reverse side of the certificate;
• an academic transcript, if available;
• the graduate’s passport identification page;
• the full name used during study;
• any former names;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• qualification title;
• degree classification;
• year of graduation;
• dates of attendance;
• student number, if known;
• evidence of any name change;
• the intended country of use;
• the receiving authority’s name;
• any written legalisation instructions; and
• a valid hand-signed HEDD consent form.

We may also need to inspect the original certificate.

Alternatively, an accepted University of Kent digital or authenticated source may support the verification route.

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Our verification and legalisation process

Step 1: Initial document review

First, we review the certificate and any transcript or university letter.

We check:

• the teaching institution;
• the awarding body;
• the course;
• the award;
• the graduation date;
• the signatures;
• the seals; and
• any QR code.

This review confirms whether the University of Kent route applies.

Step 2: Destination check

Next, we examine the receiving authority’s requirements.

We identify whether it needs:

• verification only;
• solicitor certification;
• an apostille;
• embassy legalisation;
• a translation; or
• a complete combination.

Step 3: Candidate consent

The graduate then signs the HEDD consent form.

We check that it:

• carries a handwritten signature;
• has a date from the last three months; and
• mentions the release of academic, university or educational data.

Step 4: HEDD verification

After that, we submit the degree enquiry.

We provide the course, qualification, result and attendance information.

Where HEDD requests more details, we respond and monitor the case.

Step 5: Supporting document review

We review any University of Kent evidence.

This may include:

• an authenticated certificate copy;
• a transcript;
• a status letter;
• a replacement certificate; or
• a digital certificate record.

Step 6: Authenticity review

Our solicitor compares the verification result with the academic document.

The solicitor checks the names, course, award, dates and classification.

Any material difference must be resolved before certification.

Step 7: Enhanced solicitor certification

Once the evidence matches, our solicitor prepares the correct certification.

Where the evidence supports it, the wording may include authenticity confirmation.

Step 8: FCDO apostille

We then submit the document to the FCDO.

For urgent cases, the client may choose the 2-working-day express option.

Step 9: Embassy legalisation

Where the destination requires embassy or consular legalisation, we manage that stage after the FCDO process.

Step 10: Completion scan and delivery

Finally, we can provide a scanned copy of the completed document.

We then return the originals through the agreed postal or courier service.

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Why verify the degree before obtaining an apostille?

An apostille does not check the graduate’s student record.

Therefore, an apostille alone does not prove that the graduate earned the award.

HEDD verification fills that gap.

It checks the academic information with the University of Kent.

Enhanced solicitor certification then connects the result with the certificate presented.

As a result, the full process creates a stronger chain:

university record → degree certificate → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → overseas authority

This structure can prove especially helpful for partner-college degrees.

The certificate may name both the teaching institution and awarding university.

Therefore, a clear verification chain helps the overseas authority understand the relationship.

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Common National Centre for Circus Arts verification problems

Selecting the National Centre without recognising the awarding body

The National Centre delivers the course.

However, the University of Kent awards the degree.

Therefore, the verification must follow the University of Kent record.

Using an out-of-date consent form

The University of Kent requires consent dated within the last three months.

Consequently, an older form may cause rejection.

Using an electronic signature

HEDD requires a hand-signed consent form for University of Kent checks.

Therefore, a typed signature may not satisfy the rule.

Leaving out educational-data wording

The consent must mention the release of academic, university or educational information.

A broad identity-check statement may not provide enough authority.

Confusing HEDD with self-verification

HEDD mainly serves third-party enquirers.

Therefore, the graduate normally needs an authorised organisation to submit the request.

Searching only under the University of Kent

The University of Kent verifies the award.

However, the student studied at the National Centre.

Therefore, the enquiry should use the exact course, institution and award information.

Treating a course certificate as a university degree

The National Centre may also issue documents for training, workshops or non-degree programmes.

Those documents may not form part of a University of Kent award.

Consequently, the applicant should check whether the document is:

• a degree certificate;
• a transcript;
• a diploma;
• a training certificate; or
• a participation record.

Assuming the LAMDA warning applies

The HEDD warning concerns certain pre-2004 LAMDA awards.

It does not normally apply to a National Centre degree that the University of Kent awarded.

Expecting the apostille to verify the course

The apostille checks the relevant signature, seal or stamp.

It does not confirm the academic record.

Therefore, HEDD verification remains a separate step.

Starting the apostille before checking embassy rules

An embassy may require a specific base document or certification statement.

Therefore, early checking can prevent rejection and duplicated costs.

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Why choose Ginkgo Advisory?

Ginkgo Advisory provides a complete solicitor-led service from London.

We can manage:

• initial document review;
• awarding-body identification;
• destination checks;
• HEDD verification;
• consent-form preparation;
• University of Kent document review;
• solicitor verification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• certified true copies;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option;
• embassy legalisation;
• completion scans; and
• tracked international return delivery.

Therefore, clients do not need to coordinate several providers.

Instead, one team manages the process from degree verification to final delivery.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a National Centre for Circus Arts degree a University of Kent degree?

The National Centre delivers the course.

However, the University of Kent awards and validates its higher-education qualifications.

Who verifies the degree?

The University of Kent verifies the qualification through HEDD.

Can I verify my own degree through HEDD?

Usually not through the third-party enquiry service.

Instead, the graduate authorises an employer, solicitor, agency or another organisation.

What can HEDD verify?

HEDD can check student status, the award, the grade and attendance dates.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

HEDD currently lists a £14 enquiry fee for the National Centre for Circus Arts record.

How long does University of Kent HEDD verification take?

The University currently states a turnaround time of up to 20 days.

What type of consent does HEDD require?

The candidate must provide a hand-signed consent form dated within the last three months.

The wording must mention the release of academic, university or educational data.

Can I use a typed electronic signature?

The HEDD instruction asks for a hand-signed form.

Therefore, the safer route is a genuine handwritten signature.

Which file formats does HEDD accept?

HEDD accepts the signed consent form as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

Can I obtain an authenticated copy from the University of Kent?

Yes.

The University offers an authenticated degree-certificate copy, which it signs and stamps.

The current fee is £6, and processing may take up to 30 working days.

Can Ginkgo Advisory order the University-authenticated copy?

No.

The University states that third parties cannot purchase that service.

Therefore, the graduate must place the order.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Yes, if the original has been lost or destroyed.

The University currently charges £35 and may take up to 30 working days.

Can I obtain a transcript?

University of Kent alumni from 2003 onwards can order official transcripts.

The current fee is £10, and processing may take up to 30 working days.

What does a University of Kent status letter confirm?

It can confirm the name, date of birth, course, study dates, classification, graduation date and English-medium teaching.

The current fee is £10.

Does the LAMDA warning affect my National Centre degree?

Normally not.

The warning concerns degree certificates that LAMDA awarded before 2004.

A National Centre degree awarded by the University of Kent follows the University of Kent route.

Is HEDD verification the same as solicitor certification?

No.

HEDD checks the university record.

Meanwhile, solicitor certification formally certifies the document or copy.

What is enhanced solicitor certification?

Enhanced certification combines solicitor review with independent authenticity evidence.

For example, our solicitor may rely on HEDD and official University of Kent documents.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No.

The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, seal or stamp.

It does not check the student record.

Can Ginkgo Advisory arrange a 2-working-day apostille?

Yes, provided that the document is eligible and ready for FCDO submission.

The two-working-day period covers the FCDO stage only.

Can I obtain an e-Apostille?

Possibly.

The FCDO offers an e-Apostille route for eligible digital documents. However, the receiving authority must accept it.

Do I need embassy legalisation?

You may need it where the destination requires an embassy or consular stage after the FCDO process.

Therefore, we check the receiving authority’s rules first.

Do I need to send the original certificate?

Possibly.

We can begin with a clear colour scan and then confirm whether our solicitor needs the original, an authenticated copy or another official source.