Rambert School Degree Verification and Apostille

Ginkgo Advisory provides Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance degree verification and apostille services for graduates using their qualifications overseas.

Our service can include:

• University of Kent HEDD verification;
• awarding-body checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• authenticity confirmation;
• FCDO apostille;
• a 2-working-day express apostille option; and
• embassy legalisation where required.

Rambert School delivers specialist ballet and contemporary dance training. However, it does not currently hold its own degree-awarding powers. The University of Kent awarded and validated Rambert degrees under their established partnership.

Who verifies a Rambert School degree?

For a University of Kent-awarded Rambert qualification, third-party enquirers must use HEDD.

HEDD is Kent’s exclusive degree-verification route. It can confirm:

• current or former student status;
• the qualification awarded;
• the grade or classification; and
• attendance dates.

The current HEDD enquiry fee is £14.

Check the awarding university

The qualification was taught by Rambert School, but the certificate identifies the awarding university.

For existing Kent-awarded qualifications, verification normally follows the University of Kent route.

However, the Royal College of Music becomes Rambert School’s validating university from the 2026–27 academic year. Therefore, future students and transitional cohorts should check the awarding institution shown on their certificate before requesting verification.

The correct verifier may therefore be:

• the University of Kent; or
• the Royal College of Music.

Candidate consent

The University of Kent requires a consent form that:

• carries the candidate’s handwritten signature;
• is dated within the previous three months; and
• expressly authorises the release of academic, university or educational information.

The signed form can be uploaded to HEDD as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

A typed signature may not satisfy the hand-signature requirement.

Information required

We normally request:

• the front and back of the certificate;
• any available transcript;
• the graduate’s passport;
• full name used during study;
• date of birth;
• student number, if known;
• course and qualification titles;
• award year and classification;
• attendance dates;
• signed candidate consent; and
• the intended country of use.

Exact details improve the chance of a successful HEDD match.

University of Kent documents

Kent graduates can request official academic documents directly from the University.

Current services include:

• replacement degree certificate: £35;
• authenticated copy of a degree certificate: £6;
• alumni status letter: £10; and
• transcript for eligible post-2003 records: £10.

These services can take up to 30 working days. The graduate must usually place the order personally because Kent does not accept third-party applications for replacement transcripts and certificates.

A status letter may confirm:

• the graduate’s name;
• date of birth;
• course title;
• registration and completion dates;
• degree classification;
• graduation date; and
• that the course was taught in English.

Enhanced solicitor certification

A basic certified true copy confirms that the copy matches the document shown to the solicitor.

Enhanced solicitor certification can also use independent academic evidence.

Depending on the case, our solicitor may:

1. obtain HEDD verification;
2. confirm the correct awarding university;
3. review the original certificate;
4. compare a transcript or Kent status letter;
5. check the graduate’s identity; and
6. certify the document using wording supported by the evidence.

We only confirm authenticity where reliable verification supports that conclusion.

FCDO apostille

After verification and solicitor certification, the document can normally proceed to the FCDO for an apostille.

The usual route is:

HEDD verification → solicitor certification → FCDO apostille

The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the graduate’s academic record.

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

However, this period covers the FCDO stage only. It does not include:

• HEDD processing;
• university document production;
• solicitor verification enquiries;
• embassy legalisation; or
• delivery.

Paper apostilles and e-Apostilles are available, subject to document eligibility and acceptance by the receiving authority.

Embassy legalisation

Some destinations require embassy or consular legalisation after the FCDO stage.

The receiving authority may request:

• the original certificate;
• a solicitor-certified copy;
• HEDD verification;
• an official transcript;
• a university status letter;
• a certified translation; or
• specific certification wording.

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

Our process

1. Review the certificate and identify the awarding university.
2. Obtain a valid hand-signed consent form.
3. Submit the HEDD or correct university verification request.
4. Review any supporting transcript or official letter.
5. Complete enhanced solicitor certification where supported.
6. Arrange the FCDO apostille.
7. Complete embassy legalisation where required.
8. Return the completed documents.

Frequently asked questions

Does Rambert School award its own degrees?

No. Rambert School does not currently hold degree-awarding powers. Its existing degree programmes have been validated by the University of Kent.

Who verifies a University of Kent-awarded Rambert degree?

The University of Kent verifies it through HEDD.

How much does HEDD verification cost?

The current University of Kent HEDD enquiry fee is £14.

Can the consent form be digitally signed?

Kent requires a hand-signed consent form dated within the previous three months. The form must authorise the release of academic or educational information.

Will the University of Kent award all future Rambert degrees?

Not necessarily. The Royal College of Music becomes the validating university from the 2026–27 academic year. Applicants should check the awarding body shown on their certificate.

Can I obtain a replacement certificate?

Yes, for an eligible University of Kent award. The current replacement-certificate fee is £35.

Does an apostille verify the degree?

No. It authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal rather than the underlying academic record.

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

Yes, once verification and solicitor certification are complete and the document is ready for FCDO submission.