South Bank Polytechnic Degree Verification, Solicitor Verification, Solicitor Certification, FCDO Apostille and Embassy Legalisation

South Bank Polytechnic degree verification and apostille work often needs more than a basic certified copy.

The safest route usually starts with official academic verification. It then moves to enhanced solicitor certification, an FCDO apostille and, where required, embassy legalisation.

Ginkgo Advisory can coordinate the process from the first document review through to return delivery. We also offer a 2 working day express FCDO apostille option for suitable documents once verification and solicitor certification are complete.

Quick answer

Yes. South Bank Polytechnic qualifications can be checked through HEDD, with London South Bank University acting as the verifying institution.

When the case needs an official letter or a historical records search, London South Bank University also provides a direct former student records route.

After verification, our solicitor can provide enhanced certification with authenticity confirmation. The document can then proceed to an FCDO apostille and, where required, embassy legalisation.

South Bank Polytechnic verification and legalisation route

A typical route follows this sequence:

South Bank Polytechnic HEDD verification or official records confirmation → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required → overseas use

The correct route depends on:

• the institution name printed on the document;
• the award date;
• the awarding body;
• the records still available;
• the document type; and
• the receiving authority’s requirements.

Who verifies South Bank Polytechnic qualifications?

HEDD describes South Bank Polytechnic as a UK government-recognised body with award records between 1892 and 1992. It states that London South Bank University now verifies the qualifications.

The exact name printed on an individual document may vary. It may show:

• Borough Polytechnic Institute;
• Polytechnic of the South Bank;
• South Bank Polytechnic;
• South Bank University; or
• London South Bank University.

Official LSBU material traces the progression from Polytechnic of the South Bank to South Bank Polytechnic. The institution became South Bank University in 1992 and later London South Bank University.

This history matters because an older certificate may not display the current university name. A historic name does not make the document invalid, but it may change the verification or replacement route.

Route 1: HEDD online degree verification

HEDD provides the main online route for South Bank Polytechnic degree verification.

The service can check:

• whether the candidate is a current or past student;
• the award given;
• the grade attained; and
• attendance dates.

A signed candidate consent form must accompany the request. HEDD accepts the consent document as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

The current HEDD degree enquiry fee is £14.

For records before 2004, HEDD may omit the exact day and month. The old records system did not store those details.

Accurate information helps avoid delay. The request should include:

• the candidate’s name during study;
• any previous name;
• the course title;
• the award title;
• the award year;
• attendance dates; and
• the student number, where available.

When the certificate bears the South Bank Polytechnic name, start with the South Bank Polytechnic HEDD profile. Use the exact academic details shown on the document unless the records office gives different instructions.

Route 2: Direct London South Bank University records confirmation

HEDD does not hold an exclusive verification arrangement for South Bank Polytechnic. A candidate can also approach London South Bank University through its former student records service.

LSBU offers a Confirmation of Studies service for former students. The university currently charges £10 and says it normally processes and posts the document within five working days.

A direct university letter may be useful when:

• the receiving authority wants an institution-issued document;
• a HEDD result contains limited date information;
• the candidate’s name or course details need manual review;
• the academic record is particularly old; or
• a full transcript is not available.

Former students can contact the university’s records team at formerstudents@lsbu.ac.uk. Separate arrangements apply to some former Health and Social Care students.

HEDD and an official university letter serve different purposes. HEDD provides independent degree data verification, while an LSBU letter creates an institution-issued document that may later undergo solicitor certification and legalisation.

Can South Bank Polytechnic graduates obtain a transcript?

Transcript availability depends heavily on the study period.

LSBU states that it can normally provide a transcript when all study took place after September 1997.

Records from 1986 to 1997 usually contain:

• personal details;
• yearly enrolment information;
• progression details; and
• the final award.

However, LSBU does not provide a full transcript for that record period. It can instead confirm attendance and the award.

For study between 1945 and 1986, the university can usually confirm the period of study and award. It cannot normally provide a transcript for those years.

Pre-1945 requests may require a specialised archive search. The university does not guarantee that it can identify every historic student record.

Documents bearing the South Bank Polytechnic name pre-date university status in 1992. Many therefore fall within LSBU’s 1986–1997 record band, where the university can confirm attendance and award but cannot supply a full transcript.

Before ordering anything, ask the receiving authority whether it will accept:

• HEDD verification;
• a Confirmation of Studies letter;
• confirmation of attendance and award; or
• another official records statement.

This can prevent delay and unnecessary transcript requests.

What happens if the original certificate is lost?

The replacement route depends on the award date and awarding body.

LSBU issues replacement certificates for awards made from October 1992 onwards. For an award made before October 1992, the university directs applicants to the relevant historical awarding organisation.

If the certificate names the Council for National Academic Awards, the Open University’s Awards and Aftercare Team may hold the relevant record. The Open University has custody of CNAA award records and can provide certain award-verification documents.

An OU-validated award may also follow the Open University’s awards and aftercare route.

Where the qualification is a BTEC award, Pearson provides a separate replacement-document service.

The wording printed on the original certificate remains critical. Some South Bank Polytechnic courses led to awards from another:

• degree-awarding body;
• vocational awarding organisation; or
• professional body.

Do not assume that LSBU can reissue every historic certificate. HEDD or an official records confirmation may still verify the academic record even when LSBU cannot issue a replacement certificate.

Documents we can review and prepare

Ginkgo Advisory can assess a range of South Bank Polytechnic and related academic documents, including:

• degree certificates;
• diplomas;
• award certificates;
• academic transcripts;
• confirmation of studies letters;
• confirmation of attendance and award;
• replacement certificates;
• official university letters;
• HEDD verification results;
• CNAA award evidence;
• OU-validated award evidence;
• BTEC award documents; and
• solicitor-certified copies for overseas use.

The receiving authority may ask for one document or a combined document pack. We check that requirement before certification begins.

Solicitor verification and solicitor certification are different

Solicitor verification checks the academic document against a reliable source.

Depending on the case, that source may include:

• HEDD;
• London South Bank University records;
• an official confirmation letter;
• the Open University’s CNAA records;
• Pearson records; or
• another identified awarding body.

The certification stage prepares the document for formal use. Our solicitor signs and dates the copy or supporting statement using wording that reflects the work completed.

Basic solicitor certification

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

It does not necessarily confirm:

• that the institution issued the document;
• that the candidate received the stated award;
• that the academic record remains valid; or
• that an official source has verified the details.

Enhanced solicitor certification

Enhanced solicitor certification goes further.

Our solicitor reviews the available official evidence and checks relevant details, such as:

• the candidate’s name;
• the institution name;
• the course;
• the award;
• the award date;
• the attendance dates; and
• the awarding body.

The solicitor then prepares evidence-based certification wording.

Where the verification evidence supports it, the certification can provide authenticity confirmation rather than a bare visual copy check. It also creates a clearer evidence chain for the FCDO and the overseas recipient.

Why verification should come before the apostille

An FCDO apostille does not independently confirm that a degree is genuine.

The UK Legalisation Office checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its records. It then attaches an apostille to the eligible document.

Academic verification therefore remains a separate step.

A certified copy might carry a genuine solicitor’s signature, but that alone does not prove the underlying academic record. HEDD or official records evidence addresses that separate question.

The strongest route is usually:

academic verification first → enhanced solicitor certification second → FCDO apostille third

2 working day express FCDO apostille option

Ginkgo Advisory can arrange a 2 working day express FCDO apostille option for suitable documents.

This period begins after the verification evidence and solicitor certification are ready. It applies only to the apostille stage.

The timeframe excludes:

• HEDD processing;
• university record searches;
• CNAA record searches;
• transcript production;
• replacement certificates;
• consent corrections;
• courier delivery;
• weekends;
• public holidays; and
• embassy legalisation.

We also check whether the receiving authority expects a paper apostille or accepts an eligible electronic document. Its written requirements should guide the format.

Embassy legalisation for non-Hague destinations

An FCDO apostille may not complete the process when the destination does not rely on the Hague Apostille Convention.

Further legalisation may also apply when the receiving authority expressly requires embassy or consular attestation.

A common route is:

enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille or legalisation → embassy or consular legalisation → local approval where required

UK government guidance explains that documents for non-Hague destinations may need FCDO legalisation, an embassy stamp and further approval in the destination jurisdiction.

Embassy rules vary according to:

• document type;
• awarding body;
• intended use;
• applicant status;
• submission method; and
• receiving authority.

Some authorities also require:

• an academic transcript;
• an official university letter;
• a translation;
• additional photocopies;
• an application form; or
• supporting identity documents.

Ginkgo Advisory can review the route, prepare the document pack, coordinate the embassy stage and arrange return delivery.

Our step-by-step service

1. We review a clear scan and the receiving authority’s requirements.
2. Our team checks the exact institution name, award date and awarding body.
3. We identify whether HEDD, LSBU, CNAA, OU or another route applies.
4. Candidate consent is prepared or reviewed.
5. The academic verification request is completed.
6. Our solicitor reviews the verification evidence and document details.
7. Enhanced solicitor certification is prepared with suitable wording.
8. We submit the eligible document for the FCDO apostille.
9. Embassy legalisation is arranged where the destination requires it.
10. The completed documents are returned by the agreed delivery method.

What to send us

Please provide:

• a clear scan of every document;
• the country and authority receiving it;
• the purpose of use;
• the candidate’s current name;
• the name used during study;
• the course and award title;
• the year of award;
• attendance dates, where known;
• the student number, if available;
• any existing HEDD result;
• any university correspondence;
• the recipient’s written requirements; and
• the submission deadline.

A scan usually allows us to identify the likely route. We will then confirm whether the process requires the original, a certified copy, an official letter or a replacement document.

Common causes of delay

Delays often arise when the wrong institution name is used or the candidate’s name does not match the student record.

A request may also fail when the transcript no longer exists or the candidate overlooks the historical awarding body. Unsigned consent creates another common problem.

Further difficulties can arise when:

• the course title is incomplete;
• the award year is incorrect;
• a previous surname is omitted;
• the certificate names CNAA or BTEC;
• the applicant assumes LSBU issued the award;
• the recipient requires both a certificate and transcript;
• the document reaches the FCDO before suitable certification;
• the applicant assumes the apostille verifies the degree; or
• embassy requirements are checked too late.

An apostille should not be treated as degree verification. The academic check and the legalisation check serve different purposes.

Frequently asked questions

Is South Bank Polytechnic a recognised UK institution?

Yes. HEDD describes South Bank Polytechnic as a former UK government-recognised body and states that London South Bank University verifies its qualifications.

Is South Bank Polytechnic the same as London South Bank University?

South Bank Polytechnic is a predecessor name within the history of the present university. London South Bank University now verifies the historic qualifications.

Can a South Bank Polytechnic qualification be verified through HEDD?

Yes. HEDD offers online degree data verification for South Bank Polytechnic records.

What can HEDD confirm?

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

Does HEDD require candidate consent?

Yes. The candidate must sign a consent form and upload it as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF file.

How much does the HEDD enquiry cost?

HEDD currently lists the South Bank Polytechnic degree enquiry fee as £14.

Will HEDD show exact attendance dates?

Not always. Records before 2004 may omit the exact day and month of the start and end dates.

Which institution name should I use for the HEDD request?

Start with the institution name printed on the academic document. When the certificate says South Bank Polytechnic, use the South Bank Polytechnic HEDD route unless the records office advises otherwise.

Can LSBU issue a full transcript for a South Bank Polytechnic graduate?

Often it cannot. LSBU states that records from 1986 to 1997 do not support full transcripts, although it can provide confirmation of attendance and award.

Can LSBU replace a South Bank Polytechnic certificate?

LSBU only issues replacement certificates for awards made from October 1992 onwards. Earlier cases depend on the awarding body shown on the original record.

What if the certificate names CNAA?

The Open University’s Awards and Aftercare Team holds CNAA award records. It can provide certain verification documents for former CNAA students.

What if the certificate names BTEC?

BTEC replacement documents normally follow Pearson’s certificate service rather than the LSBU replacement certificate route.

Is the HEDD result itself apostilled?

Usually, HEDD supports the authenticity check. The degree certificate, solicitor-certified copy or official university letter normally forms the document prepared for the FCDO.

The correct approach still depends on the recipient’s written requirements.

Does an FCDO apostille prove that the qualification is genuine?

No. The apostille confirms the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. HEDD or official institution verification addresses the academic record.

What is enhanced solicitor certification?

It is a verification-led certification service. The solicitor reviews official evidence and uses wording that can provide authenticity confirmation where the evidence supports it.

Can the apostille be completed in two working days?

A 2 working day express option is available for suitable documents after verification and certification are complete.

The period covers the FCDO stage only.

Is embassy legalisation always required?

No. It usually applies when the destination does not use the Hague apostille route or the receiving authority asks for further consular legalisation.

Do I need to send the original certificate immediately?

Not usually. Start by sending a clear scan.

We can then determine whether the case requires an original document, a solicitor-certified copy, an official confirmation letter or a replacement certificate.

Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the full process?

Yes. We can coordinate:

• academic verification;
• HEDD candidate consent;
• historical awarding body checks;
• enhanced solicitor certification;
• FCDO apostille;
• embassy legalisation; and
• return delivery.

Start your South Bank Polytechnic document verification

Send a clear scan of the document and the receiving authority’s requirements to:

Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283

We will identify the correct verification route, explain any historical record limits and confirm the certification and legalisation stages before work begins.