Our solicitor can verify, certify, apostille & legalise
All UK recognised degree-awarding universities or colleges
471
recognised UK
institutions
About the Author
KH is a practising solicitor based in London, admitted in England & Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. KH has worked as legal counsel and in-house solicitor across leading firms and corporations. He personally oversees every case at Ginkgo Advisory, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and end-to-end quality control.
KH Lam, LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant of Ginkgo Advisory
York St John University College was a UK government-recognised institution that gave awards between 2004 and 2006. York St John University now verifies qualifications issued under the former name through HEDD.
Ginkgo Advisory can arrange HEDD verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille and embassy legalisation. A 2 working day express FCDO apostille option is available after verification and solicitor certification are complete.
Quick answer
York St John University College qualifications can be verified through HEDD.
The usual process is:
HEDD verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille → embassy legalisation where required
York St John University is an exclusive HEDD partner. The current degree enquiry fee is £14.
HEDD degree verification
HEDD can check:
- current or former student status;
- the qualification awarded;
- the grade or classification; and
- attendance dates.
The candidate must provide a signed consent form as a PDF, JPG, PNG or TIF.
Accurate information should be entered, including:
- the candidate’s name during study;
- any former name;
- course and qualification;
- attendance dates;
- award year;
- classification; and
- student number, where available.
The service is intended for third-party enquirers. Graduates seeking self-verification should contact HEDD about the correct applicant route.
York St John University College and York St John University
The institution used the York St John University College name shortly before receiving full university status in 2006. York St John University now maintains the related academic records.
Historic documents may display:
- York St John University College;
- York St John College;
- University College of Ripon and York St John;
- York St John University;
- the University of Leeds; or
- another awarding body.
The exact wording on the certificate should be reviewed before ordering a replacement document or preparing solicitor certification.
Transcripts and replacement certificates
Former students can request transcripts, replacement certificates, certified copies and official letters through York St John University.
A transcript records confirmed modules, credits and grades. Awards conferred before July 2023 cannot be hosted through the current Gradintelligence service, but former students may order digital or printed transcript copies.
York St John currently charges £30 for an eligible replacement certificate where the original has been lost, stolen or damaged.
The University also provides:
- certified copies of certificates and transcripts;
- digital forms and official letters;
- programme specifications; and
- module descriptors.
Where the certificate names the University of Leeds or another awarding institution, that body may need to issue the replacement certificate.
Solicitor verification and certification
A basic solicitor-certified copy confirms that the copy matches the document presented to the solicitor.
It does not independently establish that the graduate obtained the qualification.
Our enhanced service reviews the document against reliable evidence, such as:
- a HEDD verification;
- an official academic transcript;
- a digital or paper award certificate;
- a university letter;
- a replacement certificate; or
- confirmation from another awarding university.
Where the evidence supports it, our solicitor can provide certification with authenticity confirmation.
This creates a stronger evidence chain than a basic certified true copy.
FCDO apostille
After academic verification and solicitor certification, the document can proceed to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
An apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal. It does not independently verify the underlying academic qualification.
The recommended process is:
academic verification → enhanced solicitor certification → FCDO apostille
Our 2 working day express FCDO apostille option covers the apostille stage only.
It excludes:
- HEDD processing;
- university record searches;
- transcript production;
- replacement certificates;
- courier delivery; and
- embassy legalisation.
Embassy legalisation
Documents intended for a destination outside the Hague Apostille Convention may require further embassy or consular legalisation.
A typical process is:
solicitor certification → FCDO legalisation → embassy legalisation
The receiving authority may also request an official transcript, university letter, certified translation or supporting identity document.
What to send us
Please provide:
- a clear certificate scan;
- the transcript, if available;
- the candidate’s name during study;
- course and qualification;
- attendance dates;
- award year and classification;
- student number, if known;
- destination country; and
- the receiving authority’s requirements.
We will identify whether the correct route involves HEDD, York St John University, the University of Leeds or another awarding body.
Frequently asked questions
Who verifies York St John University College qualifications?
York St John University verifies the former institution’s qualifications through HEDD.
How much does HEDD verification cost?
The listed degree enquiry fee is £14.
Is candidate consent required?
Yes. A signed consent form must be uploaded with the HEDD request.
Can former students obtain a transcript?
Yes. Former students whose awards predate the current digital system can order digital or printed transcript copies.
Can York St John issue a replacement certificate?
Yes, for eligible York St John University awards. The current replacement fee is £30.
What if the certificate names the University of Leeds?
The awarding body should be checked carefully. The University of Leeds may need to provide the replacement certificate or additional confirmation.
Does an apostille verify the qualification?
No. HEDD or the awarding university verifies the academic record. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.
Can Ginkgo Advisory manage the complete process?
Yes. We can coordinate verification, enhanced solicitor certification, FCDO apostille, embassy legalisation and return delivery.
Start your York St John verification
Send a clear scan and the receiving authority’s requirements to:
Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
WhatsApp: +44 7388 833283
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