From September 1st 2019, school staff will no longer be able to act as counter signatories for passport applications, I.D. documentation and similar requests.

Staff in school receive a large number of requests to verify/countersign passport applications and other legal documents.

We have always done this willingly and have been happy to help. However, staff are currently finding that the volume of requests for parents and for children is such that we can no longer sustain this offer. In addition, the passport office are increasingly following up with further verification paperwork for us to complete, and this combined administration is taking from the main work of the school.  

For families, fortunately the rules have relaxed a little and you no longer always need a professional as a counter signatory. For example, we understand counter signatories for passports can now also be a friend or colleague.