Independent Education Consultants
Our team of experienced experts share a passion for supporting parents with finding the right education solution for their child. We see our role as that of enabling parents, so they feel confident that they are making informed, objective decisions about the right school or university, for both their child and their family unit as a whole.
Our diverse team of experts offer parents both from the UK and around the world advice in all areas of education. We offer parents support and guidance with making the right choices at all stages of education. Often we work with a family over several years, offering step-by-step support as each important education decision approaches.
We foster close working relationships with 100’s of British schools and Universities, maintaining a busy programme of year-round school and university visits, to keep our knowledge up to date. Sharing this knowledge and experience is what enables our clients to feel confident they are making the right decisions for their child.
Our Values
How can our team of education consultants help you?
Whether you need to consult us face-to-face, by telephone or Skype, require a package covering all aspects of applying to a UK school or University, or just need to read a few free tips from our blog, we can help you.
What UK school year will your child be in, when applying to join a school for the new academic year in September?
The UK school year runs from 1st September to 31st August. You can add your child’s date of birth below to find out, as well as information about age-related key decisions.
NURSERY
ENTERING RECEPTION IN
September
Many independent schools have a pre-prep department where children can start schooling in nursery.
Get in touch to find out moreRECEPTION
Compulsory UK Education Begins
YEAR 1
PRE-PREP
Things to think about
How do I support learning at home?
How do I encourage my son to read more?
What extra-curricular clubs and activities should we try?
Should my bright child move up a school year to be more challenged?
YEAR 2
PRE-PREP
Things to think about
How do I encourage my child to read?
Should my bright child move up a school year to be more challenged?
What extra-curricular clubs and activities should we start?
YEAR 3
PRE-PREP/PREP VIA 7+ ENTRY TESTS
Things to think about
How do I choose the right prep school, if I need to move on after pre-prep?
Do I want my child to board in future and at what age?
Should we return to the UK or relocate to the countryside, out of London?
When should I move between state and private schools?
YEAR 4
PREP VIA 8+ ENTRY TESTS
Things to think about
Starting to think about possible senior schools for entry at 11+ and 13+.
Boarding vs. day.
What are the benefits of flexi or weekly boarding.
Do I need a tutor and how do I find one?
Does my child have learning difficulties and how to I have these assessed?
Should we return to the UK or relocate to the countryside, out of London?
When should I move between state and private schools?
YEAR 5
PREP
Things to think about
Finalising senior school choices for 11+ or 13+ entry.
Which senior schools shall I register my child with?
Understanding the entry process for senior schools.
What should I ask when visiting and senior school?
YEAR 6
PREP
11+ entry for London day and independent day and/or boarding schools which start at year 7.
Last year of primary school.
Pre-tests for some senior schools with entry at 13+.
Things to think about
Do I need a tutor and how do I find one?
How do I prepare my child for NVR, VR tests?
How do I prepare for interviews?
Should we return to the UK or relocate to the countryside, out of London?
When should I move between state and private schools?
YEAR 7
PREP/FIRST YEAR SENIOR
First year for some senior schools with entry via 11+.
Some international pupils start at prep school for two years, if applying to senior schools for 13+ entry.
Things to think about
Pre-tests for some senior schools with 13+ entry.
How do I prepare my child for NVR, VR tests?
How do I prepare for interviews?
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Should I start some flexi, weekly or full boarding to help my child settle later?
YEAR 8
PREP
Second year for some senior schools if entry via 11+.
Occasional place entry via 12+ in some schools.
Things to think about
Preparing for 13+ entry tests
How do I prepare my child for NVR, VR tests?
How do I apply for a scholarship?
How do I apply for a bursary?
How do I prepare for interviews?
Study and exam skills
Planning an effective revision timetable.
Should we return to the UK or relocate to the countryside, out of London?
When should I move between state and private schools?
YEAR 9
SENIOR SCHOOL
Third year for schools with entry at 11+ and 13+.
Things to think about
Some schools start GCSE courses.
Expanding creative, sporting and artistic talents.
Take up a new musical instrument.
Learn a new language.
Settling into senior boarding school life.
YEAR 10
SENIOR SCHOOL
Things to think about
Choosing the right subjects for GCSE or IGCSE.
Dual award or triple award sciences?
Do I need to study a second language?
How do I find a tutor?
What is Duke of Edinburgh Award or CCF?
YEAR 11
SENIOR SCHOOL
Pre-sixth form preparation course for one year for overseas applicants.
One-year GCSE course for overseas applicants.
Things to think about
Study and examination skills.
Goal-setting and mentoring.
Will I achieve good enough results to stay at my current school for sixth form?
Should we return to the UK or relocate to the countryside, out of London?
When should I move between state and private schools?
YEAR 12
SIXTH FORM AT SENIOR SCHOOL OR SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
IB Diploma - Year 1
Things to think about
IB vs. A Level courses.
Choosing the right subjects for sixth form.
Initial career planning.
Pros and cons of changing school for sixth form.
Dates and deadlines for applying for sixth form places.
Moving from single sex to co-ed school.
Moving between state and private schools
Returning to the UK from international school overseas.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
How do I apply for a bursary?
YEAR 13
SIXTH FORM AT SENIOR SCHOOL OR SIXTH FORM COLLEGE
IB Diploma – Year 2
Things to think about
Deciding on university course choices and careers.
Exploring degree apprenticeships or internships.
How do I write an effective personal statement?
When are the UCAS deadlines?
How to prepare for a university Interview?
Applying to a US university
Do I take a gap year?
How do I find effective work experience?
Study and exam skills
Planning an effective revision timetable.
Where can I find an Easter holiday revision course?
YOUR CHILD WILL ENTER HIGHER EDUCATION OR TAKE A GAP YEAR
Things to think about
What shall I do during my gap year?
Settling into university.
What if my results don’t go to plan?
How do I manage UCAS Clearing?
Where and when can I re-take?
YOUR CHILD WILL ENTER HIGHER EDUCATION
Things to think about
Career planning for graduation.
Second degree courses, for example law conversion, medicine, master’s courses.
Writing an effective CV.
Applying for internships and jobs.
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Interested to see how we can help?
Connect with one of your consultants to talk about how we can help with finding the right education solution for your child.