Has anyone paid for educational advice?

[NorhamGardens]

Some agency that find you the best schools for your DC that sort of thing?

Is it every worth the money to pay for this sort of service?

Should read is it ever worth the money to pay for this sort of thing?

I dont really think its worth the money. You can do research yourself. On the internet and the best of all thorugh "word of mouth" from parents already at the school. also go in and visit the school and get the feel of it yourself.

I suppose if you're talking about private schools where you could send your child anywhere in the country it might be worth getting someone else to do the travelling and viewing for you - but not if you're just comparing the three schools in your area,

What about help with various entrance tests?

What about if they claim to give you the real story etc?

I've found that word of mouth doesn't help or tell you much, even here. People are reluctant to talk openly about true feelings about a school I've found. Why?

When I've visited a school I've had a good feeling sometimes but it isn't based on anything concrete. It seems a major decision to make. Hmm.

What about if your child isn't academic, is SEN or there are other considerations?

You are talking private, aren't you? I think there might be some merit in such a service then, but I still think gut feeling is the best indicator.

Not necessarily. Our situation is quite complicated and I don't always trust my gut feeling I guess :).

I get a feeling on whether the school would suit us as a family? Whether we share its belief and value systems that sort of thing. Is this enough to base our decision on?

Absolutely - it's the most important thing, IMHO!

It's hard to gauge that I think, especially at a distance. Sometimes I get swayed too much by a good academic record too.