Educational Consultant

[anniesta]

Moving to London from New York - would greatly appreciate any recommendations for educational consultants advising on independent schools in London. Thank you!

Look at and join “The Good Schools Guide”. It’s way cheaper. Or look at Tatler’s Educational supplement. You might need a consultant if you want uber selective or wildly oversubscribed though. Areas outside London are easier for prep school entry.

Thank you, BubblesBuddy- really appreciate it!!

The Good Schools guide isn’t independent- the schools pay to be reviewed and listed. An education consultant will know the schools well and should be able to find some options that suit your child. They’ll save a lot of time!

Schools pay for Tatler too!

Hello OP,

Where in London do you plan to be based and how old are your children? I am based in North London and used two a year ago. My children were pre school age at that time.
The first was mumsinthewood.com which unfortunately was not helpful - she seemed to have a very narrow knowledge of schools and I spent a lot of time diverting her from talking about her own child.

As a result, I then tried the Good Schools Guide. The consultant did a very comprehensive phone interview, and then produced a useful list of independent ( my preference) and state schools and the reasons to consider them. Her name was Mary Ann Smillie and I would definitely recommend her. They have a good website which may be a good place to start your search.

Best of luck!

Honestly ask on here and you will get some helpful feedback from what I’ve seen over the years.
Agree that Tatler/GSG are interesting enough place to start but they will not provide you with a genuine evaluation of a school’s strengths/weaknesses.

Where about a in London will you be living/looking? If South West I can recommend www.ingleeducation.com
Good luck!

Taller is advertising based and definitely a hagiography.

GSG has a much larger team of consultants and has 'mystery shoppers' as well as declared visits to schools. It is much more independent (as it needs a good reputation for accuracy ) has been going for years, and offers both the directory of published advice, and individual consulting service. It is not a placement service. If you want a selective school, you have to apply at the normal time, or o throw the usual assessments for ad hoc places. Info on how to do that is also readily available directly from the schools.

For the published directories of schools (whoever the publisher) you need to ad lots of the reviews and learn the 'code' for example, one that is all about the headmaster, means the school is all about the head and if you do not take to him then the school will be a poor fit for your family (no matter how much those who like that style are happy there)

The other big name in consulting about school places is Gabbitas, who offer a very good service. Wouid you get their fee covered as part of a relocation package?

And of course, if you know which part of London you want to live in, and have a short list of schools you think you like the look of, you couild try a MN thread on them