Finding the Right School
From first enquiry to well beyond the first day of term, I help families choose schools with confidence, drawing on a real understanding of the schools I recommend with a service built entirely around your child.
Why my experience matters
As an experienced teacher and a current independent-school parent, I stay in regular touch with the staff and Heads of leading schools today. I have spent most of my professional life, and my own childhood, in UK independent and state schools: teaching, identifying scholarship candidates and building relationships with staff from primary to senior level. I visit schools in person, so my advice is based on first-hand knowledge and instinct rather than a prospectus. As a parent, I understand education from both sides.
Whether you are looking for academic strength, a high-quality sports programme within a UK boarding school, specialist music education, or a combination to suit your child’s individual requirements, my experience will help you find the right fit.
Sometimes, a school choice that felt right at 11 can feel different by Year 9, and some families face a change they never anticipated. If I offer a calm, confidential space to weigh up the options, whether that is another independent school, the state sector or a new catchment area. A change of school is rarely a reflection on the school or the family; it is simply part of finding where your child will flourish. Whatever your child’s situation, I have almost certainly helped a family in a similar one.
If music is central to your child’s education, I can also advise on specialist music provision, scholarship auditions, and conservatoire versus university music degrees. As a trained musician myself, I know the value of an informed, independent person to talk to.
What makes me different
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I start with your child - their personality, interests and the environment in which they'll thrive - and build every shortlist around who they are. I never start with a prospectus.
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I work with a small group of families, building relationships that extend far beyond the first day of term - through settling in, GCSEs, A Levels and beyond.
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Some schools may pay me a referral fee, but it never costs you anything and never shapes my advice. Every recommendation is based on one thing: the right fit for your child and family.
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You'll work with me directly at every stage - no hand-offs to other advisers or account managers - so the person who gets to know your child is the same person guiding you through applications, interviews and everything thereafter. That continuity is what makes the advice genuinely personal.
My process, step-by-step
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I start with your child: their personality, interests and the environment in which they’ll thrive.
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I will list up to eight schools matched to your child, checked for availability, then condensed to five in discussion with you.
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I will arrange visits, accompany you (if required) and help narrow your shortlist to a final three.
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I manage your applications and arrange tuition or interview preparation if needed.
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I make sure your child arrives prepared, and will debrief with them afterwards.
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I talk through each offer, help you decide and handle any declines.
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I can be on hand for uniform, boarding kit, induction, subject and sports choices, music lessons and first-day support.
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I can be available for ongoing support through settling in, GCSEs, A Levels and whatever comes next.
Consultancy fees
I start with an initial free 30-minute call to talk through your child and your family’s needs.
Single consultations are charged at £120 per hour.
Full consultancy packages are priced individually for each family. They include support throughout the entire application process, and help to make sure your child starts their new school fully prepared so they settle quickly.
Pricing reflects the time I dedicate to your family, including school visits, ongoing calls and emails, and the administration involved.