Education consultants for schools in London
Do you need help choosing a school in London?
Every day our education consultants in London work with families facing one of the most complex and competitive education landscapes in the UK.
Parents come to us because they are trying to make one of the most important decisions of their child's life. It may be that they are moving house, deciding between state and private schools, looking for SEN support, or wondering whether a high profile and academically challenging school will suit their child.
We work with families to help them find a school where their child will enjoy learning, grow in confidence, have fun with friends and thrive.
We get to the heart of what the school is really like, not just what it looks like on paper. We work to go beyond results and league tables to ensure that parents properly understand what is likely to be the right fit for their child.
Speak to an education consultant in London
If you need expert guidance on choosing a school in London, we are here to help.
How we support families
Parents can come to us at any point in their child's educational journey. You might just be starting your search for a school or you might need urgent help as you are considering changing schools or need advice after a disappointing admissions outcome or unexpected change of circumstance.
We can support you to ensure you make decisions with confidence.
We tailor each service depending on which stage you are in the process, but typically we will:
Arrange an initial consultation to understand your child, your priorities and your options
Explain how admissions work for schools in London, including timelines and key entry points
Compile a shortlist of schools in the areas you live in or are hoping to move to
Advise and support with applications, assessments, interviews and key deadlines
Provide insight into school culture, ethos and suitability for your child
Offer ongoing support, liaising with schools and guiding you through decisions until a place is secured
Advise on a school's SEN provision
Often a family will work with us for the long term throughout their child's education as we help with ensuring that key decisions can be made with confidence from choosing a prep or primary school in London to planning pathways to senior school and beyond.
Some ways we can help
- Understanding the landscape of schools
- Advising on how to choose a school
- Choosing between state and private
- Shortlisting prep schools in London
- Identifying the best secondary schools
- Admissions at key entry points
- Identifying the right curriculum
- Liaising and advocating on your behalf
- Planning an educational pathway
- Advising on SEN provisions in schools
- Exploring options including boarding schools and special schools in London
- Moving into a London school from overseas or outside the usual entry points
Our heritage
When we launched the first edition of The Good Schools Guide in 1986, we quickly realised that many parents needed more than school reviews.
They were asking questions such as:
Is this school right for my child?
Will they be happy here?
Can this school support their needs?
Have we overlooked a better option?
How do we maximise our chances of securing a place?
Nearly forty years later, families are still asking us those same questions.
Our consultancy service was founded in response to demand from parents and for the past forty years we have supported families to ensure they can answer these questions with confidence.
They have interviewed many of the heads of the leading schools, they know how these schools operate and have extensive experience advising families on all aspects of London schools, from pre-preps and preps to private senior schools, state schools, schools with SEN provision and special schools.
Who are our education consultants?
Our education consultants in London are specialists in the capital's highly competitive and diverse school landscape. They have interviewed many of the heads of the leading schools, and know how these schools operate, they have extensive experience advising families on all aspects of London schools, from pre-preps and preps to private senior schools, state schools, schools with SEN provision and special schools.
Families come to us for clear, impartial advice when navigating complex decisions about education in London.
Whether choosing between private schools, considering state options, or understanding admissions processes and timelines, our consultants provide practical guidance based on decades of experience.
We focus on helping families find schools where their children will thrive academically, socially and emotionally, considering each child's personality, needs and long-term goals.
We provide:
Totally unbiased, independent advice — we don't receive any payment or commission from schools
Deep expertise across London schools, including independent, state, specialist and special schools
Advice focused on long-term outcomes as well as urgent school placements
Discreet, family-focused consultancy
We know that parents are rarely looking for the 'best' school. They are looking for the school that will bring out the best in their child.
Talk to us about schools in London
We can help you understand your options and find the right school for your child.
We work with families who are keen to find a place for their child in a top London school and feel overwhelmed by how competitive the London school landscape can be. There are so many outstanding schools with lots to offer beyond academic excellence. We work closely with the family and schools to ensure that their journey through the process is as smooth as possible and that ultimately their child is matched to the school that is right for them and where they have the greatest chance of flourishing.Grace Moody Stuart, Consultancy Director
Some of our team
Grace Moody-Stuart
Consultancy director
Grace is director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants and has worked for The Guide for 20 years.
Charlotte Phillips
SEND consultancy manager
Before joining The Good Schools Guide, specialising in SEND, Charlotte wrote about education and family life for The Telegraph, Times and Guardian and more.
Selina Boyd
International director
An experienced education consultant with over a decade in international education, Selina Boyd has been with The Good Schools Guide since 2020.
Other services we offer
Boarding school consultancy
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We have an experienced team of consultants who are ideally placed to advise families looking for a boarding school for their child
Moving to the UK consultancy
Our education consultants can help if you’re relocating to the UK and are looking for the right school for your child.
Private school consultancy
Our experienced private school consultants help families navigate the world of private schools.
FAQs about choosing a school in London
Why work with an education consultant?
Choosing a school in London isn’t just about identifying the strongest options — it’s about understanding which schools are right for your child, and which are realistically achievable. We provide objective, experienced guidance to help you navigate that complexity with clarity and confidence.
How competitive are schools in London?
Competition for places at many London schools can be intense, particularly at key entry points. Understanding whether your child is likely to be a strong candidate — and where expectations may not align with reality — is often the most important part of the process.
Can you help us get into the best secondary schools in London?
We help families approach applications strategically, focusing on both ambition and realism. The ‘best’ school isn’t always the most obvious one — it’s the one where your child is most likely to thrive and secure a place.
How early should we contact an education consultant?
The earlier you start, the more options are typically available. That said, we work with families at every stage — from long-term planning to more urgent situations — and can advise on what is still possible.
Can you help if my child hasn’t secured a school place in London?
Yes. While choice may be more limited later in the process, there are often still pathways available. Understanding the options — and acting quickly and strategically — can make a significant difference.
Can you help me find the right school in London for my child?
That’s at the heart of what we do. We take time to understand your child properly — academically, socially and emotionally — and use that to identify schools that are a strong fit, not just on paper but in practice.
Do you help with both private and state schools in London?
Yes. We advise across the full range of London schools, including state, independent and SEN options, helping families understand the differences and decide what is most appropriate for their child.
Do you advise on the prep schools London families use as feeders?
Yes. Understanding how prep schools feed into senior schools — and how those pathways work in reality — is a key part of making informed decisions at an early stage.
Can you help me find a special school in London?
Yes. We support families in identifying schools with the right level of support, whether that’s within mainstream provision or specialist settings, depending on each child’s needs.
Can you help families relocating to London find schools?
Yes. We regularly work with families moving to London, helping them understand the school landscape, timelines and practical considerations, and identifying realistic options before and after their move.
What should parents consider when choosing a school in London?
There are many factors beyond academic results — including culture, pastoral care, peer group and long-term pathways. Understanding how these come together for your child is often where the real decision lies.
How well do you know the schools in London?
Our consultants have extensive, first-hand knowledge of London schools and how they operate in practice — including admissions, culture and expectations. This means we can give clear, realistic advice.
Can you advise on where to live in London based on schools?
Yes. For families considering a move, school choice and location are often closely linked. We can help you understand how different areas relate to school options and what is realistically achievable.
How does the process work when helping find a school in London?
We begin by understanding your child and your priorities, then guide you through options, strategy and next steps. The level of support varies depending on your situation, but always focuses on helping you make informed, confident decisions.
What information will you need from me when I contact you?
Can I meet with the consultant?
Does the consultant check whether my shortlisted schools actually have places available?
Yes, if you are one of our Premier clients. Find out more about this service here.
Can The Good Schools Guide use its influence to get my child a place at a school?
Does The Good Schools Guide take commission from schools it recommends?
No, and this is what makes us different from agents who have individual financial arrangements with schools. Our advice is entirely independent and based only on what you tell us you want for your children.
What if I am not happy with the schools my consultant recommends?
This has scarcely ever happened, but if you are not happy, please tell us.
Is what I tell my consultant confidential?