Question 1

Who are The Good Schools Guide education consultants?

Accepted Answer

They are experienced school reviewers and parents, many with professional education backgrounds, who know the UK school system and SEND landscape in depth.

Question 2

What information will you need from me when I contact you?

Accepted Answer

We ask for your contact details, your child’s name and date of birth, what you want help with and what matters most to you in their education.

Question 3

How does the process work?

Accepted Answer

Our office team speak with you first, then match you with a suitable consultant and arrange a meeting, usually online but in-person is possible where practical.

Question 4

When is payment taken?

Accepted Answer

Once you have agreed a service, payment is taken in advance of the initial meeting, typically online, although phone payments and bank transfers are also accepted.

Question 5

Are education consultants available over the weekend?

Accepted Answer

Consultants are flexible and can often arrange appointments or virtual meetings at times that work for your family, including evenings or weekends where feasible.

Question 6

Can I meet with the consultant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In-person meetings are usually possible by prior arrangement, and travel outside central London may incur additional costs if significant travel time is required.

Question 7

Do the consultants only recommend independent schools?

Accepted Answer

No. They advise on both state and independent schools and can support you if you are considering either sector or a mix of the two.

Question 8

Do the consultants only recommend schools that are covered in The Good Schools Guide?

Accepted Answer

They often recommend schools featured in the Guide but will also suggest other schools where that better meets your child’s needs or your preferred location.

Question 9

I want to buy/rent a house according to where good schools are - can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Helping families choose areas to live based on strong local schools is a common request and consultants can advise on options and catchments.

Question 10

What geographical areas do your consultants cover?

Accepted Answer

Consultants are based across the UK and internationally, and can advise on schools nationwide, drawing on the wider team and extensive Good Schools Guide data.

Question 11

Can The Good Schools Guide use its influence to get my child a place at a school?

Accepted Answer

They can sometimes help secure a late assessment or interview, but no consultant can guarantee a place at a particular school.

Question 12

Does The Good Schools Guide take commission from schools it recommends?

Accepted Answer

No. They do not take commission from schools, so recommendations are independent and based solely on your child’s and family’s needs.

Question 13

Does the consultant check whether my shortlisted schools actually have places available?

Accepted Answer

For Premier clients, consultants check availability at shortlisted schools as part of the enhanced level of support offered.

Question 14

What if I am not happy with the schools my consultant recommends?

Accepted Answer

You should tell them. They aim to meet your expectations but will always be honest about realistic options and where your child is likely to thrive.

Question 15

Can the consultant assess my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Assessment services are available and can help identify suitable schools and whether additional support or interventions may be required.

Question 16

Can I speak to someone about a particular school?

Accepted Answer

They will try to match you with a consultant who knows that school personally, especially if it is one reviewed in The Good Schools Guide.

Question 17

Is what I tell my consultant confidential?

Accepted Answer

Information is treated as confidential unless there is a clear risk of harm, in which case any need to share concerns will be discussed with you.

Question 18

Do you offer group information talks to parents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Experts regularly give talks and Q&A sessions for workplaces, schools, PTAs and parent groups to explain and demystify the UK education system.

Special educational needs (SEN) consultancy