The Good Schools Guide
Consultancy

State School Premier Report

Our experienced consultant will hep you find the right primary and/or secondary schools in one or more locations, with advice on a strategy for application, so your child can go to the right school for them.
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Is it right for me?

If you’re looking for the best state primary or secondary schools for your child in one or more locations, our expert consultants are here to demystify the process and help you give your child the best chance of securing a place in the right school. 

What's the process?

Our highly experiencedoffice team will listen carefully to your requirements and ask you to complete a questionnaire. They will match you with the best consultant to meet your requirements, who will then invite you to a virtual meeting. The consultant will be able to answer any questions or concerns relating to the process of application and will consider all your needs before carrying out detailed research. You will receive a report analysing academic data, specialisms, admissions and recent catchment or allocations information, along with anything else that might be relevant to you.

The report will also include advice about a strategy for your application regarding the best area to live in and the location of your home to maximise your child’s chance of getting a place at a particular school. The service also includes one further virtual meeting to discuss the report and ask any questions.

How long will it take?

State school applications take place at fixed times up to a year before entry, so we advise you contact us well in advance, especially if you are moving house. Once you have spoken with our consultant, they will provide a report within a few days to a few weeks. 

What will it cost?

The fee for the premier report service ranges from between £850 and £1,700 (including VAT) depending on the complexity of your requirements. This might include the number of areas you are considering and whether both secondary and primary schools are being considered. 

Get in touch
“We just wanted to send a note to thank you for all your advice and support throughout this process. Your insights have been invaluable, and we are especially grateful for the time you took to speak with us out of hours.”
September 2024

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FAQs

Who are The Good Schools Guide education consultants?

Our education consultants are selected from our most experienced school reviewers. All are parents. Most have a professional background in education and/or a great range of educational experience. You can see all our consultants by clicking on this link.

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

Your name and contact details; your child’s name and date of birth; a brief outline of what you need help with; and some thoughts on what matters most to you in terms of their education.

How does the process work?

As soon as you get in touch with us, one of our experienced office team will arrange to speak to you to find out more about your circumstances. They will work to match the right consultant to you and offer you a service. All our services start with a meeting with the consultant, usually via video call, but this can be in person. 

If you decide you would like to become a client of our premier service the consultant will be in touch with you within 24 hours of payment to work out a strategy with you. They will be available to you when you need them until a school place has been secured. 

When is payment taken?

One of our office team will ask for payment when you have agreed a service. Payments for all our services are made in advance of the initial meeting with the consultant. Payment is usually made online but we can also take payments over the phone and we accept bank transfers.

Are education consultants available over the weekend?

All our consultants try to be flexible and we can always fit in with your timetable or take part in virtual meetings or conference calls.

Can I meet with the consultant?

Absolutely. This is usually possible and, depending on where you and the consultant are, we can travel to meet you subject to prior arrangement. Travel costs outside London will only be charged if a consultant needs to travel more than 30 minutes to meet you.

Do the consultants only recommend independent schools?

We review state and independent schools and our consultants can give advice about schools in either sector. If you are only interested in state schools, we have a dedicated state school service.

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

No, although we do find that these are generally the ones people want. However, in some areas of the country or to meet specific requirements, we may well recommend you consider schools that are not – or not yet – in The Guide.

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

Absolutely. This is a very common request and we’re always happy to help.

What geographical areas do your consultants cover?

We have knowledgeable consultants all over the country (and internationally as part of The Good Schools Guide International) and we can advise you on schools everywhere. Our consultants can draw on the knowledge of the whole UK team as well as on the unique bank of data and other information amassed by The Good Schools Guide.

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

Schools are sometimes happy to talk to us when parents have had a curt refusal and we are adept at negotiating a last minute assessment or interview. But although we can open doors, we can never guarantee securing a place for a child at a particular school. And neither – whatever they may say – can anyone else!

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.

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.

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. We take immense pride in delivering what our clients want and our many thousands of happy clients are testament to this. However, we are always honest with our clients. If you are fixed on only one school or a few schools which the consultant knows will not find places for you, or if the consultant is concerned about whether your child will thrive in a particular school s/he will tell you. 

Can the consultant assess my child?

Assessments are available to all our clients. It is a useful diagnostic tool for you and for us to help decide which schools to suggest or whether additional support will be needed. Tell our administrator if you want to find out more.

Can I speak to someone about a particular school?

We will always try to match you with a consultant who personally knows a particular school in which you are interested. If it is a school in The Good Schools Guide this should always be possible.

Is what I tell my consultant confidential?

None of our consultants will ever disclose confidential matters unless there is a clear risk of harm to you or to a child in which case they are obliged to discuss breaking confidentiality with you.