The Good Schools Guide
Advice services:

University admissions consultants for UK and overseas applications

Our highly experienced university admissions consultants help students navigate the complexities of applying to higher education. Whether you are applying to a UK university, considering options in the USA, or aiming for highly competitive institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge and those in the Russell Group, our education consultants provide expert, independent guidance at every stage of the process.
Two teenagers on a boat

Do you need help with university applications?

Our university admissions consultants work with families in the UK or overseas, helping them create the best possible chance of their child being offered a place on a competitive course at an outstanding university. This might include medicine at Imperial, computer science at Cambridge, PPE at Oxford, economics and management at Durham or design engineering at Bath as well as to top universities in the USA. 

We provide expert, independent advice and guidance to help students make informed decisions, present themselves effectively, and approach applications with clarity and confidence. 

Get in touch

All our services start with a personal call or meeting. Why not give Shari, our senior administrator, or one of her experienced team a call to discuss your circumstances and explore next steps.

Get in touch

Expert university admissions consultants

Applying to top universities has become increasingly competitive, with different systems, expectations and timelines to navigate. From choosing the right course to preparing a strong application, each decision can have a significant impact on future opportunities. 

Our experienced university consultants work with families who want expert support through this process. Whether you are deciding between UK and US university applications, preparing for Oxbridge, or exploring the best course and university combinations, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to each student. 

We help students present themselves effectively, make informed decisions, and approach applications with confidence — giving them the strongest possible chance of success. 

How we can help

  • Planning the best pathway to university
  • Deciding between UK and US universities
  • Choosing the best course
  • UCAS applications and personal statements
  • Preparation for university interviews and exams
  • Advice and support with Oxbridge applications
  • Advice on US university applications
  • Guidance on postgraduate programmes

Who are our university admissions consultants?

Our university admissions consultants are specialists in both UK and US university applications, with extensive experience advising students across a wide range of courses and pathways. 

Families come to us for expert, independent advice when navigating what can be a high-pressure and competitive process. We understand what universities are looking for and how students can present themselves clearly and effectively. 

Our role is to guide students and families through each stage, helping them make informed decisions and approach applications with confidence. Our university admissions consultants are:

  • Fully independent — we don’t take payment or commission from universities

  • Experts in UK and US university admissions

  • Focused on ensuring students get the best outcome possible to study a course at a university that will suit their aptitudes and interests 

  • Discreet and student-focused

Would you like to find out more?

Our experienced team is on hand to discuss your circumstances and to explore the next steps.

Get in touch

How we support families

All our advice is tailored to support each individual and the level of work we do will depend on where you are in the process. Typically this service will include: 

  • An initial consultation to understand the student’s strengths, interests and ambitions 

  • Advice on the course and university options 

  • Guidance on application strategy and creating the highest possible chance for success 

  • Practical support and advice with personal statements, interviews and assessments

  • Ongoing support throughout the application process

Some of our team

Headshot of Grace Moody-Stuart, Consultancy director at The Good Schools Guide.

Grace Moody-Stuart

Consultancy director

Grace is director of The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants and has worked for The Guide for 20 years.
Headshot of Lisa Freedman, Education Consultant at The Good Schools Guide.

Lisa Freedman

Education consultant

Lisa is an experienced education consultant and education journalist. She writes about education for a range of leading publications.
Kathryn Berger from The Good Schools Guide

Kathryn Berger

Administrator

Kathryn has worked for The Good Schools Guide since 2010 and is an administrator for The Good Schools Guide Education Consultants.

Meet the full team

Find out more

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.

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.

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.

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.

Do you offer group information talks to parents?

Yes, our experts regularly present to parents within workplaces, schools, social clubs and societies, PTAs, groups of local friends or even online chat groups. We are told it’s just the ticket to demystifying the confusing aspects of the UK education scene. And we just love a Q&A session. Email us to find out more.