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FAQs about subscribing

So much information is available free of charge, what are the benefits of subscribing?

Subscription queries answered

If you think our free information is good, wait until you see what subscribers get! By subscribing to the Good Schools Guide (GSG) online you can access our detailed, in-depth and often amusing reviews of over 1,000 schools we've visited, analysed and investigated (a mix of state schools, private schools and special schools). plus read informative articles covering everything from choosing a school to what to do should things go wrong.

I emailed you but did not get a response.

We always answer emails that we receive from customers. If you have not received a response within five days, please do get back to us. Sadly we are not immune from emails going astray or being eaten by spam filters, for no apparent reason (though we do check spam).

How much does a subscription cost?

How long does it take for a subscription to be activated?

Once you have received your confirmation invoice (usually within a minute or so of your completed transaction) you will have full access to all the subscriber information. However, you will need to log-out then log-in again. 

I have just bought a subscription but I do not appear to have access. What should I do?

Check that the email you have received says Confirmed. If your payment did not go through, or you did not pay, the invoice will say pending. If you have a confirmed payment for a subscription (not the printed guide), log-out then log-in again. If you still do not have subscribed access please contact office@goodschoolsguide.co.uk

Do you offer corporate subscriptions?

Yes, in response to requests from a number of organisations, corporate subscriptions are available. Email office@goodschoolsguide.co.uk for a tailor-made package.

How do I know which schools are featured?

On the website we feature basic information on all schools in The UK with five or more pupils. For state schools in England we have extensive catchment area information. Where available we have KS2, GCSE and A level results for all schools, whether state or independent. We feature SEN information on some schools and carry basic details, links to webs and inspection reports as applicable. Some schools carry a 'self-portrait', and some feature comments by parents. The majority of these features are NOT available in the printed Good Schools Guide. A further 1,000+ schools have detailed reviews, as explained below. 

How do I know which schools are reviewed by The Good Schools Guide?

We visit and independently review over 1,000; the list of schools we cover changes but you can get an up-to-date list using our 'more search features ' (located on 'Find a School' and selecting 'Yes' to In the Good Schools Guide.

Most, but not all, of these schools will be in the printed version of The Good Schools Guide: some new schools will have been added since we went to press; only a small number of special schools are featured in the printed Good Schools Guide, but the reviews of all those we have visited and like appear online. 

What if I subscribe and then discover the schools I am interested in aren’t featured?

There’s more to a subscription than just the school reviews, but if you’re subscribing specifically for this aspect then it is best to check first to see if we have reviewed the schools that interest you; see above. However, many users tell us that reading reviews of featured schools helps them understand how to get under the skin of those we haven’t reviewed. We appreciate feedback on all schools and are delighted that so many of you let us know about schools you visit, whether or not they are in The Guide. Of course, if you are not satisfied with your subscription we will, in most circumstances, offer a full refund. See also terms & conditions.

I am having trouble accessing the information I need; where can I go for help?

Our site is updated and checked daily for technical difficulties. However, if you do experience difficulties then contact office@goodschoolsguide.co.uk. We will endeavour to help as soon as possible.

I have forgotten my password. What can I do?

You should be able to get your password through the automatic password system. If you have difficulties with this system, perhaps because your email address has also changed, please contact office@goodschoolsguide.co.uk. If you send an email do feel free to say what you would like your password to be changed to, and give as much information as possible so we can trace you on our systems. 

My question isn't answered here; who can help?

For any query not listed here, for more in depth explanations or for any other concerns, please email office@goodschoolsguide.co.uk. We look forward to doing our best to help you.

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