The Good Schools Guide
Consultancy

SEND Bespoke Schools Search Service

All our SEND Schools Search services are bespoke and tailored to each family that we work with, to ensure the best possible fit for your child and their specific needs
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Is this consultancy right for me?

Our bespoke SEND Bespoke Schools Search Service is completely tailored to you and your child.

What's the process?

Working with The Good Schools Guide means harnessing the expertise of people who really understand neurodiversity. Because the needs of each family are different, all our research is bespoke - we have no standard lists of schools. Our goal is to identify education options that will help your child to make progress, flourish and above all be happy. 

That might mean investigating schools that are mainstream or specialist, independent or state. We might look at other paths such as online, hybrid learning or specialist tutors or even consider alternative or part time provision where, for example, a child has struggled to attend school. 

We talk to our colleagues, speak to schools and – with your permission - send reports to them and follow up to get their feedback so that our research includes everything you need to know, from place availability to support, academic pathways to developing friendships. You should then have the information you need to make an informed decision. 

How long will it take?

At the start of the process we will ensure that we have a clear idea of your time pressures and deadlines and will work to these. Your consultant will keep in touch with you and update you regularly during the research process and will provide feedback throughout the process so you feel confident that you have the information you need to narrow down your options, prepare a report with details of the schools we have contacted, their response and next steps and talk the report through with you and discuss next steps .

What will it cost?

Our bespoke research costs from £2,000 to £7,000 (including VAT) based on how involved and complex the research is likely to be and how much time we estimate that the research will take. This will take into account the type and level of support that your child needs, whether you would like us to research schools for other children in the family and what this would involve, the number and type of schools that we would be contacting and the areas involved. 

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“I would like to thank you for all your support during the past couple of months. I think you were just perfect for us all and I really appreciated your emotional support as well as the professional help of course which was outstanding.”
July 2022

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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.

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.