The Good Schools Guide
Consultancy

University Advice Consultancy

Our expertise doesn’t stop with schools. Our team includes specialists in entry to both UK and overseas universities.
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Is it right for me?

If you are or your child are starting to plan for higher education and are considering UK universities, including Oxbridge or university in the USA, we have experienced consultants who can help support and advise you through the process. 

What's the process?

Your initial contact will be with one of our administrators who, having understood your requirements, will assign you to the right consultant.

Our range of university consultancy services

US Universities Consultancy

Our consultant will support you through the application process. This can include essay or personal statement guidance, tests including SAT scheduling, arranging and finalising references, scholarship applications as well as identifying the most appropriate universities and courses to suit the strengths and interests of each applicant. 

UK Universities Consultancy

We offer a range of bespoke services according to your individual needs, from a one hour consultation about A level / IB subject choice to an Oxbridge Application service

A level / IB Subject Choice Guidance

This one-hour telephone consultation is intended for students in year 11 (or its international equivalent) to discuss how their A Level/IB subject choices relate to their university application, allowing them to ensure that decisions made at this stage do not preclude options further down the line. 

Stand Alone Personal Statement Service

The personal statement is one of the most important means of conveying why an applicant wishes to study a specific subject. Most students have little experience of this form of writing, and guidance about what to include and how to construct a statement can often make a significant difference in ensuring their application stands out in a competitive field. 

This service is intended for those who have already decided on their subject and university. It includes an initial one-to-one one-hour telephone or virtual consultation to explore how the student’s current experience, super-curricular studies and academic attainment relate to their application; provision of a template to work from based on the information the student supplies in the consultation; an edit of the first draft of the student’s statement; and a second edit of the statement once it has been submitted to the school for comment. 

University Search Consultancy (with personal statement support)

This is a bespoke service, which includes an in-depth consultation with the undergraduate applicant to provide all the information necessary to choose courses and universities that are right for them. Also suitable for applications to International Foundation Programmes, Master’s degrees and vocational qualifications, such as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). 

The service involves an initial face-to-face, telephone or virtual consultation with the student lasting about an hour; a follow-up written report detailing courses and universities suitable for the student; assistance constructing a personal statement, which will ensure the student has the best possible chance of a place at their selected universities and unlimited telephone, virtual or email support until the student has confirmed a place at university they are happy with (within one academic year). 

Oxbridge Application Service

This service is designed for those who are planning, 18 months in advance of entry, to apply to Oxford or Cambridge. 

It comprises an initial face-to-face, telephone or virtual consultation with the student lasting about an hour to discuss their subject choice; a follow-up written report providing a detailed breakdown of the entry procedure, including a list of courses and colleges to prioritise and dates for open days, college and subject visits; suggestions for extra-curricular activities and wider reading to enhance the application; a further Zoom or telephone consultation prior to help with preparation of the first draft of the personal statement and guidance on preparation of any subsidiary statements; guidance about interview practice and additional reading in the run up to subject-specific tests and interview. 

How long will it take?

You will be connected with the right consultant within a few days of your first call with the office. The length of time you work with the consultant will depend on which service you choose. You will be told how long you will have the consultant available to you as part of the agreement's terms when you start the service. 

How much will it cost?

All our university advice services are competitively charged on a bespoke basis depending on the circumstances of each individual case. 

Get in touch
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all the help you offered for this college application process. I have been offered a secure place. This wouldn’t have been possible without your help. Again, thank you so much.”
June 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.