About Victoria Education Consultancy
About Shelley Victoria Smith – founder of Victoria Education Consultancy
Having spent 18 years working in a prep school, advising families on UK independent school choices and admissions processes, I am passionate about ensuring that each child finds a school where they will be happy, supported and consequently thrive.
During this time, I have also gained an in-depth understanding of UK independent schools and their entry criteria, while building strong relationships with admissions teams across the sector.
For nearly two decades, I worked at one of the largest independent co-educational British boarding schools based in North Oxford, guiding UK and international families as they navigated the process of finding the right school for their child. As Head of Future Schools at the Dragon School, my focus has always been simple: to ensure every child is placed in an environment where they will be happy, supported, and able to thrive.
With almost 20 years of first-hand insight into school cultures, admissions processes, and a strong working relationship with the admissions teams behind them, I founded Victoria Education Consultancy to offer families a truly bespoke, premium service. My experience and long-standing relationships with over 30 schools, combined with my knowledge of what makes each one unique, allows me to provide tailored guidance to families seeking expert support and trusted advice.
As a parent who has been through the process myself, I can empathise with families on both a personal and a professional level as they navigate the UK independent school system. I appreciate how essential it is for a child to be placed in the right school where they can be stretched to achieve their full potential, whilst ensuring they are happy and well cared for along their journey.
Video introduction
Shelley Victoria Smithfounder of Victoria Education Consultancy
Read the transcript
I’m Shelley Smith, founder of Victoria Education Consultancy. During my time as Head of Future Schools here at the Dragon School in Oxford, I have had the privilege of advising families for 18 years on one of the most important educational decisions that they will make. As a parent myself, who has been through the process, I am acutely aware that every child is different, every family has its own priorities, and every senior school has a distinct admissions process. Navigating those choices requires not only knowledge and experience, but also time, judgement and trusted guidance.
Having supported families through every stage of the admissions journey, I founded Victoria Education Consultancy to offer a discreet, bespoke advisory service for UK and overseas families seeking a highly personalised approach.
Over the last 18 years, I have established strong professional relationships with many of the UK’s leading independent schools.
Combined with my experience and understanding of each school’s character, this enables me to offer informed, impartial advice that helps families identify the environment in which their child will flourish both academically and personally. Much of my work comes through personal recommendation and the testimonials on this website reflect the trust that schools and families have placed in me over many years.
If you would like to discuss your family’s educational plans in confidence, I would be delighted to hear from you.
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like to discuss your family’s educational plans in confidence, I would be delighted to hear from you.