Victoria Education Consultancy
Finding the right school for your child
Shelley gets to know your child: their strengths inside and outside the classroom, their interests and any support they may need. She also considers your family’s priorities, such as location and whether full, weekly or flexi-boarding would suit. She then recommends UK independent schools where your child can be happy, supported and able to thrive.
Assessment to indicate ability level in line with independent schools
Standardised assessment gives an independent indication of your child’s current academic level. The results help to identify schools that offer the right level of challenge for your child.
Expert support through the application process
Admissions processes vary from school to school. Shelley explains how each process works, from registration to pre-tests such as the ISEB Common Pre-test and interviews, and helps you plan each application in good time.
Preparing your child with confidence
Schools want to get to know your child and their personality. Preparation helps your child feel comfortable talking to an adult and giving their opinions, so they can be natural and share their genuine interests rather than learned answers.
Liaising with schools and managing deadlines
Shelley liaises with admissions teams and keeps track of registration deadlines, assessments and interviews, so you know what comes next at each stage.
Continued guidance beyond admission
Guidance continues after a place is offered, as your child prepares to start at their new school and settles in.
Shelley Victoria Smithfounder of Victoria Education Consultancy
I’m Shelley Smith, founder of Victoria Education Consultancy. Here I am back at the Dragon School, Oxford, where I was Head of Future Schools, and for 18 years I advised parents on choosing the right school for their child. Finding the right school can feel overwhelming as there are many excellent schools and admissions processes vary from school to school.
Here are five points to consider when you begin your journey.
Number one, there are many fantastic schools in the UK and whilst it might be tempting to choose a prestigious school that is well known, ensure your focus is on which school is right for your child.
Number two, does your child have any particular strengths or require any additional support? Can the school offer this?
Number three, what interests or passions does your child have beyond the classroom? Does the school cater for these and can it offer opportunities to stretch your child further, or try something new?
Number four, what pastoral support do they offer, particularly in a boarding house?
And number five, from a practical perspective, if you are looking at boarding schools, how easy is it for you to visit your child there or for your child to travel to and from the school? Do they offer a bus service to London or airport runs?
These are just a few examples of things to consider, but for more personal advice and to discuss your family’s educational plans in confidence, I would be delighted to hear from you.
If you would like to discuss your family’s educational plans in confidence, I would be delighted to hear from you.