EDUCATION ADVISERS

JULY NEWSLETTER

We help aspirational parents who are struggling to find the right school or educational pathway for their children to make well-informed decisions based on their child’s specific needs and their family’s priorities.

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Results Day Brings New Opportunities

As A-Level (13 August) and GCSE (20th August) Results Daysa approach, many families will be thinking carefully about the next stage of their child's education.

While exam results are important, they are only part of the picture. Every year, students achieve results that exceed expectations, opening doors to new schools and sixth-forms. Others need to rethink their plans and explore alternative options.

The key is to act quickly and seek informed advice. Whether your child is looking for a different sixth form, considering a move to an independent school, or exploring alternative academic pathways, there are often more options available than families realise.

At Education Advisers, we help parents navigate these decisions with confidence. Drawing on our extensive knowledge of independent schools across the UK, we provide impartial guidance tailored to each child's academic profile, interests and aspirations.

If you're thinking of reviewing options after GCSE or A-Level results, please contact us on +44 303 003 2259 for expert advice on finding the right school or college.

Is making a change at Sixth Form a good idea?

GCSEs are done! Hooray for the summer break, but how appealing is 6th Form?

Year 11 can be gruelling. Students and schools focus intensely and quite rightly on GCSE exams. Without good grades, progression into the school 6th Form can be in jeopardy or subject choices limited. Many schools insist on a student having a strong GCSE grade, for example 7 or higher, in GCSE before agreeing to continuation of that subject for A-level, so the stakes are high.

So much effort is directed on GCSEs that it’s easy to lose sight of how a student has changed during the year and often notably in the weeks after GCSEs too. At age 16, aspirations can change quickly and more notably also a young person’s confidence, sense of self and maturity. Has that compliant, uniform-wearing Year 11 child become more questioning, perhaps wanting to push the boundaries? Maybe the traditional 6th Form at school is just no longer a good fit. The summer break between GCSEs and the start of A-level, IB or BTEC is often a time of huge change as a young person matures and seeks to forge a slightly different identity.

It is understandable that families are reluctant to rock the boat after the GCSE preparation has gone so well and their child has been well-supported through this pressurised period. And yet, often there’s a nagging feeling that the school 6th Form is no longer quite right. Perhaps it’s time to jump ship!

Reasons to stay

Familiarity with routines is reassuring
The school’s reputation is strong and its values admired
The school’s academic record and university placements are outstanding
Friends are continuing
Excellent facilities and extra-curricular opportunities
The student is established and staff feel they know how to support him or her well
You’ve not given notice and so stand to lose a term’s fees if you move!

Reasons to consider a change, even now at the 11th hour

Your child shows no enthusiasm or excitement at the prospect of a return to the “same old”
School traditions, rules and uniform feel too restrictive
Your child longs to discover more about themselves, to rid themselves of their former perceived character and to start afresh
The old school may not offer the subject that has now captivated the student
The school may not permit the student to start the subject/s he or she wants because of less than stellar GCSE outcomes
The friendship group has become a little stale
Education Advisers can help negotiate some mitigation of the loss of the term’s notice

It is not too late to consider a change for 6th Form. Many very strong schools and colleges are still considering new entrants and will continue to do so over the summer. Let us help you through your decision-making. We’re good listeners and can offer genuinely impartial advice.

If you want expert guidance on choosing the right school, we help families navigate the full landscape - from academic performance to pastoral care, curriculum pathways and long‑term outcomes. If you would like tailored advice on selecting a school that aligns with your child’s strengths and aspirations, our consultants are here to support you. Book a call here.

Late Availability: September 2026 Places Still Open

It's a common misconception that boarding and private school places are settled months or even years in advance. In reality, fresh opportunities emerge right through the spring and summer, and for some families a "late" start can be the best decision they make.

Here are some of the reasons we're currently helping families explore September 2026 options:

Last-minute relocation.

International postings, new roles, or a change in family circumstances can mean a move to the UK (or between countries) with little notice. Schools experienced in welcoming globally-mobile families can often accommodate a swift, well-supported transition.

Sixth-form disappointments.

Not every student secures their first-choice sixth form, particularly where achieving the required GCSE grades is unlikely. September presents a natural reset point to consider schools better aligned with a child's academic direction and university ambitions.

Day to boarding (or boarding to day).

Family schedules change. What suited a child at 11 may not suit them at 14 or 16, whether that's a need for more structure and independence, or a wish to be closer to home.

A school that's no longer the right fit.

Pastoral concerns, a change in a child's needs, or simply a sense that the current environment isn't bringing out their best are all valid, common reasons to consider a move.

Unexpected withdrawals.

This mean that places do free up and schools with strong reputations can become available with surprisingly little warning. Our daily contact with schools means that we keep abreast of vacancies and can support our families in taking advantage of opportunities as they arise.

Whatever the reason, our role is to help you assess the options with clarity and confidence, drawing on our independent knowledge of schools across the UK and beyond.

Considering a change for September 2026? Get in touch with Education Advisers to discuss your child's situation and explore which schools may still have suitable places available. Book a free 30-minute call here or call us on +44 303 003 2259.

What Does a National Sporting Bursary Scheme Mean for Independent Education?

A new proposal reported in the Telegraph and backed by several leading independent schools has reignited discussion about the role of the sector in developing Britain’s sporting talent. According to plans outlined in a report commissioned by education philanthropist Sir Peter Lampl, a national scholarship and bursary programme would identify talented young athletes in state schools and offer funded places at independent schools with strong sporting traditions and elite facilities. Among the schools publicly supporting the concept are Harrow School, Rugby School and Epsom College, all of which are reported to have endorsed the proposal.

More than recruitment

At first glance, headlines suggesting independent schools are seeking to “recruit” the best athletes from the state sector may prove controversial. However, supporters of the scheme argue that the central issue is not recruitment but access. The proposal is based on the idea that talented young sportspeople - regardless of family income or educational background - should have access to world-class coaching, facilities and competitive opportunities.

The model draws inspiration from the American athletic scholarship system, where young athletes are often identified early and supported through specialist educational pathways. Initially focused on rugby and cricket, the scheme could later expand to other sports.

A debate about opportunity

For independent schools, the proposal presents an opportunity to demonstrate how their sporting resources can benefit a broader range of young people. Many independent schools already invest heavily in facilities, coaching staff and performance programmes. The report argues that a more coordinated national approach could create a structured pathway for talented athletes who might otherwise miss opportunities because of geography, finances or lack of access to specialist support.

For parents, the proposal raises important questions about social mobility and educational choice. If fully funded places become available through a national bursary scheme, talented young athletes from all backgrounds could gain access not only to sporting opportunities but also to the wider educational benefits associated with independent schooling.

Challenges ahead

The proposal is unlikely to be without critics. Some may question whether moving talented athletes from state schools into independent schools could weaken existing state-school sports programmes. Others will argue that national sporting success depends on greater investment across the entire education system rather than concentrating talent in a smaller number of institutions. These debates are likely to intensify if the plans progress beyond the discussion stage.

At the same time, independent schools themselves face financial pressures. Sir Peter Lampl noted that existing scholarship provision is becoming more challenging amid rising costs, arguing that a coordinated national model could provide a more sustainable solution than a patchwork of individual awards.

Looking forward

Whether or not the proposal is ultimately implemented, it highlights a growing conversation about the future role of independent schools in national talent development. The schools supporting the initiative—Harrow, Rugby and Epsom College—appear to be advocating a model in which independent-school expertise and facilities are used more deliberately to support high-potential young athletes from a wider range of backgrounds. [telegraph.co.uk]

For the independent sector, the wider question is not simply how to develop future elite sportspeople, but how schools can use their resources to widen opportunity, strengthen partnerships and demonstrate public value. As discussions continue, that may prove to be the most significant aspect of the proposal.

We offer free advice to help you find the right Sport programme for your child

Book a call here

Five Questions That Reveal More Than Any Prospectus

Choosing a school can feel overwhelming. Glossy prospectuses, impressive facilities and strong examination results all help create a positive first impression. But the most important aspects of school life are often found beneath the surface.

When visiting a school, asking the right questions can reveal far more than any brochure ever could. Here are five questions every parent should consider.

1. What Support Exists for Pupils Who Struggle?

Every child faces challenges at some point, whether academic, social or emotional. A school's true strength is often measured not by how it supports its highest achievers, but by how it helps pupils when things become difficult.

Ask how teachers identify pupils who may be falling behind, what intervention programmes are available, and how support is tailored to individual needs. Schools with strong pastoral and academic support systems tend to create an environment where all pupils can thrive.

2. How Is Wellbeing Measured?

Student wellbeing has become a major priority for families, and rightly so. A school may talk about wellbeing, but how does it actually monitor it?

Parents should ask how the school tracks pupil happiness, engagement and mental wellbeing. Are regular surveys used? Is there a dedicated pastoral team? How accessible are counsellors, tutors or wellbeing staff?

The answers can provide valuable insight into the school's culture and its commitment to supporting young people beyond academic achievement.

3. Where Do Pupils Progress After Leaving?

University destinations, apprenticeships and career pathways can tell you a great deal about a school's effectiveness.

Rather than focusing solely on the number of pupils gaining places at prestigious universities, ask about the breadth of destinations and whether pupils achieve outcomes that match their ambitions and abilities.

A successful school helps each student find the right path for their future, whatever that may be.

4. How Personalised Is Academic Support?

No two children learn in exactly the same way. Understanding how a school adapts its teaching and support can help you determine whether it is the right fit for your child.

Ask about class sizes, one-to-one support, stretch and challenge opportunities, and how teachers provide feedback. Schools that genuinely understand their pupils are often able to unlock potential that may otherwise go unnoticed.

5. How Does the School Communicate With Parents?

Strong partnerships between school and home are essential for a child's success.

Find out how regularly parents receive updates, whether communication is proactive, and how easy it is to contact teachers and senior staff. A school that values open and transparent communication is more likely to build trust and work collaboratively with families.

Looking Beyond the Prospectus

The best school for your child is not necessarily the one with the most impressive marketing materials or the highest position in league tables. It is the school where they will be supported, challenged, encouraged and understood.

By asking these five questions, parents can gain a much clearer picture of what everyday life is really like inside a school.

At Education Advisers, we help families look beyond the prospectus to find the educational environment that best matches their child's personality, abilities and aspirations.

📞 +44 303 003 2259

🌐 www.best-schools.co.uk

EA WEBINAR RECORDINGS

These are a multi‑part series designed to help parents navigate key education choices, hosted by EA Consultants with senior leaders and expert practitioners from top UK schools and education providers.

✅Exploring the IB Curriculum

What is the IB and is it right for your child? Vanessa Fitzgerald from Sevenoaks School and David Cass from King's College Wimbledon discuss the benefits of the IB Diploma with our Director Mary.

Topics Covered

What the IB curriculum involves
Who the IB suits best
How universities view the IB
IB vs A Levels
Where the IB is offered across the UK & globally

Watch the recording here.

✅ How to Choose the Best Prep School for Your Child

What makes these schools exceptional - and how families can make informed choices. Caroline Mulley and Caolan Wukics from Holmewood House Prep School and Trish Watt from Eaton Square Prep School speak to our Academic Director, Fiona.

Topics Covered

What the prep school curriculum looks like
Why private prep schools can be worth the investment
A typical school day
Whether to consider prep boarding
What sets top prep schools apart

Watch the recording here.

✅ UK Guardianship Demystified

Henry Michelmore from Quest Guardians explains why guardianship is an essential part of school life for many students.

Topics Covered

What guardianship is and why it is required
Who needs a guardian
What a guardian does on a day‑to‑day basis
How guardians support students, schools and families
How to choose a reputable guardianship provider

Watch the recording here.

We have 20+ years of experience in helping young people secure offers from the very best independent schools and universities. We provide a professional, bespoke service to guide families with expertise and sensitivity to find the right solution for each individual child, helping with each stage of the process. Our close links with the world’s leading independent schools and in-depth knowledge of education mean that we can provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that they are making the best choices for their child’s education.

Contact us for a free consultation to find out how we can help. Call +44 203 003 2259, Email us or Book a Call and we will be in touch as soon as possible.