Moving to the UK and looking for a School

Moving to a new country is very stressful experience for families. A major area of concern is the education of the children. Searching for the right school can be a daunting task. Finding schools that will best suit your children’s needs in an unknown education system can be a bewildering, time-consuming and frustrating experience.

Parents who are moving to the UK can save themselves a great deal of worry and anxiety about choosing schools for their children by using School Guidance. We have up to date information about schools and in-depth knowledge of the education system from nursery to university. Whatever the type of education is being sought, be it independent, state, international, national, boarding or day School Guidance takes the worry out of the decision making for parents moving to the UK.

SCHOOL SEARCH PROCESS

Preliminary Stage

The School Search package is agreed (click here for prices)

The completed Questionnaire is sent, usually by email to School Guidance.

The child’s latest school report is sent, usually by email to School Guidance. If the child has Special Education Needs, reports, IEPs and any other relevant documents are also sent, usually by email.

Education Consultation

The School Search starts with a consultation. The consultation normally takes an hour and may be by telephone or face-to-face depending on the level of School Search. Your aspirations for your child and his or her educational needs will be discussed. Your child’s academic ability, hobbies, interests and character will be discussed in detail.

Information will be given about the different types of schooling available in the search area.

The area for the school search, the type of schooling you require and the Criteria for the School Search will be discussed and agreed. Any specific information about the schools that parents wish to be included in the Report will be agreed.

The timescale will be agreed.

School Search and Education Report

When the School Search has been completed the Education Report containing information about the schools that meet the criteria and have places, is sent to the parents, usually by email. Depending on the level of service the report will contain information on a selection of the following:

	School contact details
	Name of Head teacher
	Name of Registrar and direct telephone number
	School size and numbers of boys and girls where applicable
	Class size
	Inspection report links
	Test/examination results
	Comparison of Education System in the UK and the home country
	Sports played at the school during each term
	Facilities offered
	Comparison of examination results
	Admission arrangements
	Admission Criteria for state schools
	Availability of places
	Inspection report link and comments
	Languages offered
	Examination Boards used by school for different subjects
	Extra curricular activities
	Entrance requirements
	Special Needs provision
	Map Showing location of the schools
	Comparative costings
	Saturday School timetable
	Weekend arrangements for full time boarders
	Number of full and part time boarders
	Number of international Students
	Number of fixed exeats each term
	SEN provision
	School Fees
	Term dates and half term dates
	Dates when visits are possible

Additional Information

Information may be sent to parents usually by email on educational topics. Titles include:

Visiting and Assessing Schools
Questions to Ask Schools
A Brief Guide to Education in the UK
Understanding League Tables
Independent Schools

School Visits

Parents choose which schools they want to visit from the schools short-listed in the Education Report.

The School Search packages except for the Basic School Search include a Schedule of Unaccompanied School Visits. Accompanied School Visits can be added to the Standard and Gold Standard School Search packages but not to the Basic School Search.

Decision Making and Application Process

After the visits the family is de-briefed and help and guidance is given with the decision making process.

Assistance is given throughout the application process until school places are confirmed.

ADMISSION APPEALS

If no suitable school places are available in a preferred state school, School Guidance can assist the family with an Admission Appeal and if needed represent the family at the appeal hearing.

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RELOCATING FROM AMERICA

"Thank you so much for your fabulous assistance in finding the right school for Tristan. We are thrilled with the school and he can't wait to start! Your sound advice and guidance was invaluable.
We would not have been successful had it not been for your assistance."
Corporate Client
State School Search in Bedfordshire

RELOCATING FROM SOUTH ASIA

"We can't thank you enough for your very efficient and friendly service."
A Foreign Office family
posted in South Asia

EDUCATION PLAN FOR A NEW AREA

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help in finding schools for my children. Your approach allowed me to focus on what was important in a school for me. As we are moving to an area I know little about, your research allowed me to define which would be the best areas to live in to be near
good Junior and Secondary schools.
Your advice was very clear and logical and the speed of your response has meant that we are finally making progress."
Mr and Mrs Malik

RELOCATING FROM SOUTH AFRICA

"Again thank you for all of your work and effort on the schools issue. I really feel fortunate to have found a resource such as you who did excellent work in providing the advice I needed as well as conducting the school search that fitted our needs."
Corporate Client

Penny Bysshe. School Guidance Consultancy
Orchard House, High Road, Cookham, Berkshire SL6 9JT
Tel. +44 (0)1628 810696. Email. consult@school-guidance.co.uk

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