Introducing Cat: School Advice
Having spent the last sixteen years in admissions, I have two golden rules.
The first is quite simple – there’s a right place for everyone. It may not always be the one you think it is, or have your heart set on but there is and that’s where I can help.
Having met countless numbers of children over the years, going through admissions tests for entry at 11, 13 and 16, and having huge experience of admissions in both London and around the country, I love nothing more than meeting a child, getting to know them and helping families with what is probably one of the biggest decisions they will ever make. You get one shot at it and I can help you get it right.
Finding the right school can be confusing and time-consuming, not to mention frustrating. With no common admissions system and everyone doing their own thing, parents run the risk of trying to do too much, rather than narrowing choices down and concentrating on a few sensible ones. I would always suggest a firm favourite – which should be a realistic proposition and a second choice your child would be happy with should the first choice not come through. Remember these exams and interviews are just a snapshot of a particular day so it’s important to have a third – and very realistic prospect – as back up. There are often reasons for doing more, and I’m always happy to explore that, but for your child’s sake, I would never suggest overburdening them. And it’s worth mentioning that over the years I have seen choices shift as the process goes along and third becomes first.
I’m here to help both your child realise their potential, find the right place for them and help you through it, from initial thoughts to helping you decide when those offers come through and all the bits in between. It can be a very traumatic time for both children and parents – I’ve seen it from the other side and know how important it is to bring a sense of perspective to the whole thing, based on good, solid advice. I get such a buzz when I know someone is making the right choice. That applies to both schools and parents – schools need to get the right people too.
The second golden rule - don’t listen to ‘them’. ‘Them’ is the playground gossip, everyone telling you what they think you should do, giving you the benefit of their own experience. Far better to get some professional advice from those of us who really understand how the system works and can give you relevant, honest and impartial advice.
Oppidan bring a fresh approach to the whole educational landscape, with the child and their wellbeing at the heart of everything they do. That’s why I have chosen to work with them and look forward to using my experience and knowledge to help you get it right.