EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANCY

A school that fits.
A considered way forward.

Independent guidance on school selection and entrance, grounded in a careful understanding of the pupil and the family’s priorities.

The monument and Edinburgh skyline on Calton Hill
Calton Hill, Edinburgh.
Explore consultancy options and fees ↓

SCHOOL SELECTION

Start with the pupil, then the school.

I begin with a discussion of the pupil’s academic strengths, character, and interests, and what a family hopes a school will provide. From there, we can consider appropriate schools and the important differences between them.

I provide independent guidance to families considering schools in London and Edinburgh, helping them assess fit, understand admissions requirements, and prepare appropriately.

A CONSIDERED NEXT STEP

The right support.
A clear scope.

We will agree the appropriate service, its scope, deliverables, timescale, and fee in writing before work begins.

Complimentary introductory conversation

30 minutes · No charge

A conversation to understand your priorities, consider whether I can help, and agree which service would be appropriate. It carries no obligation and does not include document review, research, or school recommendations.

01

Focused Consultation

£250A defined consultation

For a specific educational question or a decision that would benefit from a considered second perspective.

  • A pre-consultation questionnaire and up to 30 minutes of document review.
  • One 75-minute parent consultation.
  • A concise written action note, normally two to three pages, delivered within an agreed timescale.
  • One clarification email within seven days.

This service does not include a bespoke written school shortlist, an admissions plan, extensive research, school liaison, or open-ended follow-up.

Payable in advance.

02

School Selection & Admissions Plan

£750A defined plan and follow-up

For families who need researched school options and a practical route through the admissions process.

  • A pre-consultation questionnaire and review of agreed background documents.
  • One 90-minute parent consultation and, where useful, a short pupil conversation.
  • A recommended shortlist of up to five schools or a defined strategic recommendation, as agreed with the family.
  • A written admissions roadmap with key dates and preparation priorities.
  • One 45-minute follow-up consultation within 30 days.
  • One reasonable round of factual corrections.

This is a defined engagement, not open-ended support. New research, changed criteria, extra schools, additional children, or a further admissions cycle require a separately agreed scope and fee.

Payable in advance.

03

Extended Advisory

From £1,750For a defined project

orFrom £750 per monthFor ongoing support

For relocation, several application routes, school liaison, application oversight, or decisions that need sustained attention over several months.

  • A written proposal defining the number of schools, meetings, written outputs, and liaison tasks.
  • Agreed limits on the work and support included, response arrangements, and an engagement end point.
  • For monthly support, a defined monthly scope and an agreed review or end date.

The fee reflects the work agreed with the family. Neither a project fee nor a monthly arrangement provides unlimited access or open-ended work outside that scope.

Payment arrangements, including any deposit and milestones, are agreed in the proposal.

Additional work

Work outside an agreed scope is charged at £175 per hour. The work and fee must be approved in writing before it begins.

Tuition, extended entrance preparation, travel, and school visits are quoted separately where applicable. Assessments, school registration fees, and other third-party costs are not included unless expressly listed in the written proposal.

Start with a conversation about your family.

Arrange a conversation ↗Read the consultancy terms →

A few practical questions.

Which service is right for my family?

We begin with a complimentary introductory conversation of 30 minutes to understand your priorities and likely scope. This is a fit conversation, rather than a research or recommendations session. We then agree the appropriate service and its scope in writing before work begins.

Does the £250 consultation include a school shortlist?

No. The Focused Consultation includes pre-reading, one 75-minute parent consultation, a concise written action note, and one clarification email within seven days. A bespoke written school shortlist and an admissions plan are not included; these belong within the separately agreed School Selection & Admissions Plan.

How much follow-up does the £750 plan include?

The School Selection & Admissions Plan includes one 45-minute follow-up consultation within 30 days and one reasonable round of factual corrections. It does not include ongoing support, new research, or revised selection criteria. Any further work is agreed separately before it begins.

What if we need further help?

We can agree a defined Extended Advisory project from £1,750, or ongoing support from £750 per month. Additional work outside an agreed scope is £175 per hour, with written approval before it begins. Tuition, extended entrance preparation, travel, and school visits are quoted separately where applicable. Assessments, school registration fees, and other third-party costs are not included unless expressly listed in the written proposal.

Is the advice independent?

Yes. Rothwell Education has no affiliation, partnership, or formal relationship with any school. Advice is based on the pupil and the family’s priorities. Admissions decisions rest with each school, and no place, scholarship, or particular outcome is guaranteed.

ENTRANCE & ADMISSIONS

Clarity at each stage.

A sensible plan makes room for both practical deadlines and good preparation. I can help families understand the steps ahead and organise tuition around their target schools.

  • School shortlisting and admissions strategy
  • Registration timelines and preparation priorities
  • Entrance-test planning and preparation
  • Interview preparation
  • Application and personal-statement advice where relevant
  • Scholarship considerations

WORDS FROM A PARENT

“Michael has been an outstanding tutor. He covers subjects very well, has helped my daughter make great academic progress, and has a wonderful rapport with children.”

Emma · Parent · Maths, English, and Science · 11+ preparation

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Experience of competitive entrance.

I have direct experience preparing pupils for competitive school entry in London and Edinburgh.

My advice is independent. Rothwell Education has no affiliation, partnership, or formal relationship with any school.

FROM MY PRACTICE

Education, in context.

INDEPENDENT-SCHOOL ENTRANCE

Daniel: preparing with purpose for St Paul’s.

I prepared Daniel for one of London’s most competitive independent-school admissions processes, with focused entrance preparation and a clear sense of the demands ahead. Daniel gained an academic scholarship to St Paul’s School at 13+.

WORDS FROM A PARENT

“My son did extremely well on both his 11+ and Scholarship exams. He achieved an academic scholarship for St Paul's school, at 13+, and this was due to the extra helpful support Michael had provided.”

Julia · English and PRE · 11+ and 13+ scholarship preparation

LET’S BEGIN WITH A CONVERSATION

Tell me what your child needs.

Every arrangement begins with a complimentary 30-minute introductory conversation. We can discuss the pupil’s current position, objectives, and timetable, and decide whether I am the right person to help.

I usually respond within a few hours on weekdays.