Educational Consultancy

Educational Consultancy involves working with students on planning educational choices for secondary school entry, sixth form and higher education. We also advise on school options and sixth form exam choices. The following support is available:

• Secondary school selection and Sixth Form; advice on scholarships, pre-tests and schools research

• Sixth form subject and exam choices- A Level, Pre U, IB

• Academic Coaching for improving performance

• University applications for UK and USA

• Advice and support with US applications- Common Application, Essays, scholarships

• Support with UK applications – UCAS application, personal statements and course choices, admissions testing advice

• Oxbridge Applications process support – advice on every stage of the process including college choices, admissions testing and interviews

• Scholarships and funding advice

Higher Education Applications

Our process for students planning their university choices is as follows:

• Discussions with student and parents post 16 (GCSE) to identify their aptitudes and interests. Analysis of school reports and test scores is carried out alongside psychometric assessment analysis where this might be useful. For UK applications, course choices may require specific subjects at sixth form which involves analysing student aspirations, interests and aptitudes.

• an educational plan is set out for curricular / super-curricular development with support to build work experience and other areas in preparation for university applications.

• goals are set according to the student’s potential and university aspirations. We research suitable options based on subject combinations and course choices (UK) and university choices for the USA – a report containing this research and recommendations is provided for those who sign up for advice.

• regular support is given to the student to prepare their application including liaising with university admissions, help with UCAS statement preparation and US essays and supplemental writing.

• comprehensive support and advice with UK admissions testing for Oxbridge and other Russell group university requirements – i.e. law (LNAT), design and art applications (portfolios), interview preparation.

• Advice on choosing firm and insurance options, support with clearing or adjustment choices on results day (UK).

• Support with Common Application process, essays, writing and scholarship/ funding advice for students as required (USA).

Career Guidance Talks for Schools

We welcome requests for career guidance talks by schools and educational institutions. Our work involves liaising with universities and working with several employer schemes for internships and early careers. This gives us great insights into the world of work and higher education. Our mission is to give students exceptional guidance towards achieving their educational goals and help find work experiences that guide them towards choosing career pathways that suit each individual.

Smarter Lives has worked with students in the independent (private) sector, state sector in the UK and international schools. We have helped students with selective entry tests to independent day and boarding schools. We have supported students with academic scholarships and entry tests to selective schools such as Eton, Charterhouse, Harrow, Wellington College including support with online reasoning tests]/pre-entry assessment preparation and interviews.

Secondary school guidance includes advice on development of the whole child – including other talent development such as music, drama, arts and sport. 

Motivational Coaching and Wellbeing Coaching for Students

Wellbeing and motivational support is an important part of keeping teenagers happy and engaged in their academic and life goals. As a qualified Life Coach, all work done with students involves an element of life coaching which enables them to indentify obstacles set goals and plan pathways which are balanced with their interests, talents and the support of their families and peers.

Mental health awareness and the support needed from parents is considered when working with young people. All information is confidentially held, with advice and involvement of parents for minors.

Educational Psychometrics

We offer psychometric assessments which measure ability, personality and  career preferences to help with planning future education and career  choices.  These are online assessments and  include a careers database  to explore future fields of work.

As a registered assessor for Morrisby Online Assessments and Talent Strengths Assessments, we can provide ability and personality based assessments which are used for Educational and Career Guidance.

To find out more about psychometric assessment