Ad Hoc Consultancy
General Consultancy
Keystone has built up a comprehensive knowledge of the UK private education system, and advises parents on their educational options. We use a variety of sources to gather reliable, objective information about schools, education systems, curricula, teachers and the whole scope of the contemporary educational experience.
We offer a free 15 minute consultation to any client in the first instance so we can explain our services and answer any questions you may have.
Keystone has built up a comprehensive knowledge of
the UK private education system.
Standalone consultations
Often families will have a specific topic they would like to discuss in depth, and we have significant experience in supporting families with the following examples:
- Overview of the UK education system.
- GCSE/A Level/IB subject choices.
- Would IB or A Levels be more suitable for my child?
- Which school/university offer should I accept?
- Personalised timeline for school/university entrance.
- Explanation of entrance test requirements and preparation.
Ad hoc advice
We can advise families in many ways as and when required, including but not limited to:
- General Educational Recommendations: Recommend educational professionals, such as educational psychologists, therapists and other advisors.
- Enrichment Recommendations: Recommend non-school educational opportunities: book recommendations, holiday and course opportunities, homeschooling.
- Educational Troubleshooting: Be a common-sense and proactive sounding board for solutions to any educational headache.
Education Health Check
Keystone’s ‘Education Health Check’ offers an annual ‘MOT’ to ensure that families are getting the best possible educational experience. Keystone’s Education Health Check seeks to provide a common-sense and proactive sounding board for miscellaneous educational troubleshooting outside of the more targeted Schools and University selection processes.
- Quarterly meetings with a dedicated Education Consultant. These meetings would always have a pre-planned agenda to maximise efficiency
- A review of your children’s school and tutor reports
- A short report outlining school options – this would look at the different scenarios (i.e. London schools vs schools outside of London; commute times etc.)
- Advice on planning and discussion with respect to the longer-term educational strategy
- Collaboration with our SEN advisors
- A general sounding board for any educational troubleshooting
- Access and referrals to Keystone’s unparalleled network of trusted advisors, from Oxbridge experts to the best SEN advisors
- Reading recommendations and summer school, holiday and wider enrichment recommendations
- Advice on sourcing relevant work experience and suitable careers advisors
The Education Health Check is billed in quarterly instalments in advance of each quarter. The client or Keystone Tutors may terminate the annual advisory service at the end of each quarter. The fee is solely for Keystone’s advisory work conducted by members of the Keystone team. Any additional expenses will be billed on top. These may include (but are not limited to) tutoring fees, school registration fees and travel to the client’s location. Keystone will inform the client in advance of any additional fees for services beyond the advisory service.
Feedback for our services
Why Work with a Keystone University Consultant?
In-Depth Knowledge of the UK University System
Our consultants have a comprehensive understanding of UK universities, from institutional values to application assessment criteria, enabling us to create strategic, tailored approaches for each student.
Evidence-Based, Strategic Support
We develop clear, actionable plans grounded in proven admissions strategies and a detailed understanding of university expectations.
Proven Track Record of Success
Our students frequently receive offers from prestigious UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh, and Durham. Approximately 80% of the Oxbridge applicants we support are invited to interview and the majority receive offers from their first-choice or insurance UCAS options, with nearly all securing places at top-tier universities.
Problem-Solving Expertise
Whether you're submitting a last-minute application, navigating clearing, considering reapplication after a rejection, or seeking guidance on specific questions, our experienced consultants provide practical solutions and expert advice.
Our consultancy team
Latest School & University Blog Posts
University Choices
‘What shall I do when I leave school?’ is just one of a number of important questions students make during their final three years at school. But, it is one that they shouldn’t feel daunted by as this is an exciting time and, typically, the final step in their formal education. The most salient point to remember is that there is a spider’s web of people from whom they can seek advice: teachers, parents, friends and even current university students. Importantly, the final decision must be the student’s, and one that they are ultimately happy with.
Written by Keystone Tutors
School League Tables
Using School League Tables in the UK: What you need to know?
When it comes to choosing a school for your child, one of the first places many parents turn to is school league tables. These tables, which rank schools based on their academic performance, can seem like an easy way to identify the “best” schools. However, while they provide useful data, it’s essential to understand how to interpret them and recognise their limitations.
In this blog, we’ll explore how UK school league tables work, the benefits of using them, and the important factors you should also consider when choosing a school.
If you're interested in learning more about other factors to consider when choosing a school, please visit our blog post on ‘How to Choose a British Independent School for my Child.’
Written by Keystone Tutors
Applying to UK Universities
Applying to UK universities is an exciting yet complex process, with various application deadlines, course requirements, and university choices to consider. Understanding how to navigate UCAS, craft a compelling personal statement, and select the right course can make all the difference. In this guide, Jenny McGowan, one of Keystone's Education Consultants provides expert advice on the key steps in the UK university application process.
This video provides an overview of the application process and will be helpful for any students (and their parents) looking ahead to their UK university applications. The blog below provides further detail and there are many links to resources which students should find helpful.
Written by Keystone Tutors
Deciding Between Oxford and Cambridge University
Which is ‘best’, Oxford or Cambridge University?
It should be clear that the ‘best’ of these two historic institutions is going to be the one which has the most to offer you. This decision should be based on careful and thorough research. Knowing exactly why you want to go to Oxford over Cambridge won’t just help improve your application, it will be the reason behind it, as you cannot apply for both.
Written by Keystone Tutors
11 Plus Interview Questions
Preparing for 11 Plus interviews for independent schools is a crucial step for students aiming to secure a place at their chosen secondary school. In this guide, Keystone’s 11 Plus tutors share valuable advice and practical tips to help students showcase their full potential at interview.
In this video Keystone's founder, Will Orr-Ewing, and Managing Director, Ed Richardson, share their insights on tackling the 11 Plus entrance interviews for independent schools.
Written by Keystone Tutors
