Boarding admissions consultants typically deliver: shortlist construction tailored to the child, pre-test and interview preparation, application narrative work, and timeline management. Most charge GBP 5,000 to 25,000 across a full Year 6 to Year 9 entry cycle.
What consultants do
Boarding admissions consultants typically deliver: shortlist construction tailored to the child, pre-test and interview preparation, application narrative work, and timeline management. Most charge GBP 5,000 to 25,000 across a full Year 6 to Year 9 entry cycle.
When they earn the fee
For competitive Year 7 or Year 9 entry at the most selective UK boarding schools (Eton, Westminster, Wycombe Abbey, Cheltenham Ladies College), consultants add structural value through pre-test preparation, interview coaching and reference choreography. Families without UK boarding context benefit most.
When they do not
For mid-market boarding schools or less competitive year-group entries, the value is thinner. Most schools at this level have admissions teams that handle the process directly. Many families do not need an external consultant.
Questions to ask
Ask: what is your placement rate at the schools we are interested in? What does your fee cover? Do you take referral fees from schools? (Best practice is no.) Will you work with our existing school's counsellor or replace them?