Making the choice

Choosing the right independent school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. At Chattan Harbour, we understand that this journey can feel overwhelming, with countless questions about everything from academic standards and inspection results to boarding life and cultural fit. That's why we've assembled some of the most frequently asked questions from families just like yours, answered by our collective of former Heads who have successfully led some of the country's finest independent schools. Our  expertise removes the guesswork from your decision-making process, providing you with the insider knowledge and impartial guidance you need to navigate this crucial choice with confidence.

FAQs

Take a look below and don't worry if your question isn't covered...simply get in touch with us and we can answer you directly.

Q: What exactly makes Chattan Harbour different from other school placement services?

A: We're the only consultancy where every advisor is a verified former Head who has successfully led schools through ISI or OFSTED inspections. While other services may use sales staff or general education consultants, our team has actually run the schools we're recommending. This means we understand school culture, leadership quality, and operational excellence from the inside - insights you simply cannot get elsewhere. We also review the financial health of schools using Companies House data, ensuring we only recommend institutions with solid foundations for your child's entire educational journey.

Q: How do you match my child with the right school?

A: Our process begins with understanding your child's academic profile, personality, interests, and your family's values and practical requirements. We use assessment tools including school reports and CAT4 testing where appropriate. Our Heads then apply their insider knowledge of school cultures, teaching approaches, and leadership styles to identify institutions where your child will truly thrive. We're developing Project BEATRIX, an advanced database system that will enhance our matching capabilities even further, but our human expertise remains at the heart of every recommendation.

Q: Do you work with schools directly, or are you independent?

A: We maintain complete independence from schools - we're not agents earning commissions from placements. This means our advice is genuinely impartial and focused solely on your child's best interests. Our Heads' reputations and track records speak for themselves; we don't need financial incentives from schools to make recommendations. This independence is crucial for providing honest assessments of each institution's strengths and potential limitations.

Q: What's included in each service tier, and how do I choose?

A: Our Bronze tier (£49+VAT) offers a focused 30-minute phone consultation - perfect if you have specific questions or want to test our approach. Silver (£249+VAT) adds video consultation and assessment review. Gold (£1,249+VAT) includes family meetings and school observations - ideal for families wanting hands-on guidance. Executive (£5,949+VAT) provides school tours with our Heads plus ongoing support. Black tier (£9,949+VAT) offers comprehensive year-long support including fee negotiation. Gold tier and above receive emergency placement prioritisation, which can be invaluable if circumstances change unexpectedly.

Q: Do you offer any guarantees or refunds?

A: We stand behind our expertise with a quality assurance approach. For Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, refunds are available if you're not satisfied with the quality of our service. For Executive and Black tiers, we offer partial refunds if your child needs to change schools within the first year due to factors we should have identified. However, our track record of successful school leadership gives us confidence in our recommendations. We're currently refining our refund policy to ensure it reflects our commitment to your family's success.

Q: How do I know your Heads are genuinely qualified?

A: Every Head in our collective has verifiable credentials and inspection success. Our CEO Dan Wright, for example, was Headmaster of Mount St Mary's College from 2021-2024 and was recognised for his work moving his school onto the Sunday Times Parent Power list for the first time in its history. He holds an MEd from Cambridge and has leadership experience across both state and independent sectors. All our Heads have led schools through successful ISI or OFSTED inspections - these are independently verified achievements that demonstrate proven leadership and educational excellence. We can provide specific credentials for the Head who would work with your family.

Q: What age groups and types of schools do you specialize in?

We focus primarily on children aged 11+ with particular expertise in the secondary school and sixth form age group, though our Heads' experience spans the full independent sector - prep schools included. We work with day schools, boarding schools, and mixed arrangements. We have in-house SENDCO support for families with special educational needs, and we're developing scholarship bid writing services for gifted students.

Q: Can you help with emergency placements or last-minute needs?

A: Yes, families at Gold tier and above receive emergency placement prioritization. Our Heads' networks and reputations often allow us to identify opportunities that aren't publicly available. However, we always recommend starting the school selection process as early as possible to ensure the widest range of options for your child.

Q: How long does the school selection process typically take?

A: This varies significantly based on your timeline and requirements. A Bronze consultation can happen within days, while comprehensive Gold+ services typically unfold over several months to allow for proper assessment, school visits, and application preparation. We work at your pace, but generally recommend starting at least 12-18 months before your desired entry date for the best selection of options. Emergency placements are possible but naturally limit choices.

Q: What information do you need from us to get started?

A: We'll need your child's recent school reports, any assessment results, and information about their interests, strengths, and any particular needs. We also discuss your family's values, practical requirements (location, boarding preferences, etc.), and educational goals. The specific documentation requirements vary by service tier, and we're currently developing a more structured process to streamline this.

Q: Can you help families moving to the UK from overseas?

A: Absolutely. We have extensive experience with international families and understand the unique challenges of relocating to the UK education system. We can explain cultural differences, help with timeline planning around visa processes, and recommend schools with strong international communities. While we partner with specialists for specific visa advice, our Heads understand the educational aspects of international transitions. We're also developing partnerships with relocation services to provide comprehensive support.

Q: Do you work with children who have special educational needs?

A: Yes, we have in-house SENDCO support specifically for SEND applications. Our team understands how to identify schools with strong SEND provision and can guide you through the additional requirements these applications often involve. We're integrating this support across our service tiers and can match you with Heads who have particular experience in SEND education.

Q: What about siblings - do you offer family discounts?

A: We're currently developing our approach to sibling placements and family discounts. Each child has unique needs, so we typically assess siblings individually, but we understand the practical and financial considerations for families with multiple children. Please discuss your specific situation during your initial consultation, and we'll work with you to find an appropriate approach.