Courses and resources, developed by me - a teacher, school leader and dad - to empower you as your child embarks on their education journey. I am here every step of the way!
'I am on a mission to help one million parents navigate the school system with confidence' Joe
About
Hi, I'm Joe - since becoming a dad I have been on a mission to help parents navigate the school system with confidence.
I have been a teacher, school leader and education consultant for more than 15 years. I have won awards for my contribution to education, I am a published author and have given evidence at the Education Select Committee in the House of Commons.
I'm also a dad to two young boys.
Just like you, my partner (who's also a teacher) and I care deeply about our children's education.
​
However, as insiders, we know how to navigate, and thrive in the school system, without spending wasted hours searching for information or being swayed by the opinions of our friends.
​
I want to share these insights with you too. That is why I set up School Compass.
​
I am here to help every step of the way
Choose your starting point to find the most appropriate resources for you...
Understanding the Basics of the English School System
The English school system is probably one of the most complex and fragmented in the world!
​
Having taught in two other countries, I know there are key differences you should understand.
​
If you are new to the country or were educated in a different system, these free resources and course will empower you with all of the information you need to feel confident as you navigate the school system.
Navigating Secondary Schools
Secondary School Applications and Transition into Secondary School.
​
If you are in the process of applying for secondary schools for your child in the next few years, these resources will help you feel confident to make the right decisions for your and your family.
​
These courses cover both the application process and how to navigate the transition into secondary school successfully.
Navigating Primary Schools
Primary Applications and Transition to Primary School.
If you are in the process of applying for primary schools for your child in the next few years, these resources will help you feel confident to make the right decisions for your and your family.
​
These courses cover both the application process and how to navigate the transition into primary school successfully.
Navigating 'Options', Exams and Post-16 Choices
As your child reaches Year 9 of secondary school (in some cases, Year 8) they will need to pick their exam options. These resources guide you through this process.
​
In the final year of secondary school, your child will sit public exams. These resources guide you so that you can support your child effectively.
​
After secondary school, your child will have a range of options - These resources empower you to navigate this phase with confidence.
You want the best education experience for your child
But it is easy to feel out of control. I help by providing...
Objective, easy-to-understand information
The most up-to-date research on the topics you care about
Online courses which fit around a busy schedule
Time saving tools to help you focus your energy on the things which matter the most
Insider wisdom - built on more than 15 years experience
Friendly, non-judgemental support
Testimonials from course participants
I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. It was a complete eye-opener on the factors to take into consideration when choosing a school for your child. Joe is a great facilitator. His skills and experiences certainly shone through.
George, London
We were introduced to Joe when he did a short session at our son’s primary school... we signed up to do some fuller virtual secondary school sessions with Joe and thought they were brilliant - gave us the tools to understand the differences and similarities between secondary schools and highlighted interesting educational research that we’d probably have missed. We just felt more confident doing the school tours and filling in our application after that. I wish we’d found him sooner (even at the end of Y4!) because don’t think I got the best out of our Y5 tours. I’d definitely recommend.
Tracey, London
I now feel like I am in a much better position to start looking at all of the information about schools - knowing what is relevant to me and the type of school I want for my child.
Begona, London
The education landscape has changed significantly since your school days, with various school types, teaching approaches, and a revamped exam system. More options but also more uncertainty. Parents are grappling with immense pressure, and education is too vital to leave to chance or make decisions based on limited information.​​