Understand school. Navigate decisions. Help your child thrive.

Independent guidance to help you understand how schools work, navigate decisions and support your child through everyday school life.

Created by a teacher, school leader and parent who has spent nearly twenty years working inside schools.

Find your starting point

Start with the question that matters to your family. Explore free guidance before deciding whether you want more structured support.

Applying for primary school
Questions and prompts to help you make more of school visits.

Starting Reception
Understand the move into primary school and what to expect.

Exploring secondary schools
Look beyond first impressions and ask useful questions.

Preparing for secondary school
Begin understanding the changes ahead for your child and you.

My child is already at school
Explore learning, assessment and everyday school life.

Navigating the school system isn’t about following someone else. There is no perfect route and there is no 'right' school. Every family, every child and every school community is different.

School Compass isn't a map or a sat nav. I can't tell you which is the 'best' school, but I can give you something much more valuable - a compass.

The compass is a set of ideas, tools and insights to help you understand the system, navigate key decisions and support your child with confidence.

Understand the system

Navigate the system

Your child THRIVES in the system

The School Compass Framework

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.

NO Risk: 100% refund guarantee

I have spent four years testing my content, resources and toolkit in school halls, community centers and live webinars.

I am confident that you will feel empowered about navigating the school system so that your child can thrive.

If you don't - I haven't done my job. 100% refund - guarenteed.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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’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