About Our Webinars

Our webinars offer insights into education topics, including exam & interview preparation, school admissions tips, and student health and well-being. We continually refresh our webinar range to offer the latest advice. The webinars are free to register. Each webinar is delivered by one of our expert consultants via YouTube Live and features a Q&A sessions at the end. Webinars will typically last 30 minutes.

Understanding the Value of Independent Versus State Education in a Changing Financial Landscape

28th January, 2025 | 6:00 - 6:30 PM | 0-18 Years

With the introduction of VAT on private school fees and rising costs in independent education, this webinar addresses a key question for families: What is the real value of independent versus state education in today’s financial climate? Understanding these changes is essential for parents making informed decisions about their child’s future.

Hosted by education consultant Charlotte Faber, the session will explore the practical implications of the VAT policy, comparing independent and state/grammar school education. It’s designed for parents considering a move from private to state schools, as well as those weighing both options for the first time. Charlotte will offer invaluable insights to help families navigate this changing landscape.

This event is for working parents of children aged 0 - 18 years.

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Charlotte Faber - Ivy Education
Consultant Profile

Charlotte

Schools Consultant & Exam-Focused Assessor

"Charlotte has over 12 years of experience in education, most recently as Headmistress of Garden House Upper Girls’ School. Previously, she spent 8 years teaching Year 3 and Year 5 at Garden House. As Head, she prepared students for future schools through practice interviews, curriculum oversight, and guiding families in choosing and targeting their preferred schools."

Full Profile

Past roles and experience

Living with a Teenager: How to Foster Positive Reinforcement and Build Harmony at Home

12th February, 2025 | 6:00 - 6:30 PM | 12 - 18 Years

Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents and adolescents. This webinar, led by educational consultant Dr. David Smith, aims to provide practical strategies for fostering a culture of positive reinforcement within the family.

With over 25 years of experience in education, including roles as Head of Department, Housemaster, Registrar, and Deputy Headmaster at leading UK independent schools, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of knowledge to this session. This webinar is designed for parents seeking effective methods to enhance communication and build stronger relationships with their teenage children. Dr. Smith will share evidence-based techniques and personal insights to help families create a supportive and positive home environment.

This event is for working parents of children aged 12 -18 years.


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Dr Smith - Ivy Education
Consultant Profile

David

"With thirty years’ experience across the independent sector as a Head of Department, Housemaster, Registrar and Deputy Headmaster, David draws on a detailed understanding of the sector to support families at each stage of their educational journey to ensure that informed choices are made. With four children who have all attended independent schools, David can readily relate to the many questions that parents from the UK and overseas will have about each aspect of selecting the right school."

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How To Choose a Secondary School For Your Child: Looking Beyond the League Tables

25th February, 2025 | 6:00 - 6:30 PM | 7-12 Years

Choosing the right secondary school is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your child’s future. This webinar, hosted by education expert Dr. Dianne Barratt, will provide practical guidance to help parents look beyond league tables and understand what truly makes a school the best fit for their child.

Dr. Barratt brings over 25 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in independent schools and working with families globally as an education consultant. With a background in designing curriculum programs and supporting children with a wide range of learning needs, her approach is both personalised and evidence-based.

In this session, Dr. Barratt will explore key factors to consider when choosing a school, such as academic ethos, extracurricular opportunities, pastoral care, and support for individual learning styles. Parents will gain valuable insights into how to evaluate schools beyond surface-level metrics and make an informed choice that aligns with their child’s strengths, interests, and needs.


This event is for working parents of children aged 7-12 years.

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Dianne Barratt - Ivy Education
Consultant Profile

Dianne

Schools Consultant

"Dr. Barratt brings over 25 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in independent schools and working with families globally as an education consultant. With a background in designing curriculum programs and supporting children with a wide range of learning needs, her approach is both personalised and evidence-based."

Full Profile

Past roles and experience

Stress-Free Revision Hacks: Helping Your Child Stay Focused and Confident

12th March, 2025 | 6:00 - 6:30 PM | 14-18 Years

Exams can be a challenging time for both pupils and parents, but with the right strategies, your child can approach revision with focus and confidence. This webinar, led by education specialist Sophie Hammond, will provide practical advice on how to support your child’s study habits and well-being during exam season.

Sophie brings a wealth of expertise as a former teacher, deputy head, and senior leader in schools across the UK. With a BA from the University of Oxford and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from UCL, she combines academic rigour with a deep understanding of what students need to thrive. Sophie has worked extensively with families to help children achieve their potential while maintaining balance and mental health during high-pressure periods.

In this session, Sophie will share proven revision techniques, tips for managing exam stress, and strategies to help students stay organised and motivated. Parents will gain actionable insights on how to create a supportive home environment that fosters productive study habits and resilience.

This event is for working parents of children aged 14-18 years.

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Sophie - Ivy Education
Consultant Profile

Sophie

Schools Consultant

"Sophie has worked in education for over 25 years, including at management level in some of Britain's leading independent schools."

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Choosing The Best Nursery and School to Suit Your Child's Academic Journey

March, 2025 | 6:00 - 6:30 PM | 0-3 Years

Selecting the right nursery and school is a critical step in shaping your child’s educational journey. This webinar, led by education consultant Sabine Hook, will provide invaluable guidance on how to make informed decisions that align with your child’s needs, interests, and potential.

Sabine is an experienced teacher and assessor who has worked with students of all ages, from nursery through to adulthood. She holds a PGCE from the University of London, an OCR Level 7 Qualification in Assessing Specific Learning Difficulties, and an MA in Special and Inclusive Education from UCL. With her deep expertise in supporting children with diverse learning needs and extensive experience in school placement consultancy, Sabine offers a uniquely tailored approach to educational planning.

In this session, Sabine will explore key factors to consider when choosing a nursery or school, including teaching styles, academic and pastoral support, extracurricular opportunities, and how to ensure a strong fit for your child’s individual learning profile. Parents will gain practical insights into navigating the application process and evaluating options beyond league tables to ensure their child thrives in their educational environment.

This event is for working parents of children aged 0-3 years.

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Sabine Hook - Ivy Education
Consultant Profile

Sabine

Nursery and Primary Education

"Early years are crucial to a child’s development and consultancy and assessments at this stage offer huge support to parents in understanding expectations, ways of learning and crucially how best to support your individual child’s development. Advice on best first steps in terms of nurseries and pre-schools will give parents the confidence to feel they are set on the right path for their child’s education."

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Autism and Education: Finding the Right School for Your Child to Thrive

April, 2025 | 6:00 - 6:30 PM

Understanding autism and selecting the appropriate educational environment are crucial steps in supporting your child's development. This webinar, led by neurodivergence specialist Charlie Hamilton, will provide insights into autism and its implications for your child's future. Charlie will discuss various school settings that can foster your child's growth and offer guidance on identifying the best educational fit.

With extensive experience in media, charity, and education management across Europe, Charlie has worked with organisations such as UEFA, the European Commission, and The British Council. She holds an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London and is pursuing doctoral studies at Lancaster University, focusing on neurodiversity and academic inclusion.

This session is designed for parents and caregivers seeking to enhance their knowledge of autism and make informed decisions about their child's educational journey.

Sign Up Link Coming Soon

Charlie Hamilton - Ivy Education
Consultant Profile

Charlie

"Charlie Hamilton is a neurodivergence specialist with a focus on autism and ADHD - providing much-needed guidance and support to children, young people and their families. She also offers neurodivergence training for schools and organisations."

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Meet our webinar consultants

Our consultants are always on-hand to offer expert and personalised advice.

Brodie

Schools Consultant

Brodie’s philosophy is very much about supporting your child to achieve their full, individual potential and gain entry to the right school for them. As such, he believes it is critical to meet you and your child either face to face or via video link...

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Charlotte

Schools Consultant & Exam-Focused Assessor

Services such as those offered by Ivy Education can complement an all round approach to your child's education, boosting learning, and providing a 1:1 bespoke programme to help you towards whatever goals are next on the horizon. Advice and teaching ...

Full profile

David

With thirty years’ experience across the independent sector as a Head of Department, Housemaster, Registrar and Deputy Headmaster, David draws on a detailed understanding of the sector to support families at each stage of their educational journey to...

Full profile

Charlie

Charlie Hamilton is a neurodivergence specialist with a focus on autism and ADHD - providing much-needed guidance and support to children, young people and their families. She also offers neurodivergence training for schools and organisations.

Full profile

Sabine

Nursery and Primary Education

Early years are crucial to a child’s development and consultancy and assessments at this stage offer huge support to parents in understanding expectations, ways of learning and crucially how best to support your individual child’s development. Advice...

Full profile

Dianne

Schools Consultant

On meeting with clients and listening to their individual needs and preferences, Dianne draws on her experience to provide guidance on school selection, application processes and entry examinations for many of the top schools in London and beyond.

Full profile

Dr Caitlin

University Consultant

Caitlin has been guiding families on university applications since 2012. Caitlin is well placed to navigate clients through the elite US & UK education system due to her own experience at Harvard and King’s College London. She specialises in UCAS, SA...

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