This is for YOU if:
You’re applying to primary schools and want better guidance
You’re unsure how to weigh-up the different options
You want to go beyond OFSTED, League Tables and word of mouth
Designed and Delivered by JOE PARDOE
Hi, I’m Joe Pardoe - educator, school leader and founder of School Compass.
Over the past 17 years, I’ve worked across schools, trusts and national education organisations, helping schools design better learning experiences and supporting families to better understand the education system.
As a parent myself, I know how overwhelming school applications can feel. There is huge amounts of information available - but very little help interpreting what actually matters for your child and your family.
School Compass was created to provide calm, independent and trusted guidance for parents navigating important school decisions.
Why Parents Trust School Compass
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17+ years working in education
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Invited to give evidence on curriculum reform by the House of Commons Education Select Committee
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Former senior leader responsible for curriculum and assessment at an 'all-through' 4-18 school
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Former Head of CPD at a national education trust
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Worked with schools across the UK on curriculum and school improvement
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Education consultant and speaker
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Contributor to national education conversations and policy discussions
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Parent of two young children navigating the system myself
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Independent and objective - not linked to any school or local authority
What Makes School Compass Different?
You may be trying to work out which school is right for your child through:
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Ofsted reports
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WhatsApp groups
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Facebook opinions
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school marketing
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and conflicting advice online
You deserve better. School Compass helps you cut through the noise.
Rather than telling you there is one 'best' school, I help you:
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understand the trade-offs between different schools
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clarify your own values - with your partner and family
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ask better questions on school visits
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and make confident decisions that fit your child and family.
In the included course you will...
TWO great options...
Independent Navigator (Primary)
97£Perfect if you’re early in the journey (not applying this year) and want to explore your options with clarity and confidence. You’ll get full, instant access to the course and resources.- Full toolkit access (all modules and lessons)
- Frameworks to help you explore your values
- Guidance on what to look for in school visits
- Lifetime access
Guided Navigator (Primary)
247£For parents applying this year who want personalised support. You’ll get everything in 'supported' - plus a 1:1 consultation focused on your child, your priorities and your options.Valid for 8 months- 1:1 consultation call with me
- Full, instant course access
- Masterclass sessions with experts
- Fortnightly Q&A sessions
- Supportive community
FAQ
Will you tell me which school is best for my child?
No. But I will give you the information, tools and frameworks you need to make the best decision for you and your family. Education is complex - what is good for one family, may be bad for another. You will finish the course empowered with all of the insider wisdom you need to understand the trade offs.
Do you cover all of the different school types? Like private schools?
Yes! I cover all of the main school types you will encounter in England. This includes state, local authority, grammar, independent, faith, single-sex etc. You can skip any not relevent to your context. The ebook which comes with the course goes into more detail about each options.
How much time will the course take to complete?
In total, around 3 hours. However, the sections are broken down into bitesize chunks of between 10-30 minutes. They are video based so can be watched after bedtime or on a commute. I have been told that the course also works well as a 'podcast' if you prefer to listen whilst making dinner!
Can I do it with my partner?
Absolutely! Just like doing a birth course, it can be helpful to go on this journey together. The last section about Values is good to discuss as a family as each member will likely have different (hidden) views of 'good school'. It is empowering to bring these to the surface.
How long can I access the course?
Forever! Once you enrol, you can have the course all through the process and beyond - you can re-do any sections, dip-in and out or skip ahead!
Isn't this information just available for free?
Yes and no. All of the information I show to you in the course can be accessed freely. However, I have spent four years collating and curating the information and then sequencing it so it is easy to understand. There is also lots of information not available - I have to create it myself.
All of the money goes directly back into continuing this project. All of my blogs are completely free. If you want to take the course, but can't afford the fee, please get in touch. I have explored offering this course via schools or local councils, but keeping it independent allows me to give honest, objective information and not simply push an agenda. My model is NCT or other courses designed for new parents (like sleep courses, potty training courses or weaning guidence)
What if I don't find it helpful?
I am confident you will! But, if not, just email joe@school-compass.com and I will arrange a refund straight away! I guess there is a first time for everything....
