The Journey Through the Secondary Applications Proces

Your Route from Uncertainty to Confidence...

Step 1: Understand the System

Before anything, you need to understand how the system actually works. A lot has changed since you were at school. We now have academies, Trusts and different assessment data (to mention just a few!) There are lots of misconceptions about how the process works (including things like catchment areas). So in this step, you’ll get a clear overview of:

the different types of schools
how the application process works
catchment areas and allocation criteria
the pros and cons of different schools (e.g. big vs small)

You'll understand the landscape and know what you’re looking at.

Step 2: Navigate the Information

Most parents have to rely on surface-level information - league tables, rumours, or quick impressions. In this step, you’ll learn how to properly explore and evaluate schools using the information that’s available.

This includes:

understanding Ofsted reports (and their limitations)
interpreting assessment and performance data
making the most of school visits
knowing what to look for - and what to ignore

You'll look at schools with a clearer, more informed perspective - exactly how I look at schools.

Step 3: Thrive in Your Decision

Once you understand the system and have explored your options, the journey becomes much clearer.

In this step, you’ll bring everything together using my Five Key Debates in Education Framework to:

reflect on what matters most to you
weigh up different schools realistically
avoid common mistakes parents make
make a decision without second-guessing

You'll finish the application with confidence and clarity - no matter what Allocation Day brings.

Which path will you go on next?

Route One: The Complete Applications Programme

✓ Secondary School Applications Guidebook (worth £14.99)
A practical guide to understanding the application process, researching schools, and making confident decisions.

✓ Secondary School Preference Planner (worth £14.99)
A structured workbook to help you compare schools, clarify your priorities, and organise your thinking before submitting your application.

✓ Secondary School Visit Guide (worth £9.99)
The key questions to ask and the things to look for on school visits, helping you get beyond the polished presentations and open day speeches.

✓ Complete Online Applications Course
Over 3 hours of expert guidance from an experienced teacher, school leader and parent, walking you through the entire process step-by-step.

✓ Video Walkthroughs and Explanations
Not just information, but expert interpretation of what it all means, what matters most, and how to make sense of conflicting advice.

✓ School Data and Ofsted Explained
Learn how to interpret inspection reports, school data and admissions information without getting overwhelmed.

✓ The Five Key Debates Framework
A powerful framework to help you identify your family's values and understand the trade-offs between different schools.

✓ Community Access
Ask questions, share concerns, learn from other parents, and access additional resources throughout the application journey.

Route Two: Full Programme + 1:1 Support

Everything included PLUS 1:1 video / phone call with me to discuss your personalised journey and your specific context. I will get answers to any questions you have!

247

Route Three: Get Started with the Toolkit

For less than the cost of a takeaway, you'll get the practical resources that help hundreds of parents approach school applications with more clarity and confidence. Use the guidebook to understand the process and use the preference planner to compare schools and help rank-order the preferences.

£19.99

And if you later decide you'd like the full course, community and support, I'll deduct the full cost of the toolkit from your programme purchase!

Risk-Free: 100% refund for anyone not COMPLETELY satisfied!

Everything You Need, In One Place

Many families will spend hours researching a holiday, weeks researching a car, months researching a house.

Yet the decision about where a child spends over 1,000 hours a year is often made with...

one open day
a few rumours
an Ofsted headline
a recommendation from another parent
'gut feeling'

The goal isn't to find the perfect school (there isn't one). The goal is to make a thoughtful, informed decision you can feel confident about now and for the years to come.

What Parents Say...

Tracey, London

We were introduced to Joe through our child's nursery... we signed up to the full programme and it was brilliant! It highlighted loads of things we would have missed...

Begona, London

I now feel like I am in a much better position - knowing what is relevant to me and the type of school I want for my child.

Sian, Bristol

This is what's missing from the school entry system right now and Joe is doing such a service to parents by offering all this support - definitely recommend!

Why Parents Trust School Compass

17+ years working in education
Invited to give evidence on curriculum reform by the House of Commons Education Select Committee
Former senior leader responsible for curriculum and assessment at an 'all-through' 4-18 school
Former Head of CPD at a national education trust
Worked with schools across the UK on curriculum and school improvement
Education consultant and speaker
Contributor to national education conversations and policy discussions
Parent of two young children navigating the system myself
Independent and objective - not linked to any school or local authority

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 material?

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?

No. You will likely find some information on your Local Authority website, but this goes into far more detail (and is completely independent and objective). I have spent four years collating and curating the information and then sequencing it so it is easy to understand. I have to create this for myself - now I want you to have access too.

All of the money goes directly back into continuing this project. 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 guidance)

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....

Access the Toolkit