Placement

Placements at institutions in the UK, US and Europe

We have years of experience placing students at top institutions around the world. From historic British boarding schools to elite Ivy League Colleges, our team of consultants have the knowledge and expertise to manage the process from start to finish.

UK School Placements

British schooling takes the best from centuries of tradition and prepares students for the challenges of the modern world. In addition to academic excellence, UK schools provide students with a wide variety of sporting and extra-curricular opportunities outside the classroom.

Choosing a UK school can be a daunting task. We can simplify the process. From shortlisting potential schools to fit your criteria, to coaching your child through interviews and entrance exams, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Competition for Places

There is significant demand for places at British schools. Consequently, schools only accept the very best applicants. With our help, students submit outstanding applications which incorporate and highlight all of their key strengths. The regular points of entry for Day Schools in the UK are 11+ and 16+ and for Boarding Schools are 13+ and 16+. Schools vary with their deadlines for applications, but it is always worth being over-prepared as some schools require applications up to 5 years in advance!

Preparation is key

For international families relocating to the UK, selecting a suitable school is often the most challenging task. The academic and linguistic requirements are very tough for international students and choosing the right school involves balancing ambition with the student's current ability. Our advisors provide advice to students and create an academic and administrative roadmap to optimise students' applications and prepare them for the challenges ahead

UK School Applications

Here is a condensed step-by-step explainer which should clear up some frequently asked questions:

1. School Selection

We always begin the UK School Application process with a consultation call between our team, the parents and the student. The aim of this call is to gather as much information as possible about the preferences and interests of the student and parents, in order to guide the shortlist of schools that we produce. Our selection process is impartial and we are not paid to promote specific schools. Our sole aim is for your child to excel in an environment which is best suited to their needs.

2. Open days

While it is not compulsory to attend open days and/or in-person assessments, it is certainly preferred. Every school has a feel and an atmosphere that will not be evident during a virtual tour, so when possible we recommend visiting schools in person. We are able to organise these visits, accompany you to the schools, and provide transport services and translation services where required.

3. Applications

UK school application forms can be a headache! We will complete and submit all applications on your behalf and ensure that deadlines are met. We will also make sure that all supporting documents and reports are translated and submitted as required.

4. Entrance Exams

The entrance exam process can vary from school to school and depending on the year of entry that you are applying for. The ISEB Common Pre Test is the first stage entrance exam for 13+ entry to many boarding schools in the UK and is completed by students in the autumn of Year 6. However, other schools prefer to run their own in-house testing for 11+ and 13+. We will simplify and explain this process well in advance and provide you with a roadmap on how best for your child to prepare for these examinations in order to give them the best possible chance of gaining entry to their school of choice.

5. Offers & Acceptance

Upon receipt of offers from schools, we will once again organise a consultation to discuss options and give our guidance as to where would best suit your child, but at this stage it’s ultimately your final decision! Most boarding school offers ask you to confirm acceptance within 2 - 4 weeks. You’ll need to sign a contract (read it carefully!) and submit a non-refundable deposit.

University Placements

At Luminary Education we pair prospective university students with experienced advisors to UK universities and US colleges. Our advisors are on hand to help with everything from initial course selection, all the way to completion of necessary essays and final submissions.

Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, we are committed to ensuring you find the perfect course.

Advice and oversight in managing your Common App portal and feedback for supplemental essays.

Oxbridge applicants are paired with a consultant with experience of working in Oxbridge admission teams.

Interview preparation with experienced consultants who know the intricacies of the institutions you are applying for.

UK

Applications to UK universities are made through the UCAS platform. The application process is quite straightforward, allowing you to apply to a maximum of five different courses with a single personal statement and application form.

USA

Applications to American Universities ('Colleges') are more complex and involve individual applications to each institution, along with supplemental essays and standardised testing in English and Math skills.

Summer Camps

Luminary can help you find and apply for the perfect summer camp for your child.

Whether it be an English language football camp in Spain, or a GCSE preparatory course at a top british boarding school, we will find the perfect placement that matches your requirements.

Since 2021 we have also offered students the opportunity to spend 1-2 weeks in the UK staying with one of our accredited host families. Over the course of their stay students enjoy a mix of lessons, based on their individual needs, and excursions to places of interest.

This immersive homestay experience provides students with the opportunity to progress their language learning at an unparalleled rate.

FAQs

We just found out that the registration / application date for the school we wanted to apply for has passed. Is there anything we can do?

Registration and application dates are different for every school, and can vary dramatically. If one deadline has passed, it may still be possible to apply; however, this will often reduce the chances of gaining entry to said institution. We will always do our best to help in these scenarios or recommend suitable alternatives.

Will my child need to come to the UK for school interviews?

While it is often preferable to visit schools and to take examinations and interviews in person at the school, it is not an absolute necessity. These can be organised online with the agreement of each school individually.

My child has never studied in an English language school. Is it still possible to enter a school in the UK?

It is certainly possible for students who have never studied in an English language school to gain a place at a school in the UK. It requires preparation and hard work, but it is definitely achievable with the right guidance.

We have just moved to Spain, and would like our daughter to study in a top school that follows the UK curriculum. Does she need to study in the UK?

It is not essential to study in the UK and there are a number of good international schools in Europe and worldwide which offer the English National Curriculum. It must be said, however, that the academic level of schools in the UK is often higher on average.

I want to apply for both universities in the UK and colleges in the US - is this possible?

The university application procedure varies for UK universities and colleges in the US. The requirements are different; however, it is possible to apply for both at the same time.

We don’t know which kind of camp would be best for our child. Can you provide us with some options to choose from?

We offer both bespoke summer camps with homestay and are also able to match students with camps across Europe, the UK and the US, which best fit both their needs and preferences. Our consultants will work with you through the selection process to ensure the final choice is the right one for your child.