Gresham's School pupils sitting on a pebbly Norfolk beach

What's ahead

von bulow

Dear Parents,

The process of finding and applying to the right boarding school takes time and decidation. Here are a few things you should expect:

1) Expect to have this topic take up at least two months of your time.

2) This is a big decision for everyone but especially your child. So expect wobbles! Have patience and empathy. 

3) If you plan a boarding school stay of one year or longer, expect to visit the UK for an intense 2-3 day school visitation trip - including driving on the left side of the road!

4) Expect to support your child through some admissions test preparation (whilst keeping calm, even if your child freaks out!)

5) Expect a considerable amount of paperwork: registration forms, child visa applications etc.

And needless to say: Expect us to be there for all of this, to help where we can.

Yours,

Team von Bülow Education 

Haileybury Summer School Design Technology
Pupils eating and chatting in a grand dining hall with wooden panelled walls and high arched windows.

A guide to how will work together

Our research and application process is fairly involved and can take up to three months. Here's a detailed overview of what happens in a client engagement. 

01.
Step One
Creating Foundations

a) First, a call

We start with a short call to understand where you are in the school search, what matters most, and what you hope for your child. It’s also your chance to ask questions and see how we work. No pressure — just an open, honest exchange.

 b) An in-depth consultation

Next, we meet — in person or online. In a focused one-hour session, we look closely at your child’s personality, needs, and goals, as well as your family’s priorities. Through thoughtful questions, we discover what kind of environment will truly suit your child. This is also the perfect time to ask about applications, daily life at a boarding school, or what to expect along the way. Everything we learn helps us find schools that genuinely fit.

c) Personalised recommendations

Afterwards, our whole team reviews what we’ve learned and draws on our deep, first-hand knowledge of UK schools. Together, we create a tailored shortlist that matches your child’s profile. We then share these schools with you.

 d) Reviewing together

If you’d like, we’ll go through the recommendations in detail — why each was chosen, what makes it a good fit, and answer your questions. Your feedback helps us fine-tune the next steps with confidence.

02.
Step Two
Making Connections

a) Engaging our services

Before we approach schools, we make our partnership official. You sign our Terms & Conditions and pay the client fee, giving us the green light to represent your child.

b) Introducing your child

We share your child’s reports, personal essay, and our own recommendation with the schools we’ve agreed on together. Then we wait for their feedback, which usually arrives within a few days.

c) Reviewing feedback 

As schools respond, you’ll see their feedback directly in the Family Portal. Once all replies are in, we’ll notify you so you can review everything at once.

d) Organising school visits or calls

With feedback in hand, it’s time to meet the schools. You share your preferred travel window, and depending on location, you can usually visit two schools a day. Our Client Liaison Team takes care of the scheduling — arranging in-person visits or video calls to make the process smooth.

e) Discovering the schools

Now it’s your turn to connect with schools — and for them to get to know your child. Depending on your plans, this might mean visiting in person or arranging video calls. Either way, it’s a crucial chance to compare options, ask questions, and sense the right fit.

03.
Step Three
Taking Action

a) Choosing schools

After visits or video calls, you decide which schools to continue with. If the choice feels tough, your consultant will guide you. 

b) Preparing for interviews and tests

Most schools require both. Your consultant will advise on the best approach, and we’ll provide preparation materials and videos.

c) Taking interviews and tests

Your child completes a small number of interviews (usually by video) and admissions tests, often invigilated at school or a lawyer’s office. Our Client Liaison Team coordinates.

d) Receiving offers and choosing

With a little luck, your child will have several offers to choose from. Often the decision is clear; if not, your consultant helps weigh the options.

 e) Securing the place

A signature and deposit confirm your child’s spot.

04.
Step Four
Getting Ready

a) Organising the child visa

About six months before arrival, you can apply for a child visa (required for stays of six months or more). We’ll guide you — and connect you with a trusted visa agency if needed.

b) Preparing for the stay

In the months before departure, you’ll organise essentials like uniforms and bank accounts. Your school will help, and so will we.

c) Emotional support

We know this is a big step, and nerves are natural. Whenever you need reassurance, reach out. We’re here to listen and support you.

Meet the team

At von Bülow Education, you’ll be supported by one dedicated consultant, who'll be by your side from beginning to end. You'll also be backed by our fantastic Client Liaison Team, which takes care of all the practical matters – from scheduling appointments and travel logistics to resolving last-minute questions. Together, we make sure you are fully supported at all times.