Why Us?

We are based in England, close to London. This means we have unparalleled access to the schools we work with. We visit at least one school a week. Like this, we have unparalleled insights into the places your children will go to. And we share these insights generously!

With 30+ years advising families, we’re one of Europe’s 'oldest' and most experienced boarding school advisors. We are trusted by parents and schools alike: top names like Sevenoaks, Winchester, and Radley work with us on a semi-exclusive basis. 

We get it: sending your child to boarding school is a big step.  At von Bülow, we take this responsibility seriously. Our child-first approach ensures tailored advice, full transparency on every school’s strengths and weaknesses, and total honesty if boarding isn’t the right path.

We focus solely on advising on British boarding schools, the world’s best. Our expertise delivers deeper insight, better matches, and trusted recommendations beyond what generalists offer.

Or at least one of us! Our Managing Director Ferdinand Steinbeis went to Sevenoaks School. Our consultant Karen Sander currently has two daughters at Malvern College. We'll be happy to talk to you about our experiences as pupil and parent.

Full disclosure: we receive commission from schools for pupils we place. Yet top names like Eton, Wellington, and Radley don’t pay. Most agents avoid them — not us. We work with all, because they might be the perfect fit for your child. Like this our advice stays truly independent.

We only work with boarding schools that meet our strict criteria. Most importantly, they must have a high number of boarders who stay in on most weekends — just like your child will. Only schools with a genuine boarding culture make the cut.

We work here and we live here. We know and love Great Britain: the culture, the humour, the landscapes — even the food. Though most of us grew up in Germany, we’ve lived in the UK for much of our lives.  As true cultural insiders, our clients value us as interpreters, counsellors and fixers. 

Our work doesn’t end once a school place has been secured. We continue to support our families after the decision has been made: with visa applications, filling out forms, communicating with the school, packing, and travel arrangements. And if any questions or problems come up later, we’re still here for you.