Education adviser for students and parents

Parents of school-age children and sixth formers, mature students, and families moving to the UK or considering independent schools.

Hourly sessions or fixed-price packages, such as a university application package or a school search and admissions support package.

• Good knowledge of UK school, college and university systems
• Clear, honest communication with teenagers and parents
• Organised with deadlines and paperwork

• Never promise places or results; admissions decisions are made by schools and universities
• Check whether you need a DBS check if you work with under-18s, as many parents will ask for one
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and consider professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Handling children's personal data means checking your obligations under UK GDPR, including whether you need to register with the ICO
• Check any home-working restrictions in your tenancy or mortgage terms

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on your website, insurance, software and any checks you need. Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £3,000, depending on how many families you work with.

Check whether you need a DBS check if you work with under-18s, and never promise places or results. Also check HMRC sole trader registration, professional indemnity and public liability insurance, UK GDPR and ICO obligations, and any home-working restrictions in your tenancy or mortgage.

Estimates suggest at least around 5 hours a week. Useful skills include good knowledge of UK school, college and university systems, clear and honest communication with teenagers and parents, and staying organised with deadlines and paperwork.