The Damson offers calm, expert guidance for families navigating UK education — from understanding the landscape, to securing the right senior school place, to making the move from junior years feel effortless.
Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a family makes — and rarely a simple one.
The UK education system is rich, varied and, for many families, genuinely bewildering. Independent and grammar schools, assessment dates, entry points at 7+, 11+ and 13+, deferred entry, sibling policies, bursaries and scholarships — each carries its own timeline and its own logic.
The Damson exists to bring clarity and calm to that process. We work closely with each family to understand the child first, then build a school strategy that genuinely fits — academically, pastorally and practically.
Whether you need a broad sense of direction or hands-on help with a specific admission, our services are designed to meet you wherever you are in the journey.
A clear, expert overview of the UK schooling landscape and a strategy mapped to your child and your circumstances.
Hands-on support to identify, prepare for and secure a place at the senior schools that are right for your child.
Practical and pastoral support so the move from junior to senior school feels confident, prepared and positive.
We begin with an unhurried conversation to understand your child, your priorities and your timeline.
We map the landscape and build a shortlist of schools and routes genuinely suited to your family.
We support every step — applications, assessments, interviews and the practical detail in between.
We stay alongside you through offers, decisions and the first weeks at a new school.
11+ entry means a child joins a senior school in Year 7, typically moving from a primary or prep school at age 11. 13+ entry means joining in Year 9 at age 13, usually from a prep school that continues to age 13. Different senior schools favour different entry points, and some offer both — choosing the right one depends on your child's current school, their development, and the target schools' admissions patterns.
For most families, it is wise to begin around two years before the intended entry point — so in Year 4 or 5 for 11+, and Year 6 or 7 for 13+. Starting early gives time to visit schools, register before deadlines, and prepare properly for assessments. That said, we can also help families who are starting later or need to move quickly.
Scholarships are awarded for ability — academic, music, sport, art or drama — and are usually a modest reduction in fees. Bursaries are means-tested support based on family financial circumstances, and can be substantial, sometimes covering most or all of the fees. Many independent schools offer both, and we help families understand eligibility, timing, and how to apply.
The Damson's area of strength is London and the South and South East of England, where we have the deepest knowledge of schools and admissions. We can also support families across all of England, and those relocating to the UK from overseas.
No. The Damson offers honest, independent advice with no school affiliations or commissions. Our recommendations are based entirely on what fits your child — academically, pastorally and practically.
Clear, practical guides to the parts of the process families ask about most.
How the UK independent system works, applying from abroad, boarding vs day, and timing your move.
Read guide GuideLooking past league tables to academic fit, pastoral care, ethos, and what to ask on a visit.
Read guide GuideWhen to start, key registration deadlines, assessment periods and offer dates for 11+ and 13+ entry.
Read guide GuideThe difference between joining at Year 7 and Year 9, how each is assessed, and how to choose.
Read guide GuideThe difference between means-tested bursaries and merit-based scholarships, and how to apply.
Read guideTell us a little about your family and what you're looking for. We'll be in touch to arrange an initial conversation.
We aim to respond to every enquiry within one working day. All conversations are entirely confidential and without obligation.