FAQs

General 

Do you offer online sessions or do I need to come to you? Sessions can be held either face-to-face or virtually via Teams or Zoom — whichever suits you best. Virtual sessions work just as well as in-person, which means I can work with students and families anywhere in the UK, not just in Surrey. Many of my clients are based outside the local area and find online sessions just as effective.

Who do you typically work with? I work with students from Year 10 right through to recent university graduates — so anyone aged roughly 14 to 25. This includes students choosing their GCSEs or A-levels, Year 12 and 13 students applying to university or degree apprenticeships, gap year students reconsidering their options, and graduates applying for their first jobs or graduate schemes.

Do parents get involved in the sessions? That's entirely up to the student and their family. Some younger students find it helpful to have a parent present, at least for part of the first session. For older students and graduates, sessions are usually 1-1. I'm always happy to have a separate conversation with parents to discuss progress or answer questions.

Is this the same as a school careers advisor? No — and this is an important difference. School careers advisors are often stretched across hundreds of students and have limited time for individual support. My coaching is completely personalised, unhurried, and focused entirely on your child's specific situation, strengths, and goals. I also bring direct experience working with graduate employers and recruiters, which gives me an up-to-date, inside view of what universities and companies are actually looking for.

How long are the sessions? 

A session usually lasts around 60-75 minutes, although longer sessions are sometimes advised depending on the situation. 

How many sessions will be needed? 

Most people have between 2-3 sessions - but this all depends how much you want to cover during your coaching!  For example - a graduate or Sixth Former who is not sure what career path to take would typically need 2 sessions to set them on the right track. Sometimes, just one session is needed - for example if you need help with upgrading your CV it might only require one session which can be done over Teams or face-to-face. 

How much does it cost?

The cost varies depending on the needs of the student and how many sessions are required but the most popular 'packages' range from £280-£600.   1-1 Workshops are typically slightly cheaper than bespoke coaching, and Group Workshops are a great idea if you can get a few friends together and spread the costs! 

Why should I use you? 

I've worked with students for my entire career (a long time!) and continue to work with large corporates assisting with their recruitment campaigns - so I have a great 'inside' view in terms of what employers look for in their early career hires and a deep knowledge of how assessments and interviews work.  Over the last few years, I've helped students (and their parents!) with a huge range of career or university related dilemmas and have lots of testimonials and 5* Google reviews to prove it! 

UCAS & University Applications

Can you help with UCAS personal statements? Yes — helping students write strong UCAS Personal Statements is one of the most common reasons families come to me. I help with the overall structure and approach, drawing out the right content from the student, and refining the final draft to make sure it's compelling, authentic, and meets UCAS requirements. I don't write it for the student — but I make sure they produce something they're genuinely proud of and which gets them offers!

When should we get in touch if my child is applying to university this year? Ideally in the summer before Year 13 (June–August), so there's time to do any career exploration work before the UCAS application process begins in earnest. That said, I work with students at all stages — even if your child is mid-application or has already submitted, there's often still a lot I can help with around interview preparation and offer decisions.

Can you help with Oxbridge or medical school applications? Yes. These applications require particular care — the Personal Statement, admissions tests, and interview process are more demanding than standard applications. I have experience supporting students applying to Oxford, Cambridge, and medical schools, and can help with both the written application and interview preparation.

Careers & Apprenticeships

Can you help my child decide between university and a degree apprenticeship? Absolutely — this is one of the most common dilemmas I help with, and it's rarely a straightforward answer. The right choice depends on the individual's personality, learning style, career goals, and financial situation. I use structured profiling and coaching to help students work out which route genuinely suits them, rather than just following what their friends are doing or what feels like the "safe" option.

My child has no idea what they want to do — can you still help? Yes — in fact, this is exactly what I'm here for!  Many of the students I work with arrive feeling overwhelmed and directionless. The first step is always to understand who they are — their strengths, values, interests, and personality — before looking at options. Most students leave that first session feeling significantly more focused and reassured, even if they haven't made a final decision yet.

Do you help with applications for specific graduate schemes or apprenticeship programmes? Yes. I can help with written applications, covering letters, and CVs for specific programmes, as well as preparation for online assessments, video interviews, and assessment centres. I have direct experience working with large graduate employers, so I understand exactly what recruiters are looking for at each stage.

CVs, Interviews & Assessment Centres

Can you help with CV writing for students with no work experience? Yes — this is a common challenge and very solvable. A strong student or graduate CV isn't just about work experience; it's about presenting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, voluntary work, and transferable skills in a way that's relevant to the role. I help students understand what employers actually want to see and how to present themselves compellingly even at the start of their career.

What does interview coaching involve? Interview coaching with me is practical and personalised. We work through the types of questions you're likely to face — competency-based, strength-based, or technical — and I give honest, constructive feedback on your answers, body language, and overall presentation. We also work on how to research a company effectively and how to ask good questions at the end of an interview. Most students find that even one session significantly increases their confidence.  

Can you help me with a mock interview? Yes - many students also choose to include a mock interview session, tailored specifically to their target employer, sector, or role type. Practising in a realistic but low-stakes environment helps build genuine confidence, sharpen technique, and iron out any weaknesses before the real thing — most students find it one of the most valuable sessions they have.

What is an assessment centre and how can you help me prepare? 

An assessment centre is a selection event used by many graduate employers and apprenticeship providers, typically involving a mix of group exercises, case studies, presentations, and sometimes psychometric tests. They can feel daunting if you've never experienced one. I help students understand what assessors are looking for, practise the key exercises, and develop strategies for performing well under pressure.

Practical Questions

Where are you based and do you travel to clients? I'm based in Cobham, Surrey, and see local clients face-to-face. For clients elsewhere in the UK, sessions are held online via Teams or Zoom. I don't currently travel to clients, but online sessions are equally effective for everything I offer.

How do I know if coaching is right for my child? If your child is facing any kind of crossroads — choosing A-levels, deciding whether to go to university, writing a personal statement, applying for their first job, or just feeling lost about their future — coaching is almost certainly worth considering. The best way to find out is to have an initial conversation with me. I'm always happy to have a no-obligation chat to discuss your situation before you commit to anything.

Do you offer any group sessions or school workshops? Yes — group workshops can be a cost-effective option, particularly for small groups of friends going through the same process at the same time (for example, a group of Year 13 students all working on UCAS applications). I also offer workshops for schools and sixth forms. Get in touch to discuss what might work for your group or institution.