What WE do
Calm, expert guidance for UK & UAE school decisions.
School placement, admissions strategy, and selective entry preparation for British and international families. Led by Founder and Managing Director Lauren-Lucy Grafton BA (Hons), MEd, NPQSL — an Educational Consultant and former Head of Mathematics, recognised as an “Outstanding” practitioner by both UK Ofsted and KHDA.
Discreet, high-trust support for British and international families since 2019.
WHY WORK WITH US
UK and Dubai School Placement & Selective Entry Preparation
UK & UAE expertise
Lauren-Lucy advises on school choices across all year groups in both the UAE and the UK, seamlessly bridging the two systems through practical, on-the-ground insight.
Ofsted & KHDA Outstanding
As British Qualified Teacher and former Head of Mathematics, Lauren-Lucy has been recognised for exceptional classroom practice in both regions making her insight into tuition, and beyond, quite remarkable.
Selective UAE Admission Specialist (CAT4, Dubai College and beyond)
For UAE entry, including Dubai College, Lauren-Lucy and her team provide expert guidance on CAT4 assessments, school-specific admissions strategy, and targeted preparation for highly selective environments.
Selective UK Admission Specialist (ISEB – 11+ & 13+ – UK schools)
For UK entry, they support pupils through the full 11+ and 13+ process, including ISEB Pre-Test preparation, written entrance examinations, and interview and assessment day readiness.
SERVICES
Choose the right school – without panic, guesswork, or wasted tours.
Not sure where to start? Send a brief note with your child’s age, your location (UK/UAE), and your timeframe. We’ll confirm the best next step.
School Placement (UK ↔ UAE)
Shortlists, admissions strategy, school liaison, and transition planning for families relocating between the UK and the UAE — or changing schools in Dubai.
Selective Entry Preparation
Targeted preparation for competitive pathways including UK 11+ and 13+ routes and selective entry in the UAE, with clear plans and calm execution.
Tuition Programmes (Mini-Groups + 1:1)
Structured, high-quality tuition built around assessment, a written plan, and consistent progress — designed to support demanding admissions timelines.
Not sure what you need? Start with a Strategy Call — we’ll map the right pathway in one conversation.
HOW IT WORKS
For Admission Enquiries: A simple process that reduces stress and saves time.
Step 1 — Complimentary Strategy Call
We offer a 15-minute Strategy Call to speak to clarify your goals, timeline, child’s profile, and non-negotiables — then define the best route forward.
Step 2 — Fit Framework & Full Consultancy Services
Moving forwards together, you will receive clear criteria and a longlist framework so we can compare schools together to curate an appropriate shortlist.
Step 3 — Action Plan
We move into practical execution: initial availability check, admissions steps overview, tour planning, tutoring support, and interview/assessment preparation where needed.
Step 4 — Confident Decision
A carefully guided, start-to-finish process, with ongoing support through final decisions and transition, ensuring your child feels secure, settled, and ready to thrive.
What PEOPLE are saying about LAUREN-LUCY GRAFTON
Calm to a very stressful decision.
★★★★★
“Lauren-Lucy brought instant calm to a very stressful decision. She is incredibly personable and, in simple terms, she asked the right questions, cut through the noise, and gave us a clear plan we could actually follow. Couldn’t recommend more. ”
— Parent, UK → Dubai relocation
Easiest decision we ever made.
★★★★★
“We’d been going in circles for weeks. The UAE school system is incredibly complex compared to UK private school system. After one call with Lauren-Lucy, and the team, we had shortlist criteria, a timeline, and confidence. She secured a place for our daughter at a top British school within 4 weeks.”
— Parent, UK → Dubai relocation
Turning point
★★★★★
“Her advice felt practical and specific – not generic ‘school talk’. We stopped chasing prestige and the ‘dinner party school names’ and started choosing fit. Couldn’t recommend more – we are so happy we onboarded with Lauren-Lucy and Jane.”
— Parent, Year 6 – Service: Assessment Consultancy Session (Preparation for Dubai College entry)
Meet Lauren-Lucy
Lauren-Lucy Grafton is an International Education Consultant specialising in UK and UAE pathways, including selective admissions, school placement, and tailored preparation.
She has worked in education since 2012, relocating to Dubai in 2016, and previously served as Head of Mathematics for the Repton Group. Recognised as both a UK Ofsted and KHDA “Outstanding” practitioner, she is known for calm, strategic guidance and a deep understanding of what success actually requires — academically, pastorally, and practically.
Her consultancy has grown primarily through word-of-mouth referrals from high-trust families who value discretion, clarity, and outcomes.
FAQs
Do you work with families outside the UAE?
Yes. Many clients are relocating or planning moves internationally. Support is available remotely, with in-person options where appropriate. We have placed families in UAE schools that have moved from all over the world.
Do you support UK schools as well as UAE schools?
Yes. Lauren-Lucy advises on UK pathways directly and also works with trusted partners where needed depending on scope and location.
What if we only need help with part of the process?
That’s a common request. You can book a free Strategy Call and we can then discuss your request including, but not limited to, hourly support for shortlisting, tours, forms, tutoring, or interview preparation.
How long does the placement process take?
It depends on the time of year, year group, and school availability. Some families secure options within 4–6 weeks; others plan over a term. We’ll map a realistic timeline in the Strategy Call.
How do fees work?
Fees depend on scope (strategy-only, placement, preparation, or ongoing support). You’ll receive clear pricing, and a full quote, after an initial call.
How quickly can we start?
Usually within 7–10 days, depending on the time of year and your timeline.
Do you offer a free consultation?
We offer a short introductory call — the Strategy Call — to talk you through the process. If you choose to move forward, we then set out clear next steps along with a structured shortlist framework.
Can you help if my child has additional learning needs (SEN) or is exceptionally able?
Yes. We can factor learning profile and support needs into shortlisting and preparation. If specialist input is required, we can recommend trusted partners.
Consultation
Want clarity in the next 7 days?
Book a Strategy Call and we’ll define your shortlist criteria, your timeline, and the most effective next steps — calmly and efficiently.
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