Education guidance for global families, complex routes and ambitious students.
Top School and Uni supports internationally mobile families through school placement, university applications, academic preparation and the transition into the British education system.
We work with families whose education journey does not always fit neatly into one system.
Many of our families are globally mobile. Their children may have moved between countries, studied across different curricula, been home educated, world schooled, trained as athletes, worked as actors, or followed a route that looks different from the standard school pathway.
These students often need more than a list of schools or universities. They need someone who can understand their full story, explain how different systems work, and help them prepare for the next stage with confidence.
We regularly support:
- Internationally mobile families
- Students entering the UK education system
- Home-educated students
- World-schooled learners
- Young athletes balancing training and academics
- Actors and performers with flexible schedules
- Students applying to UK schools from overseas
- Students applying to UK, US and global universities
Founded by Jemma Zoe Smith, Oxford graduate, teacher and international education specialist.
Jemma Zoe Smith graduated from Oriel College, Oxford, where she studied Biochemistry before later returning to Oxford for her teacher training. Her career has taken her across tutoring, teaching, education consultancy, international study and school and university admissions.
For the last 13 years, Jemma has worked with families all over the world, including many students who were home educated before entering UK schools or applying to university.
Jemma has acted as an education consultant and speaker for Quintessentially, Bonas MacFarlane, Oxbridge Applications, The Prof’s, Oxford Royale Academy.
International experienceExperience across schools, universities and global education.
Before founding Top School and Uni, Jemma ran an international study centre in the UK, supporting older students as they prepared for university entry and competitive academic pathways.
She has also worked for the founder of one of the largest school groups, Inspired Education, giving her insight into international education, ambitious families and the realities of supporting students across borders.
This background means Top School and Uni understands both the academic expectations and the family logistics behind international school and university decisions.
Our recommendations are based on the student, not on commission.
Top School and Uni provides independent education advice for families choosing schools, universities and academic pathways. We are not owned by a school, university or education group, and our role is not to push families towards one particular institution.
Our advice is based on the student’s academic profile, personality, ambitions, family circumstances and long-term goals. For internationally mobile families, home-educated students and young people following non-traditional routes, this matters even more. The right recommendation has to fit the whole child and the whole family.
Where we have existing professional relationships with schools, tutors, guardianship providers or education partners, we aim to be transparent about that relationship. Our priority remains the same: to help families make informed, thoughtful and appropriate decisions.
Our principles
- We recommend schools and universities based on fit, not familiarity alone.
- We do not accept hidden commission for placing a student at a school or university.
- We are honest about ambition, preparation and realistic options.
- We consider academic, pastoral, practical and family factors.
- We support students to present themselves authentically.
- We maintain discretion and confidentiality for the families we work with.
Professional standards
Top School and Uni is connected to the wider professional tutoring and education sector through membership of The Tutors’ Association. We take our responsibility to families seriously and aim to offer clear, ethical and student-centred advice.
We understand the child, the family and the education system they are trying to enter.
Our work sits between education consultancy, academic preparation and family support. We do not simply tell families which schools or universities are famous. We help them understand what is right, realistic and strategically sensible.
Global family insight
We understand families moving between countries, time zones, school systems and academic expectations.
Non-traditional routes
We know how to support students who have been home educated, world schooled or balancing academics with elite sport or performance.
Academic preparation
We can support entrance exams, interviews, personal statements, admissions tests and subject-specific preparation.
Discreet support
Our families value clear advice, careful communication and support that respects their privacy and lifestyle.
Trusted for expert comment on education, admissions and family decision-making.
Jemma and Top School and Uni have been featured in national and international press, with commentary on education, tuition, school choice and university admissions. This media work reflects the same practical, informed and family-centred advice that sits at the heart of our consultancy.
A trusted team of consultants, tutors and academic specialists.
Top School and Uni is not built around one person. Families are supported by a carefully selected team with expertise across school placement, university applications, entrance preparation, mentoring and academic support.
We can provide guidance and preparation across school entrance, scholarships, university applications, interviews, admissions tests, subject-specific academic work and mentoring. The right support depends on the student, the destination and the family’s wider plans.
Our support can include:
- School placement advice
- University application strategy
- Academic assessments
- Entrance exam preparation
- Scholarship preparation
- Oxbridge and medicine support
- Interview preparation
- 1:1 academic mentoring
The right choice is not always the most famous name.
We believe successful education planning balances ambition, fit, preparation and family reality. A school or university needs to stretch the student, but it also needs to suit who they are and how they learn.
Ambitious
We help students aim high, especially where they are preparing for selective schools, Oxbridge, medicine or competitive global routes.
Realistic
We give honest advice about preparation, timelines, academic fit and the strength of different routes.
Personal
We take the time to understand the student’s background, confidence, academic profile, interests and future plans.
Find the right support for your family.
Whether you are choosing a UK school, preparing for university applications or trying to make sense of an international education route, we can help you understand the next step.
School Placement
For families choosing UK schools, boarding schools, senior schools, sixth form routes or school entrance pathways.
University Applications
For students applying to UK, US and global universities, including Oxbridge, medicine and competitive courses.
Tell us where your child is now, and where you hope they are going.
We will help you understand the best next step, whether your family needs school placement advice, university application support, academic preparation or a longer-term plan.