Vivian

Schools Consultant

Viv’s wide ranging knowledge of London prep and senior schools, as well as single sex and co-educational boarding schools, make him ideally placed to support parents through the complex and often confusing process of school admissions at 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+.

Vivian Thomas

Past roles and experience

Viv was educated at University College School, Hampstead and entered the teaching profession having graduated from St. Luke’s College, Exeter University in 1982. At various times he specialised in teaching history, sport and mathematics both at primary and secondary school levels. He has an MA in Education and is a former Headmaster of 20 years’ standing at two London prep schools, Keble and Arnold House. He is a member of IAPS and NAHT, a prep school governor and spent 5 years on the Independent Schools Examinations Board for Mathematics.

The prep school world has changed significantly over the past 40 years, especially in London. Viv believes that the fundamental principles are still present; most notably that these really should be amongst the most rewarding, productive and fun years for school age children. The desire to succeed, however, can bring its own pressures and not all of them are conducive to children’s well-being. Nor their parents for that matter, which is why more than than ever they are prepared to spend time seeking-out the best impartial advice available so that they can make informed decisions; be it about their child’s progress at their current school or which school environments will offer the ‘best fit’ for their child’s talents and personality in the future. Viv’s wide ranging knowledge of London prep and senior schools, as well as single sex and co-educational boarding schools, make him ideally placed to support parents through the complex and often confusing process of school admissions at 3+, 4+, 7+ , 8+, 11+ and 13+.

Over the course of a 40 year career Viv has gained extensive experience of school leadership, management, teaching and governance across the independent, state and international school sectors. He now provides guidance and support to school leaders, parents and teachers on strategies that will ensure children build confidence and meet with success at every stage of their prep school education.

Areas of Expertise

  • 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+ admissions
  • London preparatory schools
  • Providing realistic advice about school selection and the process
  • Interview preparation
  • Boarding Schools

Positions Held