Brilliant! I wish Id had one!, 19 Apr 2008
I bought this because my own school maths wasnt brilliant.. of course much was forgotten when I didnt use it and now I have children Im being asked to help!
My daughter (11) constantly dips into it. Its not like a 'textbook'which you might find in school, its informative and clear with steo by step explainations and diagrams which are very easy to follow and useful.
I really wish this had existed when I was in school! I can see it being useful when shes sitting her GCSE maths!

Great book for homework, 18 Dec 2007
This is the first review I have done as it is the first book I have felt strongly enough to recommend! I bought this book two years ago when my daughter started in Year 7. I don't always have the time to help with homework, and it has clear instructions for each topic. This book has consistently helped her with both homework and revision. The sections are clear and there are samples laid out for you to follow. I have now started using it with my other children and so far it has not let us down! Brilliant buy.

Excellent reference book, 12 Jul 2007
I bought this book when my eldest was 9 and 3 years on it's still proving to be an invaluable guide for reference, explanation and revision. It provides a good level of depth for all levels within core and key areas succinctly and clearly. I've recommended this book to a number of friends with children who've all found it really helpful (especially when your child has a maths exam the following week and you can't remember how to do long division!). I would expect this book to continue to be indispensable when my children sit GCSE. I can't praise it enough!

Memory aid, 09 May 2004
Excellent, easy to read and understand. I am currently just starting a degree in maths, many years after failing my GCE and had forgotten much of the terminology and meanings and found this invaluable and comprehensive in jogging the memory and informing me on areas that I do not know.

Brilliant! I wish Id had one!, 19 Apr 2008
I bought this because my own school maths wasnt brilliant.. of course much was forgotten when I didnt use it and now I have children Im being asked to help!
My daughter (11) constantly dips into it. Its not like a 'textbook'which you might find in school, its informative and clear with steo by step explainations and diagrams which are very easy to follow and useful.
I really wish this had existed when I was in school! I can see it being useful when shes sitting her GCSE maths!

Great book for homework, 18 Dec 2007
This is the first review I have done as it is the first book I have felt strongly enough to recommend! I bought this book two years ago when my daughter started in Year 7. I don't always have the time to help with homework, and it has clear instructions for each topic. This book has consistently helped her with both homework and revision. The sections are clear and there are samples laid out for you to follow. I have now started using it with my other children and so far it has not let us down! Brilliant buy.

Excellent reference book, 12 Jul 2007
I bought this book when my eldest was 9 and 3 years on it's still proving to be an invaluable guide for reference, explanation and revision. It provides a good level of depth for all levels within core and key areas succinctly and clearly. I've recommended this book to a number of friends with children who've all found it really helpful (especially when your child has a maths exam the following week and you can't remember how to do long division!). I would expect this book to continue to be indispensable when my children sit GCSE. I can't praise it enough!

Memory aid, 09 May 2004
Excellent, easy to read and understand. I am currently just starting a degree in maths, many years after failing my GCE and had forgotten much of the terminology and meanings and found this invaluable and comprehensive in jogging the memory and informing me on areas that I do not know.

It worked for us, 06 Dec 2007
When my daughter was applying for university we bought the Virgin Guide and friends bought other guides so we could all swap. I preferred this one although it doesn't give huge detail about individual courses. Where it seems to score is on giving an accurate flavour of how it will feel to be at a particular university for 3 or more years. My daughter is in her 2nd year now and re-reading what the Virgin Guide said about her university and the city, I think the portrayal of the whole experience is remarkably accurate.

Shoulda read this before applying, 10 Nov 2007
This is by far the best guide to what it is like to actualy live at university and the practicalities of studying there which goes beyond league tables. It gives rankings of elements of a non academic nature such as the male female split and the national football/hockey/rugby rankings. It also rates the social life, and this is where I fell down. Because I ignored the advice of this book before I applied I am now at a university whose course is in the top 10 in the times however socially I hate it. I am now using this guide to help inform my decision on where to transfer to. I beg you to read this guide carefully and make a decision based on this and academic league tables, it will save your future and your life. Ive wasted 5 weeks at a university I now hate and as a result have missed the deadlines for one of the Oxbridge courses I wanted to re-appy for.

Generaly I dislike richard branson and most of his products (especially his trains) but this is one virgin brand product which is definately worth the investment.

This is the seventh edition of The Independent Schools Guide which Gabbitas Educational Consultants have produced annually since 1995. As well as giving detailed information about the independent sector, how it works, special services and features on offer, what it all costs and how to get help with fees, the Guide includes a comprehensive listing of schools in Britain, elsewhere in Europe and beyond. It is probably the fullest available reference work of its type.

Schools such as Heathfield in Berkshire--"one of the few remaining girls' schools where every pupil is a boarder"--or Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire--"situated in sixty acres of parkland on the edge of the Cotswolds"--have paid for a profiled entry. Most are just listed geographically with contact details, size and fees charged so that you can compare what is available in any given area.

At the back are lists which highlight the schools featured in the guide offering, say, provision for dyslexia support or the teaching of English as a foreign language, or which have academic, music, sports, drama or other sorts of scholarships.

The Independent Schools Guide is aesthetically pleasing and uncomplicated to use. The language is clear and the layout logical and accessible. There is plenty of useful information both for first time buyers of independent education and for old hands. For various reasons not everyone, after all, wants to send his or her son or daughter back to the alma mater. This guide enables you to shop about. --Susan Elkin

Brilliant! I wish Id had one!, 19 Apr 2008
I bought this because my own school maths wasnt brilliant.. of course much was forgotten when I didnt use it and now I have children Im being asked to help!
My daughter (11) constantly dips into it. Its not like a 'textbook'which you might find in school, its informative and clear with steo by step explainations and diagrams which are very easy to follow and useful.
I really wish this had existed when I was in school! I can see it being useful when shes sitting her GCSE maths!

Great book for homework, 18 Dec 2007
This is the first review I have done as it is the first book I have felt strongly enough to recommend! I bought this book two years ago when my daughter started in Year 7. I don't always have the time to help with homework, and it has clear instructions for each topic. This book has consistently helped her with both homework and revision. The sections are clear and there are samples laid out for you to follow. I have now started using it with my other children and so far it has not let us down! Brilliant buy.

Excellent reference book, 12 Jul 2007
I bought this book when my eldest was 9 and 3 years on it's still proving to be an invaluable guide for reference, explanation and revision. It provides a good level of depth for all levels within core and key areas succinctly and clearly. I've recommended this book to a number of friends with children who've all found it really helpful (especially when your child has a maths exam the following week and you can't remember how to do long division!). I would expect this book to continue to be indispensable when my children sit GCSE. I can't praise it enough!

Memory aid, 09 May 2004
Excellent, easy to read and understand. I am currently just starting a degree in maths, many years after failing my GCE and had forgotten much of the terminology and meanings and found this invaluable and comprehensive in jogging the memory and informing me on areas that I do not know.

It worked for us, 06 Dec 2007
When my daughter was applying for university we bought the Virgin Guide and friends bought other guides so we could all swap. I preferred this one although it doesn't give huge detail about individual courses. Where it seems to score is on giving an accurate flavour of how it will feel to be at a particular university for 3 or more years. My daughter is in her 2nd year now and re-reading what the Virgin Guide said about her university and the city, I think the portrayal of the whole experience is remarkably accurate.

Shoulda read this before applying, 10 Nov 2007
This is by far the best guide to what it is like to actualy live at university and the practicalities of studying there which goes beyond league tables. It gives rankings of elements of a non academic nature such as the male female split and the national football/hockey/rugby rankings. It also rates the social life, and this is where I fell down. Because I ignored the advice of this book before I applied I am now at a university whose course is in the top 10 in the times however socially I hate it. I am now using this guide to help inform my decision on where to transfer to. I beg you to read this guide carefully and make a decision based on this and academic league tables, it will save your future and your life. Ive wasted 5 weeks at a university I now hate and as a result have missed the deadlines for one of the Oxbridge courses I wanted to re-appy for.

Generaly I dislike richard branson and most of his products (especially his trains) but this is one virgin brand product which is definately worth the investment.

Disapointing, 01 Apr 2006
I made the mistake of buying this book and I am very disappointed with it. It gives no 'insider' info, opinions, etc as expected, simply factual info about school addresses, pupil number, etc, which can be obtained by a simple trawl of the internet, and is heavily slanted towards promotional & advertising material. I felt completely ripped off by it.

Brilliant! I wish Id had one!, 19 Apr 2008
I bought this because my own school maths wasnt brilliant.. of course much was forgotten when I didnt use it and now I have children Im being asked to help!
My daughter (11) constantly dips into it. Its not like a 'textbook'which you might find in school, its informative and clear with steo by step explainations and diagrams which are very easy to follow and useful.
I really wish this had existed when I was in school! I can see it being useful when shes sitting her GCSE maths!

Great book for homework, 18 Dec 2007
This is the first review I have done as it is the first book I have felt strongly enough to recommend! I bought this book two years ago when my daughter started in Year 7. I don't always have the time to help with homework, and it has clear instructions for each topic. This book has consistently helped her with both homework and revision. The sections are clear and there are samples laid out for you to follow. I have now started using it with my other children and so far it has not let us down! Brilliant buy.

Excellent reference book, 12 Jul 2007
I bought this book when my eldest was 9 and 3 years on it's still proving to be an invaluable guide for reference, explanation and revision. It provides a good level of depth for all levels within core and key areas succinctly and clearly. I've recommended this book to a number of friends with children who've all found it really helpful (especially when your child has a maths exam the following week and you can't remember how to do long division!). I would expect this book to continue to be indispensable when my children sit GCSE. I can't praise it enough!

Memory aid, 09 May 2004
Excellent, easy to read and understand. I am currently just starting a degree in maths, many years after failing my GCE and had forgotten much of the terminology and meanings and found this invaluable and comprehensive in jogging the memory and informing me on areas that I do not know.

It worked for us, 06 Dec 2007
When my daughter was applying for university we bought the Virgin Guide and friends bought other guides so we could all swap. I preferred this one although it doesn't give huge detail about individual courses. Where it seems to score is on giving an accurate flavour of how it will feel to be at a particular university for 3 or more years. My daughter is in her 2nd year now and re-reading what the Virgin Guide said about her university and the city, I think the portrayal of the whole experience is remarkably accurate.

Shoulda read this before applying, 10 Nov 2007
This is by far the best guide to what it is like to actualy live at university and the practicalities of studying there which goes beyond league tables. It gives rankings of elements of a non academic nature such as the male female split and the national football/hockey/rugby rankings. It also rates the social life, and this is where I fell down. Because I ignored the advice of this book before I applied I am now at a university whose course is in the top 10 in the times however socially I hate it. I am now using this guide to help inform my decision on where to transfer to. I beg you to read this guide carefully and make a decision based on this and academic league tables, it will save your future and your life. Ive wasted 5 weeks at a university I now hate and as a result have missed the deadlines for one of the Oxbridge courses I wanted to re-appy for.

Generaly I dislike richard branson and most of his products (especially his trains) but this is one virgin brand product which is definately worth the investment.

Disapointing, 01 Apr 2006
I made the mistake of buying this book and I am very disappointed with it. It gives no 'insider' info, opinions, etc as expected, simply factual info about school addresses, pupil number, etc, which can be obtained by a simple trawl of the internet, and is heavily slanted towards promotional & advertising material. I felt completely ripped off by it.

Unbelievably useless, 10 May 2007
It is little better than a telephone directory. For most schools it just has an address, web address and fees. No opinion, no grading etc. Not even a map other than splitting into large county sized areas. The only write ups are from schools (having presumably paid) who have put in their own self-congratulatory page. To Say "Everything You Need to Know About Independent Schooling in London and the South-East" is ridiculous.

Brilliant! I wish Id had one!, 19 Apr 2008
I bought this because my own school maths wasnt brilliant.. of course much was forgotten when I didnt use it and now I have children Im being asked to help!
My daughter (11) constantly dips into it. Its not like a 'textbook'which you might find in school, its informative and clear with steo by step explainations and diagrams which are very easy to follow and useful.
I really wish this had existed when I was in school! I can see it being useful when shes sitting her GCSE maths!

Great book for homework, 18 Dec 2007
This is the first review I have done as it is the first book I have felt strongly enough to recommend! I bought this book two years ago when my daughter started in Year 7. I don't always have the time to help with homework, and it has clear instructions for each topic. This book has consistently helped her with both homework and revision. The sections are clear and there are samples laid out for you to follow. I have now started using it with my other children and so far it has not let us down! Brilliant buy.

Excellent reference book, 12 Jul 2007
I bought this book when my eldest was 9 and 3 years on it's still proving to be an invaluable guide for reference, explanation and revision. It provides a good level of depth for all levels within core and key areas succinctly and clearly. I've recommended this book to a number of friends with children who've all found it really helpful (especially when your child has a maths exam the following week and you can't remember how to do long division!). I would expect this book to continue to be indispensable when my children sit GCSE. I can't praise it enough!

Memory aid, 09 May 2004
Excellent, easy to read and understand. I am currently just starting a degree in maths, many years after failing my GCE and had forgotten much of the terminology and meanings and found this invaluable and comprehensive in jogging the memory and informing me on areas that I do not know.

It worked for us, 06 Dec 2007
When my daughter was applying for university we bought the Virgin Guide and friends bought other guides so we could all swap. I preferred this one although it doesn't give huge detail about individual courses. Where it seems to score is on giving an accurate flavour of how it will feel to be at a particular university for 3 or more years. My daughter is in her 2nd year now and re-reading what the Virgin Guide said about her university and the city, I think the portrayal of the whole experience is remarkably accurate.

Shoulda read this before applying, 10 Nov 2007
This is by far the best guide to what it is like to actualy live at university and the practicalities of studying there which goes beyond league tables. It gives rankings of elements of a non academic nature such as the male female split and the national football/hockey/rugby rankings. It also rates the social life, and this is where I fell down. Because I ignored the advice of this book before I applied I am now at a university whose course is in the top 10 in the times however socially I hate it. I am now using this guide to help inform my decision on where to transfer to. I beg you to read this guide carefully and make a decision based on this and academic league tables, it will save your future and your life. Ive wasted 5 weeks at a university I now hate and as a result have missed the deadlines for one of the Oxbridge courses I wanted to re-appy for.

Generaly I dislike richard branson and most of his products (especially his trains) but this is one virgin brand product which is definately worth the investment.

Disapointing, 01 Apr 2006
I made the mistake of buying this book and I am very disappointed with it. It gives no 'insider' info, opinions, etc as expected, simply factual info about school addresses, pupil number, etc, which can be obtained by a simple trawl of the internet, and is heavily slanted towards promotional & advertising material. I felt completely ripped off by it.

Unbelievably useless, 10 May 2007
It is little better than a telephone directory. For most schools it just has an address, web address and fees. No opinion, no grading etc. Not even a map other than splitting into large county sized areas. The only write ups are from schools (having presumably paid) who have put in their own self-congratulatory page. To Say "Everything You Need to Know About Independent Schooling in London and the South-East" is ridiculous.


Great descriptions of the most competitive colleges, 17 Feb 1999
The scope of this guide is limited the 50+ 'best' colleges in the US. I was very happy with the college choices and the essays (written by recent graduates) were especially useful. I would recommend that most prospective students use this in conjunction with the Fiske Guide.

More information and stats about each college should exist., 16 Feb 1999
Excellent college guide limited to only the very best colleges and universities. However, for a book with less than 100 colleges listed, more stats and objective information (reviews are supplied by recent graduates of the college), as well as more flat out information should be included.