Moving abroad with children raises big questions about education.
Which school system suits your child? Will they need language support? How do grades and diplomas transfer? Many families work through these questions themselves, but some turn to an education consultant for help.
This guide explains when a consultant is worth considering, what the label can mean in practice, and how to choose one, using the Netherlands and Amsterdam as a worked example.
Key Takeaways
- Education consultants range from school-placement advisers to academic coaches and youth researchers, so check what a consultant actually does
- A consultant is most useful when your child has special needs, is at a transition point, or when you face a tight deadline
- In the Netherlands, school is compulsory from age five, and secondary education is divided into streams
- Newcomer teenagers can often start in an international transition class to learn Dutch
What Is an Education Consultant?
“Education consultant” is a broad title.
Depending on who uses it, it can mean:
- School placement advisers who help families compare and apply to schools in a new country.
- Educational psychologists or learning specialists who assess learning needs.
- University admissions advisers who guide older students through applications.
- Academic coaches and tutors who support students with specific subjects or research skills.
- Research and consulting agencies that advise schools and organisations rather than individual families.
Before you contact anyone, decide which kind of help you need.
Then ask each consultant directly what they offer.
When Families Moving Abroad Benefit Most
Your child has special educational needs
If your child has learning differences, a disability or needs extra support, a consultant who knows the local system can help you understand what schools can offer and how to access support.
Your child is at a transition point
Moving just before the start of secondary school, or in the final years before university, can be tricky.
A consultant can help match curricula so your child does not lose time.
You are on a tight timeline
International schools in popular cities can have waiting lists.
If you are moving at short notice, local knowledge can speed things up.
Your child is heading to university
For older students, help with research skills or university-level work can make a difference.
In Amsterdam, SPSSGuru offers help with statistical analyses, research methodology and interpreting results for theses and research projects, and says it has more than 15 years of experience and has supported over 4,000 students and researchers.
This is very different from school placement, which shows why it pays to check what a consultant does.
How the Dutch School System Works
The Netherlands is a good example of a system that can confuse newcomers.
Primary school
Children can start primary school (basisschool) at age four, and school is compulsory from age five.
Primary school runs for eight years, called groups 1 to 8.
Secondary school
At the end of primary school, pupils receive a school advice that guides which stream of secondary education they enter: vmbo (pre-vocational), havo (senior general secondary) or vwo (pre-university).
This early streaming is one of the biggest differences from many other countries.
International and bilingual options
Families can choose international schools that teach in English and follow international curricula such as the International Baccalaureate.
Some Dutch schools also offer bilingual education.
Newcomer classes
Teenagers who arrive without Dutch can often start in an international transition class (internationale schakelklas, ISK), which focuses on learning Dutch before moving into regular secondary education.
For a fuller overview of international schools in the city, our earlier guide on how to choose an international school when moving abroad walks through the main checks step by step.
Consultants Who Work Behind the Scenes
Some education consultants never meet individual families but shape the services families use. Youngworks, based in Amsterdam, is a research and consulting agency specialising in young people as a target group, and often works for clients in education, the job market, lifestyle, and media and culture.
Agencies like this help organisations see things through the eyes of young people, which is useful to know when you are searching and see the same label used for very different services.
How to Choose an Education Consultant
- Define your question before your first call: placement, assessment, academic support or university admissions.
- Check local experience. A consultant should know the specific country and city.
- Ask about qualifications and professional memberships.
- Clarify fees up front: hourly, package or success-based.
- Ask for references from families in a similar situation.
- Watch for conflicts of interest. Ask whether the consultant receives fees from schools.
To compare consultants in the Netherlands’ capital, you can browse education consultants in Amsterdam and shortlist those whose services match your question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an education consultant to move abroad with children?
No. Many families manage on their own with research and school visits.
A consultant is most valuable for complex situations or tight timelines.
Can a consultant guarantee a school place?
No. Admission decisions are made by schools.
A consultant can help you prepare and apply efficiently.
When should I start planning?
As early as possible.
Many international schools recommend applying months before the move.
Conclusion
An education consultant can be a valuable partner when moving abroad, but the title covers many different services.
Decide what kind of help your family needs, check experience and fees, and use a consultant to complement your own research.
With the right preparation, your children can settle into their new school with confidence.