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Education Consultant

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An education consultant is a professional who provides expert advice and guidance to educational institutions, teachers, students, and parents. Their work might involve helping schools improve teaching standards, supporting curriculum development, advising on education policy, or working with families to find the best schools or university options for students. Education consultants may be self-employed or work for consultancy firms, local authorities, or education charities. Much of the role involves research, report writing, and delivering presentations or training sessions. Strong communication and organisational skills are essential, and many consultants have teaching experience or a background in educational leadership.

Education Consultant

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Education consultants in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £50,000 per year, with senior or highly experienced consultants earning up to £70,000.

Job Demand

There are approximately 6,000 to 8,000 education consultants working in the UK, with demand growing due to changes in education policy and school improvement needs.

Typical Working Hours

Most education consultants work standard office hours, though some may work evenings or weekends, especially when delivering training or attending events.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Higher Education Admissions Adviser

Supports students with university applications, providing guidance on course choices, personal statements, and interview preparation.

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Special Educational Needs Consultant

Works with schools and families to develop strategies and support plans for pupils with special educational needs.

International Schools Curriculum Adviser

Advises international schools on curriculum development, teaching standards, and educational policy to help raise educational outcomes.

Gain Relevant Education and Experience

Complete a Degree in Education or Related Field

Study for a degree in education or a closely related subject such as psychology or English.

Most education consultants have a background in teaching or education. Completing a university degree in education, or a subject that is commonly taught in schools, will give you a strong understanding of how schools work and what students need. Some consultants also have degrees in areas like psychology, as this helps in understanding learning behaviour.

Gain Teaching or Educational Experience

Work as a teacher or in an educational role to develop practical knowledge.

Most education consultants have several years of experience working in schools, colleges, or other educational settings. Gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and working as a teacher is a common pathway, but you could also work in roles such as a teaching assistant, SEN coordinator, or in education administration to build relevant experience.

Develop Specialist Skills and Knowledge

Undertake Further Training or Qualifications

Complete specialist courses in areas like curriculum design, educational leadership, or special educational needs.

You can boost your expertise and employability by completing postgraduate courses such as a PGCE, Masters in Education, or specific training in areas like school improvement or SEN. Many universities and professional bodies offer short courses and qualifications tailored for aspiring consultants.

Build a Network in the Education Sector

Attend conferences, join professional bodies, and connect with other education professionals.

Networking is crucial for education consultants. Join organisations such as the Society of Education Consultants or local education groups. Attending conferences and workshops will help you stay updated with the latest trends, meet potential clients, and share ideas with other professionals.

Start Working as an Education Consultant

Find a Consultancy Role or Set Up as a Freelancer

Apply for roles with consultancy firms or start your own consultancy business.

You might join an established education consultancy, work for a local authority, or offer services directly to schools, parents, or students. If you want to work independently, set up your own business, develop a website, and market your services to potential clients. Typical work includes providing advice, running training sessions, or supporting schools with inspections and improvement plans.

Continue Professional Development

Keep up to date with changes in education and develop your skills.

Education is always evolving, so it is important to engage in ongoing professional development. Attend regular training, read educational publications, and reflect on your practice to ensure you are offering the best advice and support.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Education Consultant. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

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Sample Qualifications

An Education Consultant and a Higher education lecturer both specialise in teaching, training, and developing educational programmes. They often work within academic institutions orThird sector organisations to improve learning outcomes, requiring similar expertise in curriculum design and delivery.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You'll usually need a first class or upper second class degree, relevant to the subject you want to teach.

You'll also need to have completed a postgraduate master's or PhD qualification, or be working towards one. It's common to have had academic work published.

You'll be expected to do a teaching qualification soon after you start. This is normally offered by your university and is done while working.

You may be able to get experience by taking on teaching duties while you're a postgraduate student. Some universities also offer posts as a graduate teaching assistant.

You'll need several years' relevant work experience if you want to teach vocational subjects, for example art or engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an Academic Professional Level 7 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to postgraduate study.

You can specialise in teaching or research.

To apply, you'll normally need a minimum of a postgraduate qualification in your subject area, or several years' equivalent work experience, plus the agreement of your employer.

It can take between 18 and 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Further information

You can find out more about working in higher education from Advance HE.

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