About Attain

Finding the right school for your child is not easy and myriad sources claim to help. Attain has an established reputation amongst schools for impartiality, integrity and independence. Attain is different and so is our guide.

Attain was launched by Editor Matthew Smith as a print magazine back in 2006 to provide parents with a trusted guide to navigate the maze of independent schooling. He grew the title to become the leading magazine for the sector, with its content regularly featured by the national press.

As Editor for 15 years, Matthew was incredibly fortunate to meet many amazing headteachers and work closely with some brilliant contributors. He decided to bring together into a book everything he learnt during those years of being an education editor in the hope that other parents would find it of use.

The Attain Guide helps parents make one of the hardest decisions they can take on behalf of their child. On this site you can subscribe to the eBook version or order the print edition. And to help in the process of shortlisting, details of over 700 independent schools are included in our Schools section.

The book has been widely praised by Heads for its approach and the advice it offers to parents:

This is a terrific resource for parents navigating the ever-evolving world of independent education. It offers both wisdom and practical advice in a conversational yet evidence-based tone, helping families find the right fit for their child's educational journey. Matthew's deep understanding of the sector shines through, making this guide an accessible and useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about independent schooling.

Tim Smith, Headmaster, Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep School

Finally! A guide that helps parents cut through the branding, shiny PR and glitz, and focuses unapologetically on what should be at the heart of every school choice: a child's happiness.

Dr Matthew Jenkinson, Headmaster, New College School

This is the book that parents have been waiting for and one they should most definitely read when choosing a school for their children... Matthew offers sage and measured advice about what you need to consider, things to avoid and who to listen to when making the most important choice you can make for your child.

Peter Tait, former Headmaster, Sherborne Prep

I've known Matthew for many years; he offers clear, sensible, and unbiased advice, drawn from his extensive knowledge of the sector, and I'm delighted to see his expertise translated into this thoughtful and practical guide for parents. This book is invaluable for those navigating the often overwhelming process of choosing an independent school, helping parents focus on what truly matters, rather than rankings, hype, or marketing spin. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Alastair Speers, Headmaster, Sandroyd School

Matthew's new and approachable parent guide to choosing a school is spot on. Naturally, the first thing I looked at was his commentary about Heads. Sage, sensible and savvy advice abounds, as does the caveats and cautions about over glossy marketing spin that schools pump out. The book is really well written, entirely from the perspective of supporting parents. It's also a gentle swipe at some of the nonsense schools promote and how to look past it. Parents, also take heed – there are really good pointers about how to be a great parent in your relationship with the school. Unglossed, direct and delivered with humour, Matthew's book helps make things easier for everyone, and in that way, your child has a better chance of being happy and thriving. Remember, it's a two-way relationship, you're not buying a washing machine.

Simon Larter-Evans, Principal, Tring Park School for the Performing Arts

I'm delighted to see this well-informed guide for parents navigating the bewildering yet crucial task of picking 'the right school'. Matthew's sensible and practical advice draws from his extensive experience with independent schools and as a parent. This is a very helpful read for parents of school age (or younger) children.

Julie Robinson, CEO, Independent Schools Council

This is exactly the sort of book which parents should be looking at to cut through the marketing glitz of independent school websites and prospectuses, and to focus in on the key issues around finding the right school for their child. Matthew's book offers a wealth of practical advice from someone who really knows the sector, giving parents all the right questions to ask of themselves and the schools they are visiting. If you're looking for a guide to tell you what the best school is, then this book isn't for you. If you want guidance and support to find the best school for your child, then look no further.

James Dahl, Master, Wellington College

Dorset