EDUCATION // Education Planning in an Evolving Landscape
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, preparing for elite university admissions demands more than just top grades—it requires foresight, emotional resilience, and a tailored approach. In this insightful piece, Ariana Azad, founder of FigTree Learning, shares expert guidance on how families can strategically future-proof their child’s education for institutions like the Ivy League and Oxbridge. From the evolving role of AI in learning to the importance of critical thinking, subject mastery, and long-term planning, this article offers a grounded, compassionate roadmap for navigating one of the most significant investments in a child’s future.
In a landscape increasingly shaped by competition, global mobility, and rapidly evolving expectations, private education consultancy is no longer just about tutoring. It’s about strategy, empathy, and precision matchmaking. At the helm of one such elite consultancy is a former human rights lawyer turned educational strategist, Ariana Azad, who, alongside her team, supports high-performing and high-profile families across the world in navigating the complexities of modern education. What began as an altruistic venture mentoring GCSE students in North West London has flourished into a robust educational ecosystem that supports children from age five through university admissions — and beyond.
From Law to Learning: A Purpose-Driven Pivot
Ariana’s journey from the United Nations to the world of tutoring underscores a career shift grounded in impact. “I started my career at the UN working in human rights, but eventually found myself in the finance world in the City,” she recalls. “It wasn’t until a friend launched a charity to support students in failing schools that I rediscovered my purpose.” That experience sparked not only a deep passion for education but also a realisation: elite families needed a more thoughtful, ethical, and personalised approach to academic guidance.
A Tailored and Strategic Service
At the heart of FigTree’s approach is bespoke planning. Every client engagement begins with a deep, diagnostic conversation. “We explore goals, timelines, and the child’s profile. If school or university placement is the focus, we often begin with informal academic assessments — particularly for overseas clients, who make up over half our portfolio.”
Tutoring is rarely approached as a stand-alone service. Instead, it is woven into broader academic journeys that span curricula, transitions, and personal growth. The firm’s offering includes everything from entrance exam preparation and interview coaching to broader subject support, all guided by a strategic and holistic philosophy.
Why Education Strategy Matters More Than Ever
In today’s global education marketplace, options are abundant — and overwhelming. “Education is one of the most significant long-term investments a family can make. But the choices are broader now: UK vs US vs European universities, or even moving internationally for better opportunities,” she explains. “We help families cut through the noise with clear, strategic advice.”
This includes frank assessments of fit. “Just because a school has prestige doesn’t mean it’s right for a particular child. We’ve had students turn down schools like St Paul’s because they intuitively knew the environment wasn’t right for them — and they’ve flourished elsewhere.”
Myth-Busting and Managing Expectations
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the work involves myth-busting — especially around expectations tied to elite institutions. “One common misconception is that private school alone is sufficient preparation. It’s not. Competitive entrance exams, interviews, and new assessments at every level require tailored support. And parents must be part of that journey. We’re not a drop-off service.”
A particular challenge is the belief that good grades guarantee placement. “A child with all A*s isn’t a shoo-in. So are the next hundred applicants. Success often hinges on interview performance, extracurriculars, and how strategically the child has positioned themselves — not just academically, but emotionally.”
International Dynamics: A Tale of Two Worlds
With many families moving abroad — and many others relocating to the UK — the firm plays a critical role in international transitions. Yet the reality is stark: “There’s a huge misconception that international schools, particularly in regions like the Middle East, offer the same calibre of education as elite UK institutions. They don’t. We regularly see students from abroad 12 to 18 months behind their UK peers — despite significant fees being paid.”
This reinforces the importance of forward planning, academic bridging, and sometimes, difficult conversations. “We’re honest with our clients. That’s our responsibility.”
Beyond Academics: Nurturing Confidence and Resilience
What distinguishes FigTree’s consultancy is not just academic rigour, but an unshakeable commitment to nurturing the whole child. “Confidence is critical. We want every student to not only succeed academically but also believe they can. That’s why mentorship, not just tutoring, is so important. The tutor-student match is foundational. Without that human connection, progress stalls.”
All tutors are hand-selected by the founder herself and trained in-house. "It’s not enough to have attended Oxbridge or scored perfectly on exams. We look for tutors who genuinely care, who adapt with the child, and who collaborate closely with families."
Organic Growth, Lifelong Relationships
Interestingly, the firm’s growth has been almost entirely organic — a reflection of its quality and trustworthiness. “Families who came to us for tutoring at age seven return for help with GCSEs, university planning, and even career placements.” And in a saturated market, it’s not just about test scores. Internships, summer programmes, and extracurricular alignment all matter — particularly for global pathways like IB, Oxbridge, Ivy League, or beyond.
Start Early, But Thoughtfully
One of the most common misconceptions about top-tier admissions is that preparation only begins in the final years of school. In reality, for institutions like Harvard or Oxford, meaningful groundwork must start as early as three to four years prior to application—if not earlier.
In the U.S., students must demonstrate a well-rounded profile. That includes stellar academic performance, competitive standardized test scores (despite the “test-optional” narrative), and robust extracurricular engagement—from music and sport to charitable work and leadership. For non-American applicants, the bar is often even higher due to limited quotas and added scrutiny.
By contrast, admissions to top UK universities like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, or Imperial focus far more on subject-specific mastery and intellectual curiosity. While GCSE results are key, what truly distinguishes applicants is their ability to engage deeply with their chosen discipline, often demonstrated in interviews that test critical thinking rather than charisma.
Parents are advised not to panic or over-schedule their children, but to begin with open, early conversations and consistent exposure to enriching activities that align with their child’s interests.
Beyond Academic Metrics: Emotional Intelligence and the Mindset Gap
Admissions committees are no longer only concerned with perfect grades. Maturity, adaptability, and self-awareness have become essential differentiators—especially during interviews and assessments. These are qualities that can’t be crammed or coached in a few short weeks; they must be cultivated gradually.
In this context, neurodivergence, anxiety, and performance under pressure must also be considered. Some students, while academically brilliant, may find traditional interview settings distressing. Here, a compassionate, student-centered coaching approach is vital—helping them build the confidence to showcase their thinking, not just their knowledge.
AI, ChatGPT, and the Future of Learning
No conversation about modern education is complete without discussing AI. Tools like ChatGPT are transforming how students approach research, writing, and revision. However, while AI can accelerate understanding and serve as a learning companion, it is not a shortcut to excellence.
“The students who succeed are those who know how to use AI intelligently—as a starting point, not an endgame,” says one education consultant. “If a student can’t ask the right question or think critically about the output, then AI won’t save them. Top universities can spot a formulaic answer from a mile away.”
What remains irreplaceable is original thought, creativity, and emotional intelligence—hallmarks of a top-tier education that AI cannot replicate.
Choosing the Right Fit: Not All Roads Lead to the Ivy League
There is a growing trend of students considering a broader range of institutions. While the U.S. remains attractive for its academic flexibility—especially for students with interdisciplinary interests—Europe is emerging as a strong contender, with affordable, high-quality programs in countries like Spain and Italy.
What matters most is finding the right fit: some students thrive in highly structured environments, others in places that allow more academic freedom. Parents should balance ambition with realism and remain open to all options, including postgraduate study as an eventual path to elite institutions.
The Stages of Preparation: A Framework for Families
To reduce stress and ensure steady progress, a phased approach to planning is crucial:
Early Foundation (Ages 5–11)
Focus on reading habits, basic numeracy, and fostering a love of learning. Even 10–15 minutes of daily reading—preferably with a Kindle for vocabulary development—can set the groundwork for academic excellence.Middle Years (Ages 12–14)
Identify gaps early and begin light-touch academic support if necessary. Develop self-discipline and study routines without creating burnout. Emotional wellbeing becomes as important as academic metrics.Senior Years (Ages 15–18)
Tailor preparation to the student’s chosen pathway. Engage subject-specific mentors, begin test prep, and simulate interviews for Oxbridge. Use these years to deepen interests, not just broaden them.
Three Immediate Actions Parents Can Take Today
Encourage Daily Reading
No matter the age, reading builds vocabulary, empathy, and critical thinking. Use tools like Kindle to make it interactive and engaging.Identify and Address Gaps Early
If a child is struggling in a key subject, don’t wait. Small, consistent support can prevent larger issues later—and rebuild confidence.Start the Conversation, Not the Panic
Speak with experienced professionals rather than peers. Begin a calm, informed discussion about your child’s potential and options. Planning doesn’t mean pressuring.
In an era of hyper-competition and information overload, what elite education consultancies offer is clarity, care, and customisation. As the founder puts it. Nothing is truly impossible — unless you leave it too late. Start early, have the right support, and most importantly, keep the child at the centre of every decision. True educational success isn't measured solely by university admission. It’s measured by whether a child thrives—academically, emotionally, and personally—on whatever path they pursue. The most effective advisors balance ambition with empathy, structure with kindness.
The true measure of success, then, is not a prestigious name on a blazer — but a confident, curious, and capable young person, empowered to thrive wherever they go.
