Described by the judges as “a small company that demonstrates big passion”, London-based education consultant Simply Learning Tuition was among the winners of the Relocate Awards 2017.
The fact that the Excellence in Employee & Family Support category is always keenly contested bears witness to the significance of employee and family support in the relocation process and the range of companies and individuals that are eligible to enter.
Not surprisingly given their importance to relocating families, schools and education consultants have been among our previous winners. This year, the trophy went to London-based
Simply Learning Tuition (SLT), which places teachers and private tutors in long- and short-term residential jobs and provides education consultancy for overseas families moving to the UK.
The judges praised “this niche player in the education field” for its high-quality service and depth of knowledge, adding, “This small company demonstrates big passion.”
SLT’s director, Nathaniel McCullagh, says, “We believe that a successful school placement underpins the success of an entire relocation. Our clients represent the full spectrum of relocating families, from business leaders to ambassadors, academics and actors.”
Relocation: a positive experience
What sets SLT apart from its competitors? “Rather than over-inflating the complexity or exclusiveness of the British education system,” says Nathaniel McCullagh, “we focus on making what might seem like a daunting relocation feel achievable and positive.
“Our consultants suggest options that are right for the child, where he or she will be happy, and where they can thrive, academically and pastorally.”
The service doesn’t stop with the tutor placement or consultancy advice. SLT follows up repeatedly, and its seven-day service allows it to react rapidly to problems. As Nathaniel McCullagh says, “Relocating families face diverse challenges. Helping them to overcome these involves working quickly and with ingenuity.”
This agility was noted by the judges, who said, “Being nimble and highly responsive to change, Simply Learning Tuition applies its flexible approach to ensuring exceptional service quality.”
The judges also praised the company’s committed staff, who, they said, were supported by effective career planning.
“We work to clients’ schedules,” says Nathaniel McCullagh, “travelling to their countries and respecting their working hours and religious customs. This level of service from a small team requires a committed work ethic.
“Our investment in IT, solid career planning, and focused charitable giving help make SLT a great place to work, as does being a flexible and supportive employer.”
Supporting clients and staff
The case studies included in the entry submission give a flavour of the service SLT provides. One concerned a New Zealand family relocating to London from Dubai with little time to consider schooling options. Their children’s learning difficulties made an already difficult situation more so.
With less than seven days’ notice, SLT undertook an academic assessment in Dubai and introduced an SEN-experienced live-in tutor to support the family and prepare them, culturally and academically, for the transition to the UK.
Following the relocation, it supported the tutor to ensure the family was happily settled.
Summing up, the judges called Simply Learning Tuition “a great example of a firm that supports both families on the move and its own teams of professionals by providing added-value service delivery”.
Says Katie Haigh, director of education at SLT, “We were delighted to be recognised for the work we do guiding our overseas clients through the educational challenges they face when moving to the UK.
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Relocate hosted an inspirational evening at the Science Museum. It was great to be part of such a wide range of passionate and talented teams, and to celebrate all of our efforts and expertise in supporting global mobility.”
Following this year's innovation-themed gala dinner, the Relocate team is already hard at work to ensure we build on the success of the Relocate Awards 2017 and make next year’s even bigger and better.
Watch the video highlights of the Gala Dinner and Awards presentation here
© 2017. This article first appeared in the Summer 2017 edition of Relocate magazine, published by Profile Locations, Spray Hill, Hastings Road, Lamberhurst, Kent TN3 8JB. All rights reserved. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of Profile Locations. Profile Locations accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents or any opinions expressed herein.
