Holly Smith - Guidewell Global

My day today:
- woke up to two little girls having sneaked in bed with me in the early hours
- a very rushed childminder and school run
- train to London
- webinar to one of my favourite schools in Sussex
- meetings with colleagues at our London offices
- train to Harrow School for their HE Fair
- a beautiful post-event drinks and dinner reception
- hoping to be home before 11pm!

The day wouldn’t be possible without:
- my school mum heroes walking Eleanor to school for me, giving me 10 mins extra to get ready without rushing too much for the train
- my awesome mum doing the afterschool pick up and having my girls for a sleepover
- Tomás from IE University kindly giving me a lift from Harrow back to central London so I can get a slightly earlier train home so I get back before midnight

It takes a village! 🫶🏼🙌🏼

Did you know that AP (Advanced Placement) courses are university-level qualifications recognised by leading universities in the UK, US, and around the world?

For ambitious students, APs can provide an opportunity to demonstrate academic rigour, develop university-level skills, and strengthen applications.

To find out more, join our free webinar with expert tutor Daniel McElroy:

The Summer AP Advantage: Build the Skills Schools Don't Teach for AP English, History, and More

📅 23 June

⏰ 7pm UK Time

In this session, you'll learn:

✔️ The core skills that drive success across AP English, History, Government, and other humanities subjects

✔️ How students entering Year 12 in Autumn 2026 can use the summer to gain a head start before AP coursework begins

✔️ Practical ways to balance AP preparation alongside schoolwork, university applications, and extracurricular commitments

Save your spot here: https://guidewelleducation.onecanoe.com/gwg/registration/create?event_code=EVT454A6E

How to Write an Effective Activities List for US University Applications This informal CPD article ‘How to Write an Effective Activities List for US University Applications’ was provided by Guidewell Global, specialists in international university and school admissions, working with top schools across the UK and Europe to provide a bespoke service for those who want ...

A stunning setting for a U.S. College Essay Workshop yesterday 🤩

Please reach out if your school is interested in booking Guidewell Global for this service. They’re great fun to run!

Online (UK and international school) and in-person (UK only) options available

CAPTION COMPETITION!

I'll start: "6 7...!"

I'm delighted to share our speaker list for the 12th Annual Guidewell Global Conference, on Monday 15th June, at Northeastern University London.

UK and international school counsellors are welcome to attend.

Places filling up fast! Book your place here: https://guidewellglobal.typeform.com/Conference2026?typeform-source=www.guidewellglobal.com

Need to prepare for the SAT? Our intensive courses will help you succeed! Our next course is during the May half term break, and is a great way to use your time to get to grips with the test.

Each course follows an in-house curriculum created by our team and includes materials, homework, and post-course feedback.

Find out more and book your place here: www.guidewellglobal.com/courses

Need to explain the US university application process “in a nutshell” to your colleagues or parents? This article is an excellent overview of the US system.

I’m looking forward to this tonight!

Please share this with your school communities. Open to all families (Year 10/Grade 9 upwards) around the world, not just in the UK

Summer decisions are happening now! Join our live webinar tonight at 6pm UK time for an in-depth conversation on how to plan a summer that actually moves the needle.

You’ll hear from:

Holly Smith - Guidewell Global, Director, Strategic Partnerships - Guidewell Global, with 20 years of education experience, guiding students through the college admissions process.
Jenny Evans, Managing Director - Reach Cambridge, with 15+ years of experience creating international academic programmes for students.

You’ll learn:

- What makes a summer programme stand out to universities
- How to choose experiences that align with your academic interests
- How to turn your summer into a compelling part of your application

Book your spot here: https://guidewelleducation.onecanoe.com/g/registration/create?event_code=EVT454A3C