Yellowbird Education is a trusted family company. We are proud that much of our business comes from personal recommendation and by word of mouth. We have over 40 years' combined experience in British education, and are an experienced and innovative team of professionals who work closely with all our families and children.
Janie Richardson, C0-Founder
Janie is the Co-founder of Yellowbird Education. Dealing with children’s educational paths on a daily basis in her role as Head teacher in central London prep schools, she saw the need for guidance to navigate and support parents and children though the London school system. Parents need more guidance than schools can give with a varied and wider view on school exams and what they require.
Her aim was to build an education company that can inspire children to learn while having fun and to build on their skills needed to succeed in life. To help parents to know which schools are realistically in their child’s reach. To build up a caring, honest, wholesome and supportive environment where parents can seek advice from the knowledge and experience we have gained through helping thousands of children to gain entry in to schools.
Janie’s career spans from teaching experience across the world, working in some highly sought after London schools, a former Head teacher, and mother of three, enables her to support families from different backgrounds and cultures. With first hand experience of relocation, school entry, admissions procedures, interview practice and exam taking, she can support families throughout their individual needs.
"My role as a Head Teacher in Central London has provided me with invaluable knowledge and experience about schools. This insight – combined with being a parent myself – has enabled me to support and place children in a wide range of schools."
VA Richardson, Co-Founder & Author, Workshop Teacher
Viv is an experienced writer, illustrator and teacher. He is the writer of the successful Windjammer Series of books (Bloomsbury Publishing). As well as writing and illustrating for Bloomsbury he has had stories published by Cambridge University Press, Doubleday, Heinemann (now part of the Pearson Group), Lerner USA, Fabbri Editori, Life Holland and Pocket Jeunesse. Viv is currently working on a new series of stories for children aged 11 plus.
Viv writes and produces the material for our booklets and exams, making them fun and interesting, guiding children through a fantastic learning journey.
"I believe good writing should be structured and to the point, but around that it should be lively, imaginative and, most of all, entertaining. I was fortunate to be given a very good grounding in grammar and this has helped enormously in my career as a writer. I now feel very fortunate to be able to pass on what I have learned over the years through Yellowbird."
Indi Richardson, Administrator
Having grown up with Yellowbird Education in her blood, Indi is the perfect person to lead parents through the Yellowbird process. Indi will help you with any questions or booking queries. She also teaches Handwriting at Yellowbird and is a hugely popular teacher in this area.
Josh Tyrrell, Administrator
Josh joined Yellowbird in 2021 and has become an integral part of the support team. Josh is always at hand to help with your bookings and questions in all areas of Yellowbird.
Kim Oosthuizen, Administrator
Kim completed her education in Cape Town, South Africa and moved to London In 1993. Her 23 years’ work experience comes from administration and executive assistant roles within the marketing, financial and residential real estate sectors. She has two school-aged daughters and understands the importance of finding the right schools when moving to the U.K. Having lived in SW6 for over 20 years, she is thrilled to join Janie and her team.
Charlotte Faber, School Search Consultant
Charlotte was educated at Heathfield School, Ascot, and then gained a BA in Modern History from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. She then achieved her PGCE from London South Bank University in 2008. Charlotte was Headmistress of the prestigious Garden House Girls’ School in London since 2013, where she worked since 2006. During her time as Head, her priority was helping each and every girl on their journey towards reaching her potential, achieving excellent academic results to both London Day and boarding schools, with a focus along the way on happiness and kindness. Charlotte is familiar with the early stages of education, and with the prep school world, especially the important transfer to secondary education at 11/13+ or, for some children, to a preparatory school at 7 or 8+.
Charlotte is a Governor at Heathfield School, Ascot, a girls’ 11-18 boarding and day school and at Conifers, Midhurst, a co-ed 3-13 prep school. She remains closely affiliated with IAPS through their mentoring for new heads scheme. She is an education and regulatory advisor for other educational agencies.