What does Houseroom actually do that a free directory doesn't?+
Directories list schools. Houseroom tracks your admissions year in real time — every registration window, open day, assessment slot and offer deadline for your shortlist — and pings your phone before each one slips. On top of that you get an AI prep plan, fit scores against verified school data, and the application tracker that carries you through to offer day.
How does the AI prep plan generator work?+
Add a child, tell us their current year and target entry point. We generate a week-by-week prep plan: 11+ assessment dates, registration windows, mock-test cadence, open-day priorities, scholarship deadlines, parent admin. The plan adapts as you add schools or change priorities, and the tracker fires reminders against it.
How are matches and fit scores calculated?+
Every school carries a normalised profile across nine pillars (academic, pastoral, results, destinations, scholarships, value, breadth, location, ethos). Your child's profile is scored against each pillar with the weighting you set. Houseroom shows you the reason for every match — no black box.
Is the data really unbiased?+
Schools cannot pay to rank higher. We take no commission, run no ads, and refuse paid placement. Methodology and weightings are published. If a school disputes a fact we correct it from the primary source, not their marketing.
How does the 3-day free trial work?+
Full access to your chosen plan for 3 days. Add your children, run AI matches, build shortlists, switch on alerts, use the tracker and prep plan. Cancel before day three and you're not charged.
Is pricing per child or per family?+
Self-serve plans are per family — Pro tracks up to 2 children on one account, Concierge tracks up to 5. One subscription, however many children you're navigating admissions for.
Pro vs Concierge — what's actually different?+
Both plans get the full self-serve product: real-time deadline alerts on WhatsApp, SMS and email; AI prep plan; fit scores; unlimited matches; shortlist tracker; rich analytics. Pro covers up to 2 children. Concierge covers up to 5 children and adds the human layer — a 30-minute concierge call every month, anytime messaging, priority data corrections, concierge-led onboarding.
Can I switch plans?+
Anytime. Upgrade mid-cycle, you pay the pro-rated difference. Downgrade and you keep your current plan until the period ends. No re-onboarding.
What's the refund policy?+
14-day money-back on annual plans, no questions. Monthly plans cancel instantly and you keep access until the period ends.
Where is school-side pricing?+
Schools have their own pricing page — see /for-schools/pricing. This page is parents only.