value for money from the massive investment of educating a child abroad.

And James Stevenson said proper guidance was vital to match a child to a school which will best meet their needs.

Mr. Stevenson said: "You might as well spend this money in an effective way as an ineffective way.

"Sending a child to a school because daddy went there or because people heard about it through friends is not the best way to do it.'' And he added: "It's vital to ensure children will be going to a school which will suit them -- and if there is something they need to do to make the most of the opportunity, they will have ample time to do it.'' Mr. Stevenson -- a regular visitor to Bermuda -- was speaking at the start of a ten-day visit to the Island to offer independent advice on education at UK boarding schools.

And on Monday, a special meeting will be held in Seasons in the Sun, Bermudiana Arcade, Hamilton, from 5 p.m. onwards for parents who want specialist advice on their children's future.

He will also visit schools across the Island to discuss educational issues.

Mr. Stevenson last visited Bermuda a year ago -- and saw 35 children, plus parents.

Out of those, about ten were placed in schools in Britain, from Prince Charles' old school, Gordonstoun in the north of Scotland, to Cheltenam in the south of England.

Mr. Stevenson said: "I think all the kids who have gone have been happy -- one of the advantages of good advice is that they were all placed in good schools which suit them -- not just one their parents had heard of.'' Mr. Stevenson has more than 18 years experience in the education field and boasts a wide knowledge of UK schools and other educational establishments to back up his advice.

He uses a battery of tests to assess youngsters including intelligence tests and wider personality and aptitude tests to ensure the best possible view of a child's abilities.

The tests can also pick up learning difficulties at an early stage and he is well-qualified to advise on remedial work.

He stressed he does not represent any specific school or further education establishment so he could offer impartial advice in the best interests parents and their children.

Mr. Stevenson can be contacted for private appointments by calling 292-8240.

REWARDING EFFORTS -- Governor Lord Waddington poses at Government House with recent UK recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh bronze and silver awards.