Sleep

Sleep is more than just a nightly ritual - it’s the foundation of our physical health, mental clarity, and emotional balance.

The New BeSophro App

Better Sleep Starts Here

Discover a toolkit of mindfulness techniques to calm your mind and reset your body for a better night’s sleep.

Try the BeSophro App

How Sophrology can help insomnia and help you sleep better

When sleep feels out of reach, it’s easy to feel frustrated or even hopeless. But the good news is that there’s a gentle, effective way to reset your relationship with sleep: Sophrology. This practice blends mindfulness, breathing exercises, and gentle movements to calm your mind and prepare your body for restful nights. It’s not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions but rather about tuning into your unique needs and creating a sustainable routine that promotes restorative sleep.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic insomnia or just looking for ways to improve your sleep quality, Sophrology offers practical tools that fit seamlessly into your daily life. From understanding how your body cycles through sleep to learning specific techniques that promote relaxation, this post covers it all.

How Sophrology can help insomnia and help you sleep better

How Sophrology can help insomnia and help you sleep better

When sleep feels out of reach, it’s easy to feel frustrated or even hopeless. But the good news is that there’s a gentle, effective way to reset your relationship with sleep: Sophrology. This practice blends mindfulness, breathing exercises, and gentle movements to calm your mind and prepare your body for restful nights. It’s not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions but rather about tuning into your unique needs and creating a sustainable routine that promotes restorative sleep.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic insomnia or just looking for ways to improve your sleep quality, Sophrology offers practical tools that fit seamlessly into your daily life. From understanding how your body cycles through sleep to learning specific techniques that promote relaxation, this post covers it all.

How Sophrology can help insomnia and help you sleep better

How Sophrology can help insomnia and help you sleep better

When sleep feels out of reach, it’s easy to feel frustrated or even hopeless. But the good news is that there’s a gentle, effective way to reset your relationship with sleep: Sophrology. This practice blends mindfulness, breathing exercises, and gentle movements to calm your mind and prepare your body for restful nights. It’s not about quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions but rather about tuning into your unique needs and creating a sustainable routine that promotes restorative sleep.

Whether you’re dealing with chronic insomnia or just looking for ways to improve your sleep quality, Sophrology offers practical tools that fit seamlessly into your daily life. From understanding how your body cycles through sleep to learning specific techniques that promote relaxation, this post covers it all.

How Sophrology can help insomnia and help you sleep better

How to stop thinking about scary things when trying to sleep

We’ve all had those nights where our minds just won’t switch off. Maybe it’s an upcoming deadline, a tough conversation, or even a scary movie you watched earlier. Whatever the trigger, those nighttime fears can create a cycle of worry and sleeplessness that feels impossible to break. But you don’t have to let those anxious thoughts take over.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through simple yet effective strategies to quiet your mind and create a sense of safety and calm at bedtime. From breathing exercises that ground you in the present to Sophrology techniques that guide you toward relaxation, these tools are designed to gently ease your worries and help you drift off. Here’s how to take control of your thoughts and get back to peaceful sleep.

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How to sleep after caffeine

We’ve all been there – grabbing that afternoon coffee to power through the day, only to regret it hours later when sleep feels impossible. Caffeine is a stimulant that can linger in your system for hours, making it tough for your body to relax and prepare for sleep. But don’t worry—there are ways to counteract its effects and find your way to restful slumber.

In this blog, we’ll delve into how caffeine impacts your nervous system and disrupts your natural sleep cycle. You’ll learn practical strategies like breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to calm your body and mind. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to balance your caffeine intake during the day so you can avoid sleepless nights in the future. Discover how to ease into sleep even after a late coffee here.

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The New BeSophro App

Struggling to sleep?

Discover a toolkit of mindfulness techniques to calm your mind and reset your body for a better night’s sleep.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your sleep, deal with stress or anxiety, transform your mindset or boost your overall well-being, our step-by-step programmes guide you back to your best self—at your own pace, on any device.

Try the BeSophro App

The importance of sleep for new mums

If you’re a new mum, you’re likely no stranger to sleep deprivation. Those first few months with a newborn can be both magical and exhausting, leaving you wondering if you’ll ever feel rested again. But while sleepless nights may seem like part of the deal, there are ways to care for both yourself and your baby to find moments of rest and recovery.

This blog takes a compassionate look at the unique sleep challenges faced by new mums, from interrupted sleep cycles to the physical and emotional toll of caring for a newborn. With practical tips like incorporating Sophrology into your routine and creating a soothing sleep environment, you’ll discover that even small changes can make a big difference. Let’s navigate the challenges of new motherhood and reclaim moments of rest together here.

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Is 3 hours of sleep enough?

We’ve all heard the myth that some people can thrive on just a few hours of sleep. But the reality is that chronic sleep deprivation can have serious consequences for your health, mood, and productivity. While you might be able to push through a day or two on minimal sleep, your body and mind need more to truly function at their best.

In this blog, we’ll break down why sleep is so vital and what happens when you don’t get enough. From the physical effects like weakened immunity and weight gain to the mental toll of stress and anxiety, you’ll see why those extra hours of rest are worth prioritising. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to gradually improve your sleep patterns and find balance. Let’s talk about why sleep matters and how you can make it a priority here.

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BeSophro: Your toolkit for a balanced life

We aim to support and empower as many people as we can through the issues of today’s demanding lifestyles using simple and accessible tools for body and mind.

We do this by offering different ways of support, through one on one, groups and corporate sessions. Our team also includes top scientists, to support our teachings rooted in science. Try one of our short online courses that specialise in tackling everyday issues such as stress & anxiety, sleep or mastering your mindset.

Ready to make better sleep the new normal?

Join our sleep-loving community to access practical tips and simple Sophrology tools that not only help you wake up feeling refreshed but also bring balance to your life, work, and relationships.

School Fees Planning

With the right strategy, giving your kids an independent education doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your family's standard of living.

Giving your child the opportunity to thrive in an independent school doesn’t have to mean compromising your family’s financial stability. With the right strategy, private education can be affordable without sacrificing the lifestyle you’ve worked hard to build.

Funding private education is one of the biggest financial commitments a family can face. Rising fees – especially with the recent introduction of 20% VAT – can feel overwhelming. But with early planning and expert advice, you can make confident financial decisions that balance your long-term goals with your child’s future.

Why it pays to plan

The majority of parents will pay school fees directly from their income, but this might not be the most efficient way of doing so – particularly if you’re putting more than one child through independent schooling. With expert guidance, you can explore more effective ways to manage fees, such as tax-efficient strategies or family contributions, reducing the financial strain on your household.

Working together, we can create a bespoke plan that reflects your unique circumstances, your budget, how you feel about risk, and your aspirations for your family’s future.

Start planning today to give your child the best possible start in life while safeguarding your family’s financial wellbeing.

Looking for expert school fees planning advice?

Our school fees specialists are experienced in working with all types of scenarios to help parents help their children gain the benefits of independent schooling.

How does a financial planner help with school fees planning?

Choosing a private education for your child is about more than money – it’s an emotional investment in their future. For many parents, it’s about creating opportunities for their child to thrive academically and personally. However, rising school fees make this a significant financial commitment that requires expert planning.

A financial planner will help you:

  • Why school fees planning is different from general financial planning.
  • How to make private education both achievable and sustainable.
  • Who can benefit from school fees planning—from new parents to those already feeling financial strain.
  • Practical tips for managing fees without compromising your family’s lifestyle.

Creating an affordable private school fee's plan

With VAT now applied to school fees, families face additional financial pressures when funding private education. However, by following practical strategies and being proactive in your planning, you can ensure your child’s education remains within reach without sacrificing your family’s financial wellbeing.

An ideal plan should include:

  • How to explore scholarships, bursaries, and grants to reduce costs.
  • Creative schooling options to balance quality education with affordability.
  • Tips on accessing resources within your family, such as contributions from grandparents.
  • Ideas for leveraging your assets or income to manage school fees.
  • How to work with a financial planner to create a personalised, tax-efficient strategy.

Amber River SFIA – Expert School Fees Planning

✅  Specialist School Fees Planning – Our expert team uses tailored financial tools to help you plan and save on school fees.

✅  Trusted Since 1952 – With over 70 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of families secure the education their children deserve.

✅  Personalised Advice – Every family’s situation is unique. Let us guide you with a plan that works for you.

📞  Talk to an expert today – Call: 01628 952 900 or

📩  Fill in the enquiry form, and a member of our team will call you back to arrange a meeting.

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Preparing for VAT on school fees

The removal of VAT exemption on independent school fees from January 2025 has significantly impacted the cost of private education, with fees rising by 20% overnight. For parents navigating these changes, preparing now is essential to manage the increased costs while maintaining financial stability.

Key VAT School fees considerations:

  • An overview of the VAT changes and how they impact school fees.
  • Key financial implications for families, especially those with multiple children in private education.
  • Steps parents can take to prepare, from family financial planning to budgeting adjustments.
  • The importance of seeking expert advice to make the right financial decisions.

Find out more in our guide: How Can I Prepare for VAT on School Fees?

What our clients say

Developing long term strategies to reduce school fees costs

Private education is a long-term commitment, and for many families, it’s driven by deeply emotional decisions. But with school fees now subject to VAT, it’s more important than ever to approach this commitment with a clear financial plan to avoid putting undue pressure on your household finances.

Strategies could include:

  • The real cost of private education, including extras like trips and uniforms.
  • Why early planning can make all the difference when funding school fees.
  • Long-term strategies to ensure private education is affordable, from cashflow forecasting to tailored financial planning.
  • How to protect your family’s lifestyle and financial security while covering the cost of school fees.

Case Studies

Here are some examples of how we’ve helped hundred of families manage the expense of private education.

Practical financial planning tips to help manage the school fees

Funding private education requires careful financial planning. Beyond tuition fees, there are countless extras that can add up quickly. With the right strategy, parents can ensure their children’s education is covered without compromising their financial goals.

What this article covers:

  • Why saving early is key to meeting the rising costs of private education.
  • How scholarships, bursaries, and support from grandparents can reduce the financial strain.
  • Tax-efficient saving options, including ISAs and Junior ISAs, to build a school fees fund.
  • How reviewing insurance and income protection ensures your plan is future-proof.
  • The value of professional advice when creating a school fees plan tailored to your family’s needs.

Find out more in the full article: Financial Planning Tips to Help Fund School Fees

Get Expert School Fees Advice Today

We’ve helped hundreds of families manage the cost of private education.

Speak to an expert today to discuss planning for school fees.

01628 952 900

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Fill in the enquiry form, and a member of our team will call you back to arrange a meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ask us if you have any questions relating to school fees planning and we’ll do our best to help. Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions:

The cost of private education is likely to be one of the largest financial commitments your family undertakes. Without proper planning, the expense can place undue strain on your finances and potentially jeopardise your child’s education.

By spreading the cost over time and incorporating effective tax planning, school fees planning not only makes private education more affordable but can also help protect and even grow your long-term wealth.

Seeking specialist advice ensures you can create a tailored plan to safeguard the continuity of your child’s education, even if unexpected changes, like illness or job loss, occur. With the right strategy, you could significantly reduce the cost of education – sometimes by 50% or more – while maintaining financial stability for your family.

Specialist school fees planning requires expertise beyond general financial advice. Amber River SFIA advisers are fully qualified and receive advanced training specifically in school fees planning. Unlike non-specialists, they have the knowledge and tools to forecast costs, identify savings opportunities, and develop strategies to minimise the financial impact of school fees. With their support, you’ll benefit from advice tailored to your family’s unique circumstances.

There are a variety of reasons why so many people choose Amber River SFIA, but in summary:

  • We specialise in school fees planning and have a network of experts throughout the UK
  • As independent financial advisers we offer unbiased advice and select products from the entire marketplace
  • We are a well-established organisation able to gain preferential rates for our clients

While exact savings will depend on your unique circumstances, it’s possible to significantly reduce the financial burden of school fees with careful long-term planning. Savings can be achieved by selecting the most effective investments, accessing equity in a tax-efficient way when needed, and implementing thoughtful tax planning strategies. With expert advice, you can make private education more affordable without compromising your family’s financial stability.

Yes, most independent schools offer scholarships and bursaries. Scholarships are often based on academic, music, art, or sporting excellence, while bursaries are means-tested and can cover part or all of the fees for eligible families.

Some schools offer discounts for paying fees in advance, often called “fee prepayment schemes.” These schemes allow you to lock in a fixed fee rate, which can provide savings, especially in a rising-cost environment. However, this should be considered carefully, as it requires a substantial upfront payment.

The removal of the VAT exemption from 1st January 2025 has increased fees by 20%. This change means families must account for a significant rise in costs, making financial planning more important than ever.

Yes, there are several tax-efficient strategies that can help reduce the cost of private education. While older covenant schemes have been abolished, there are still many opportunities to explore, such as:

  • Children’s annual income and capital gains tax allowances
  • Annual tax-free investment allowances, such as ISAs (up to £20,000 per year per parent)
  • Pensions, which can release funds tax-efficiently if you’re over the minimum pension age
  • Trust planning, including bare trusts to help grandparents or other family members contribute
  • HMRC-approved investment schemes
  • Re-assigning life policies or investment bonds to take advantage of different tax rules
  • Offsetting school fees against a personal mortgage for potential tax-free returns
  • Opportunities available through offshore investments

Each family’s circumstances are unique, so working with a financial advisor can help you identify the most effective tax-efficient strategies for your situation. With expert advice, you can reduce the financial impact of school fees while protecting your family’s long-term wealth.

If you haven’t built up enough funds in advance, the alternatives are to pay-as-you-go out of income or borrowings. A common solution is to release equity from your property to make school payments and plan to pay back the borrowing over a longer period. A School Fees Pension Plan will allow you to pay the borrowings out of you tax free lump sum and realise an increased income from your pension.

Grandparents can gift money towards school fees without triggering inheritance tax, using their annual gift allowance of £3,000 per person. Alternatively, they can set up a bare trust or other tax-efficient structures to contribute to school fees.

Planning for multiple children requires a long-term strategy that takes into account overlapping years of education. A financial planner can help create a cashflow model, identify savings opportunities, and ensure your plan is sustainable across multiple children’s school years.

It may be possible to set up an efficient draw down of capital secured against your property to spread the cost of school fees over a longer time period. You only pay interest on the money that is gradually withdrawn.

It is possible to apply for an insurance plan which will pay a monthly tax-free benefit in the event of death or diagnosis of a critical illness. The cost of this cover will depend on the level of the benefit, your age and state of health.

In addition to tuition fees, families should budget for extras such as uniforms, school trips, exam fees, extracurricular activities, sports equipment, and technology like laptops. These can add up to an additional 10–15% of the annual fee.

Unexpected events like job loss, illness, or divorce can affect your ability to pay school fees. Having a financial plan in place, along with appropriate protection like life insurance or income protection, can help safeguard your children’s education during challenging times.

Some schools offer occasional or ad-hoc boarding which means children stay the occasional night (or nights) on a one-off basis; this could help parents who may be considering a move to boarding for their children or who are going to be away for a short time and would find it advantageous to know their son or daughter can be well cared for on the school site.

For more information on boarding you might also find the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) website useful.

This depends on your family’s priorities and goals for your child. Many parents value smaller class sizes, better facilities, and broader extracurricular options. It’s a personal decision that should align with your financial ability and aspirations for your child’s future.

Get Your Free School Fees Planning Guide

Check out our in-depth guide to School Fees Financial Planning – Learn how to plan, save, and manage the cost of private education with expert insights.

Download Now – Enter your name and email, and we’ll send you a free copy of our essential School Fees Guide.

Worried about how to afford school fees?

We understand how important your child’s education is to you. Our friendly school fees specialists are here to listen, guide, and create a personalised plan that works for your family – so you can focus on your child’s future with confidence.

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