Over 550 schools have been surveyed and profiled so that parents can get an immediate impression of what it"s like and how it matches their children"s needs. The schools are listed alphabetically in the "Schools A-Z" and the "Special Features Index" lists them by county. "How To Go About It" demystifies the independent sector for the uninitiated, covering the assisted places scheme, boarding schools, careers, drugs, entrance exams and explains what the HMC actually is. Both authors have also written "The Student Book" and "The Careers Book".