Hi Kooky
Thanks for the reply.
We haven't employed the services of an agent, no. To be honest, the whole process is expensive enough as it is, so for the sake of some additional research/time we opted not to.
I've had a look at some sample papers online and it looks fairly straightforward (I hope I don't regret that optimism in future!), but I just wanted to ensure that if we take the academic one it will be increase our points for the VISA application, should we be invited.
Unless I can find out otherwise, I think I'm going to go and book the academic one tomorrow!