How to choose the right school for your child

Take the tour, ask questions and do your homework in preparation for an open day…

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for their child, so how do you start?

Opportunity

These days offer the chance to really think about what your child needs and what will suit them best, so making the most of the occasion is essential. Schools spend a great deal of time preparing for these events, don’t leave wishing you’d asked more. Visit more than one, even if you think you’ve made your decision.

Prepare

Think beforehand what questions you’ll ask and what you want to know about the teaching, food, prep, sport and music lessons. What about exams? What is their mobile phone policy? Ask about support for the transition from primary. What SEN support do they provide?

Explore

Check out the various schools you’re considering. Have a look at their websites and ask questions of anyone else you know who’s child attends. Read up on their academic offering and achievements, extra curricular activities and pastoral care. Can you see inspection reports or check internet chat forums to see what’s being said?

Needs

Each child is an individual, with specific strengths, likes and dislikes, what suits one won’t necessarily be the best option for another. If your child has a strong passion for the arts will this school meet their needs?

Discover

Many schools offer tours, often hosted by pupils, quiz them to get a real feel for the place and an insight into what it’s really like day to day. Have a good look around, not just at the classrooms, for example, look at the pool if your child is a keen swimmer. Attend the head’s presentation, as the figurehead they’ll present the best impression of the school’s ethos.

Assess

Consider your options carefully after attending an open day. There are bound to be pros and cons of all those you visit. Involve your child in the decision-making process, after all they are the one who will be learning there for the next five / seven years.

Yes, it’s the one

You’ve weighed up all the options and made your decision and now it’s time to start getting ready. Perhaps there’s an entrance exam to work towards and an interview. Make sure you and your son or daughter are prepared for this.

Start of term

Finally after several months it’s time for your child to walk through the doors and start the next phase of their education!