With the latest league tables released last week the question
arises once again, are these a useful tool to assist parents in choosing the
right school? My advice is to be wary of giving these more than a quick glance.
A league table ordering schools according to the percentage
attaining top grades doesn’t take into account whether or not the school is selective.
If there are 5 or 6 applicants per place, it would be very disappointing if students
didn’t attain excellent grades and hence top the league tables. As such, this
doesn’t seem to give parents a true reflection of the key attributes of any school,
selective or not.
For parents with bright children, this is of course an important
factor. However for parents with children of average academic ability, talents
in other areas or all-rounders, it is more important to compare academic attainment
of alumni against initial potential, as well as the quality of the value added curriculum
to build confidence, challenge and develop a whole range of skills.
I can’t help thinking that a league table listing schools
according to the percentage of alumni who secured employment upon leaving or post-university
might be of more use in the current climate. I was fascinated to hear from a school
Head last week that he does not consider his job done until every one of his
leavers has secured a job, even if they have been to university in-between. He
said, ‘What is any school for but to ensure its leavers have the right skills,
qualifications and confidence to secure a job?’
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