Whatever age and stage of education your child has reached, planning
their next school can be a confusing and sometimes even daunting process. Dodging
the minefield of gossip at dinner parties can be tricky, not to mention
handling passionate advice from family members who are keen to relate their own
experiences. Below are a few tips from our education consultant team, gathered
through years of experience supporting parents with their future school choices.
Whatever your dilemma or concern, chances are we have heard it before and can
offer an independent perspective on how to move forward in the best interests
of your child as an individual.
Academic level
of the school MUST match that of your child. It should present them with challenge
to aim high, but be realistic.
Boarding
school pros and cons. It’s important to understand 21st Century boarding rather
than thinking boarding is still as it may have once been when you were at
school.
Curriculum
strengths differ on a school by school basis. For example in areas such as
Science, Sport, Music, Drama, Art. These need to match those of your child so
they will feel engaged and inspired.
Dyslexia or other
learning support. Does the school use teaching methods and styles to suit the
individual child’s needs?
Extra-curricular
opportunities which will match the talents and interests of your child.
Inspiring your child to try new things is an important part of an all-round education.
Full-boarding
should have a 7 day a week programme, particularly if you live overseas.
Guardianship
policy. Does this give you the reassurance that someone is looking out for your
child while you are overseas?
Head’s
philosophy of education and strong leadership is important. Do the school ethos
and values match yours?
Information
technology should be noticeable on a tour around the school. Is it gathering dust
or is it being used creatively to compliment work in the classroom?
Keep your
options open with the range of schools you short-list. On the other hand, try
not to visit too many or you will get confused.
Location in
relation to home must make school runs practical if day school is your
preference. Does the school have lessons and sport on a Saturday and how will
this integrate with your family life at home? If your child is boarding, would
they prefer a rural countryside campus or perhaps a school located in a town or
city? Do you need to be close to airports or train links?
Meet the Head
when you visit and ideally try to go on a normal school day when you can see
the school in action rather, than when it is on show, perhaps on an Open day.
Nurturing self
confidence and self-esteem vs. a more competitive, driven environment. Your
child’s personality must suit the environment for them to thrive.
Option blocks
for subject choices at GCSE and in the sixth form. Are some subjects
compulsory?
Parent portal
on the website. Does this provide easy access to information about your child and
what is happening at school day-to-day, to enable you to monitor their progress whilst at school,
especially if you live overseas.
Qualifications
offered for example 11+ CE, GCSE, IGCSE, A Levels, IB, EPQ. PreU
Reporting,
evaluation of effort and progress. How does the school ensure parents are kept
informed?
Single sex vs.
Co-ed and which suits your child?
Teachers’ specialisms
and classroom ‘feel’ and atmosphere. Does the school appear traditional or present
a more in-formal approach to learning?
Uniform
policy, colour and style. Is this worn in both the lower school and sixth form?
Visit the
schools at least two years before the September of entry. Places can fill up
quickly, so allow enough time to meet the criteria of what can sometimes be a
lengthy and competitive admissions process.
Wifi and the
use of ipads, laptops and smartphones. Technology is now a crucial part of education
for the future.
‘EX’eat and weekend policy in boarding
schools - how often will your child be permitted to come home and if you live
overseas how often will they need to stay with their guardian?
Your gut
feeling about which is the right school is the one that matters. Try to put aside
dinner party banter, family input and tradition or league tables. None of these
consider schools from the individual perspective of your child.
‘Zeek’ advice
from your current school Head, Housemaster or tutor. They know you and your
child well so can suggest schools which match your academic aspirations, as
well as the skills and interests of your child.
Do you need advice with
choosing the right school? Our team of education consultants can help.
Visit our website for
more information by clicking the link below.
Here is what our
clients say about us:
“I have been singing
your praises to anyone who would listen and will happily spread the word. I
wanted you to know that through all the oscillation, deliberation and concern,
my husband and I have gone back to your crystal clear words of wisdom. It
helped so much coming from someone with intelligence and experience on this
confounding subject and has helped us take this giant leap of faith. Thank you.
I believe we are finally on right path for our daughter.”
Call Claire on 01865 522066 or email consultants@independenteducationconsultants.co.uk
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