Choosing a school for your child can feel like quite the challenge for parents, especially if its your first time and you’re not sure what to look out for. It’s a good idea to start preparing well in advance so that you have plenty of time to choose and apply to the school of your choosing. Fortunately, I have teamed up with an international school in London to share some advice and help the process feel less stressful.
Understand the Different Types of Schools
In the UK, there are many different types of schools to consider, such as:
- Public/state schools
- Private/independent schools
- Boarding schools
- Pre/Prep schools
- Single-sex schools
- Co-ed schools
It would be worth doing your research and finding out what each school provides and the pros and cons.
Look at School League Tables
League tables are a great place to start and can allow you to judge how well the schools are doing in your area, compared to the national average.
View Inspection Reports
The school’s latest inspection reports will help you understand more about the quality of education provided and the behaviour and attitudes of the students and staff.
Consider Your Priorities
To help you rule out some definite no’s, you will need to know what it is you’re actually looking for. For instance, would you like to send your school to an independent or state school? Single-sex or co-educational? On a suitable bus route? Near to your work? Does your child have any special educational needs that need to be catered to? Think about your priorities as a family.
Browse the Websites
You are sure to find plenty of information on the school’s website about things like their curriculum, their pastoral care policies, and their extra-curricular provisions. This should help you put together a shortlist of schools that you’d really like to visit.
Visit the Schools
Open events are great, but it would wise to visit the school on a regular day so that you can get a feel for what things are usually like. Whilst visiting the school, be sure to ask plenty of questions to make the most of the experience – you want to come away feeling like you know everything there is to know about the place. Here are some things to think about during your visit:
- Are the staff friendly and approachable?
- Do the students seem well-behaved and happy?
- Is student work showcased throughout the school?
- Are the facilities safe, clean, and modern?
- How big are the class sizes?
If you have any tips for choosing a school for your child we’d love you to share them with everyone below
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs, including Wannabe Princess and Under 5s. Specializing in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and early years development,