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Choosing a school for your child is a massive responsibility for parents. The right school can make all the difference to his or her academic achievements and future career prospects.
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing a school. You will need to look into travel arrangements, school inspection results, facilities and much more. This research can feel overwhelming for parents, so it is best to start your school search as early as possible.
Here are some helpful tips from an independent school in Surrey to help you choose the right school for your child…
Recommendations
There may be several schools that are suitable for your child, so take your time to do your research and listen to recommendations. Once you have established a shortlist, you can then start looking into school league tables and Ofsted reports online. It also helps to look at school websites to learn about their individual curriculum and values. Most importantly speak to other parents about their personal experience with each school.
Travel
When searching for schools don’t forget to look into the practical aspects of school life. One of your biggest considerations should be your travel to and from school. Is there a bus that serves the school from your area? Or, if you plan to drive, is there sufficient parking available close to the school? You may also wish to share the journey with friends or neighbours who will be going to the same school.
Visiting
The best way to really find out what a school is like is by visiting. Try to book your visit on a normal school day. This will give you a better insight to daily life at the school, compared with an open evening, where the classrooms are empty. When visiting prospective schools it is important to consider how welcoming the staff and students are, how happy and engaged the students appear and if the school grounds feel clean and safe.
Happiness
When you are looking into potential school choices it is important to discuss them with your child and listen to their opinions. Find out what is most important to your child when it comes to their new school. Children are less likely to care about things like school inspection results and will usually be more interested in school facilities or staying with friends. Always put your child’s happiness at the top of your priorities when choosing a school.
