There are few things more important than your child’s education, and choosing an independent school is a time full of wonderful possibilities. After all, one of the benefits of the fee-paying system is that it allows parents to exercise choice and seek the highest standards – but with these superior facilities and specialised programmes comes a host of further factors to consider.
Begin with your child
Private schools’ independence mean they can offer a wider choice of subjects and opportunities compared to state schools, which of course, is thrilling. But it can be overwhelming, too. Start with the most important person in this process: your child. The very ethos of the independent sector is to do the best for each pupil, so taking the time to talk to your offspring about what they are hoping to gain from their school experience will prove invaluable. For example, is there a particular subject they hope to excel in? Discuss what they feel are their strengths and weaknesses are, what they like and dislike about the school environment. You may be surprised.
List the essentials
Once you have gained an idea of what your child is focussing on – and any concerns they have – you will need to draw up a list of your schooling essentials. These are the non-negotiables. If your child has any special educational needs, this will obviously be the most pressing part of your search, and websites like isbi provide excellent databases of suitable private SEND schools to consider. Location is another big one. If you plan to take your son or daughter to school each day, will the school-run be manageable? If they will be boarding, is the school somewhere you can get to easily?
List your preferred requirements
Once you have established what the school must have you can start to think about what you child would like to have, too. Areas to mull over include teaching philosophies and religious values and perhaps any specialised programmes or extracurricular activities that are important to your child. If your son or daughter has a special interest, look for a school that can nourish this. Also explore what A-level subjects are offered in the school’s sixth form, annual trips and student clubs as these can really sway your vote.
Do some research
The internet is king when looking for potential schools, so make full use of school-ranking websites like the Independent Schools Council and The Independent Schools Inspectorate, which allow you to search by criteria as well as giving you access to inspection reports, information on fees and average class size. Most parents go straight to a school’s results, but researching how many exams pupils will take and how progress is monitored is also vital. Thinking about each school’s reputation will help. Is the school famed for its academic excellence, artistic prowess or sporting successes? If the school’s values are in line with your own hopes and dreams for your son or daughter, they may very well be a contender.
Pay a visit
All schools offer open days and private visits, and by visiting a school – and talking to teachers and students – you will be able to establish an authentic ‘feel’ of the school. View examples of students’ work, witness interactions between staff and pupils and remember to involve your child in your visits from the start. A strong, inclusive sense of community will be particularly important to boarders who will spend most of their time on campus, so think of this as the school’s final interview. Ask any questions important to you and your child, such as what is the pastoral care provision? What are the leaver destinations? What kind of alumni do they have? No question is too small.
The deal breakers
Ultimately, academic achievement, strong extracurricular activities and a contentment in learning are the golden trilogy of a well-rounded education. These are the main factors which should inform your decision – and when you have found a school that ticks all your boxes, you can be rest assured that your child is on their way to a happy, successful future.
