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.  

The post Some Steps to Take When Choosing the Right Independent School appeared first on Best of Living.

Will your child pass the 11+ exams?

AE Tuition has been preparing children for the 11+ for over 30 years. Their structured courses help pupils build core skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics and English — key areas tested in grammar school entrance exams.

The Year 5 11+ (5-month intensive) course is taught in person at AE Tuition’s Slough centre and includes a 13-day Essential Maths module. Intensive summer courses are available both face-to-face and online via Zoom, offering flexible preparation options for different learners.

Visit aetuition.co.uk

Surfing, sailing and a first-class education for girls

Located in the heart of Cornwall, Truro High School offers a vibrant day and boarding experience for girls aged three to 18. Alongside strong academic performance and a broad curriculum, students enjoy over 80 extracurricular clubs — from engineering and motorsports to surfing and climbing.

Graded ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the school is known for balancing outstanding results with holistic development. With dedicated pathways for aspiring medics and STEM students, Truro High prepares girls for future success in a nurturing and ambitious environment.

Visit trurohigh.co.uk

A crafty way to inspire creative minds

Décopatch offers an easy-to-learn papercraft activity that encourages creativity across all ages. Simply tear or cut decorative papers and glue them to papier-mâché shapes — from dinosaurs and dragons to unicorns and superheroes — to create your own colourful keepsakes.

Mini kits come with everything needed to get started and are suitable for ages three and up. With over 200 paper designs and a huge range of shapes, Décopatch inspires fun, focus and imagination — ideal for schools, rainy days or family craft sessions.

Visit decopatch.com

Give your dyslexic child the schooling they deserve

Frewen College in East Sussex is one of the UK’s most experienced schools for children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), including dyslexia. It offers day and boarding education for pupils aged seven to 19, with small class sizes and specialist teaching throughout.

Every child is assessed individually, with tailored support plans, therapy access and technology to enhance learning. Recognised for outstanding learning support by the Independent Schools Association, Frewen helps children transform from underachieving to thriving — with progress that can exceed national expectations.

Visit frewencollege.co.uk

Professional development designed for piano teachers

The Piano Teachers’ Course UK (PTC) offers professional development tailored to piano educators at all stages. The programme helps teachers enhance their skills, grow their businesses and create more engaging, effective learning for students.

PTC graduates frequently go on to start their own music schools, gain teaching roles, and maintain long student waiting lists. With in-person and online options available, the course supports confident, motivated teaching and meaningful professional growth.

Visit pianoteacherscourse.org

Why more parents are choosing state boarding schools

Wymondham College is the UK’s largest state boarding school, offering a high-quality, affordable education in the Norfolk countryside. With free tuition and termly boarding from £4,700, it combines academic excellence with a vibrant, inclusive community.

The College offers over 70 extracurricular activities weekly, including sports, travel, debating and creative arts. Rated ‘Outstanding’ across all categories by Ofsted, Wymondham prepares students aged 9–18 for success — with a strong track record of offers from top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

Visit wymondhamcollege.org

Help MiSST give the gift of music to disadvantaged school pupils

The Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) provides key stage 3 pupils in underserved schools with free musical instruments, tuition and a classical music curriculum. Their research-informed programme is designed to boost musical skill, confidence and long-term aspiration.

Beyond classroom teaching, MiSST runs orchestras, choirs, residentials and nationwide concerts. By promoting inclusion and creativity, the charity helps students build supportive friendships and pathways to music and beyond — supporting teachers as well as pupils.

Visit misst.org.uk

Prep education’s radical traditionalists

Walhampton is a co-educational prep school for ages two to 13, located on a unique 100-acre site by the New Forest and Solent. Known for its “radical traditionalist” ethos, the school nurtures creativity, curiosity and resilience in a joyful, grounded community.

Full, weekly and flexi boarding begins at age seven, with a dedicated Walhampton Express train service to London. Children are supported to thrive — growing into thoughtful, prepared learners ready for whatever comes next.

Visit walhampton.com

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