Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and a lot of thought and preparation will go into it. You’ll need to think about not just what type of school will suit your kids but also the practical aspects such as getting there every day and whether there’s wraparound care available. To help you make the right choice, read on for some tips from a co-educational prep school in London.
Personal values
You might want to make sure that whichever school you choose practises the same values and ethos as you, such as prioritising children’s happiness above everything else (as opposed to, for example, just their levels of achievement). You may also be interested in a particular teaching philosophy,
perhaps following on from the nursery your children attended or maybe even from your own education, and want your child’s school to follow it.
Size and facilities
Perhaps you like the thought of your child attending a large school with lots of different facilities and opportunities to try extra-curricular activities; conversely, you might think they’d do better in a smaller, more intimate school environment which is less overwhelming. This may depend on both what’s available in your local environment and your child’s individual personality.
Test results and Ofsted reports
Of course test results aren’t everything, but they’re useful to gauge how well kids progress at the school. Take a look at the latest Ofsted report and pay attention to any particular strengths or weaknesses that were highlighted, and consider how they would affect your children in particular. The school website might also have some recent test results you can take a look at.
Practicalities
The practical aspects of getting to and from the school will also play a part in your decision. Is it on an accessible and frequent public transport route if you don’t drive? Is there somewhere to park if you do drive? You may also want to think about how the start and finish times will suit you and whether there is an afterschool or breakfast club available.
Parental involvement
When visiting potential schools, ask what opportunities there are for parents to get involved in the school community, such as through volunteering or participating in the PTA. This could be an important factor for you if you like to involve yourself in your child’s learning.
Taking these points into consideration will help you choose the right school for your children and one where they’ll thrive both academically and personally.
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