This is a paid collaboration.
There is no denying that choosing a school for your child is an overwhelming experience, especially if its your first time. With so much to think about, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are league tables, inspection reports, parent testimonials, not to mention the location and facilities. Fortunately, I have teamed up with an independent school to share some advice…
What Are Your Priorities?
First of all, you need to think about what’s important to you as a family. Would you like to send your child to a single-sex school, where there are arguably less distractions and judgments, or a co-educational school which is more representative or real life? Do you have the budget for a private school, or will you be sending your child to a state school? Does your child have any special educational needs or a language barrier that need to be accommodated for? Once you understand your priorities, then you’ll be able to narrow down your search and rule out some options.
Does the School Align with Your Values?
By browsing various websites and visiting the schools in person, you should be able to gauge whether or not their values align with yours. For instance, is a holistic approach important to you, or does your child have any particular talents that you’d like them to be able to focus on throughout their education. For instance, if they are keen on performing arts, then perhaps a specialist performing arts school is the answer.
What are the Facilities Like?
When taking a tour of the school, be sure to pay attention to the facilities. Are they modern, clean, and safe? Can you see it as a place that your child will likely fit in and be in safe hands? Is there are nice playground for break time or contemporary sports facilities?
These are just a few of the things you should consider. It’s also worth looking into the curriculum and chatting to the staff and existing pupils to figure out whether it’s a welcoming environment. Don’t be afraid to chat to other parents to get some advice but be sure to remember that what’s right for one family might not be right for yours. Try and get your child involved as much as possible as well, as this will help them feel less anxious about the whole experience.
