How To Find The ‘Right’ School In 4 Stages

The Compass School, Haddington

Feeling daunted at the prospect of choosing a school? Overwhelmed by the options? If so, it’s worth starting with 3 key questions:

1. What are my child’s needs?

2. What is feasible for our family? (distance, £? etc.)

3. What are our priorities?

Next, pick a few questions from each of the following categories. We hope this approach helps you find the best school for your child.

FACTS FIRST

• What is the headteacher’s track record/CV?

• What are the headteacher’s priorities?

• What is the headteacher’s vision for the school?

• What sort of child thrives here?

• What qualifications/experience do teachers typically

  have?

• How high is staff turnover?

• Which curriculum is used?

• What extracurricular opportunities/facilities are there?

• How many children attend the school? How will this

  impact my child?

• How many children are there in a literacy/numeracy

  class?

• What do children at this school achieve? (Not just

  academically)

• Where, exactly, do school leavers go?

• How does the school support children with additional

  needs?

• How are teaching assistants deployed?

• Are bursaries available? From what age?

• Are there school buses? From what age?

The Edinburgh Academy

LOOKING ROUND - ASK YOURSELF

• Do I find the headteacher personable?

• Do I feel comfortable?

• Do I like the vibe?

• Could I see my child here?

• Do the children seem relaxed?

• How do the staff treat the pupils (and vice versa)?

• Do the staff seem to know the pupils well?

• Do the staff seem happy and relaxed?

• Are most children courteous?

• Do the children seem engaged in class?

• Does the school seem well organised?

• Are classrooms bright and airy?

Cargilfield School

ASK CURRENT OR RECENT PUPILS

• At what age did you start the school?

• What do/did you love about your school?

• What are/were your favourite school meals?

• What sort of homework do/did you get?

• Do/did you win prizes for effort or good behaviour?

• What do/did you do during break times?

• What lessons do/did you enjoy most?

• What clubs do/did you enjoy?

• Are/were you in any sports teams/ orchestras etc.?

ASK CURRENT OR RECENT PARENTS

• Does/did your child enjoy school?

• Do/did you plan to keep your child at the school?

• What are the school’s strengths?

Note: The writer, a parent, has taught in more than 50 schools, both in the UK and abroad.