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?
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?
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.
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