This is a collaborative post
Choosing a school for your child is undoubtedly a daunting experience for most parents. There’s a lot to consider and the decision can really impact the success and happiness of your child as they proceed on their academic journey. Fortunately, I have teamed up with an independent school in Buckinghamshire to share some advice, to help make the process a little easier for you.
Consider What’s Important to Your Family
Start by considering your priorities as a family when it comes to your child’s education. For example, would you like to send your child to an independent school or a government-funded school? Would you prefer your child attends a single-sex or a co-educational school? Does your child have any special educational needs or a language barrier that you need the school to cater to? Would you like the school to be within walking distance of your home or on a suitable bus route?
Once you understand some of the key things you are looking for from an establishment, it will be far easier for you to narrow down your search and put together an appropriate shortlist. Don’t forget to ask your child for their opinion, as they may be able to provide you with some insight that you might have otherwise overlooked.
Do Your Research
After establishing your key requirements, you can start to do some online research and put together a list of schools that you’d like to visit. Browse their websites and pay attention to things like their curriculum, the after school care provisions, the previous exam results, and their policies and procedures. Again, get your child involved, as showing them the websites and allowing them to see the building and the uniform might help them feel more excited.
Visit the Schools
Finally, be sure to pay various schools a visit, either on the open mornings or by arranging a private tour. During your visit, be sure to ask the staff plenty of questions and pay attention to the facilities. Are they clean and modern? Do they seem safe and secure? You’ll probably know as soon as you enter the front door whether or not your child is likely to fit in there, so visiting is certainly worth your time.