Choosing the right school: More than just a visit
By George Watson's College
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a parent.
It is a decision that goes far beyond academic results, facilities or a prospectus. You want to know that your child will be happy. That they will be encouraged to discover what they are capable of. That they will be known as an individual, supported when things are difficult and given the confidence to embrace every opportunity that comes their way.
You want to be able to picture your child thriving there.
It’s not enough to simply read about a school. You need to experience it.
Come and experience life at Watson’s.
At George Watson’s College, our purpose is to be the making of every child.
But what does that look and feel like in practice?
An Open Morning is one of the best ways to begin to discover the answer.
Our whole school October Open Morning gives prospective families the opportunity to experience the breadth of school life in one visit. You will explore our campus, meet teachers and pupils, see classrooms in action and discover the opportunities available across the school. Most importantly, you will get a strong sense of our school community.
Whether you are looking for your child to join us at Preschool or Senior School, having this whole school perspective lets you see how the different stages of education are connected, understand the journey your child could take and see the opportunities that will open up to them here as they grow.
Because education isn't just about what happens in a classroom.
Every day is an adventure in the classroom and beyond.
From sport, music, drama and the arts to technology, trips, activities and opportunities to develop leadership, confidence and resilience, our pupils discover interests and talents that they may not yet know they have.
Our Open Morning gives families a chance to see that breadth for themselves.
But one visit doesn’t tell you everything.
We also understand that every family is different, and that parents and children may want to explore a school in different ways.
Perhaps you want to see your child's potential classroom and understand what their day-to-day experience might look like. Your child may benefit from trying lesson or activity for themselves. Or perhaps you have very specific questions that are best answered through a quieter, more personal conversation.
That's why our programme of events goes beyond our whole school Open Morning.
Experience a Taster.
Our Junior and Senior School Taster events give prospective pupils the chance to experience Watson's for themselves.
For children joining our Junior School, the November Taster offers a hands-on introduction to life at Watson's, while parents can tour the campus and meet senior members of our school community.
For prospective Senior School pupils, the Senior School Taster gives children the opportunity to choose from subject-based activities and experience something of what learning at Watson's is really like.
There is something particularly powerful about allowing children to experience a school rather than simply being told about it.
They can ask questions, meet other pupils, try something new and begin to imagine themselves as part of the community.
And sometimes, their reaction tells you more than any prospectus ever could.
Take your time with a personal tour.
For some families, the best way to get to know Watson's is through an individual visit.
Our personal tours offer the opportunity to see the school in action, explore the spaces that matter to you and your family, meet members of our community and ask the questions that are most important to you.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a school, and there shouldn't be.
A personal tour allows you to focus on the things that matter most to your child and your family, whether that's the learning environment, pastoral care, co-curricular opportunities, facilities or simply getting a feel for the school.
A school should help your child discover what they can do.
We know that every child is different. Their interests are different. Their ambitions are different. Their personalities are different.
And that is exactly why getting to know a school matters.
Our programme of Open Mornings, Taster events, Stay and Play sessions and personal tours is designed to give families more than one way to experience Watson's.
Come and see us. Ask questions. Explore. Take part. Talk to our pupils and teachers. Let your child experience Watson's for themselves.
Because the right school isn't simply somewhere your child goes each day. It is somewhere they should feel they belong.
Our purpose is to be the making of every child.
