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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.

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