In some instances, parents have relatively little say when it comes to choosing a school for their children. Parents who, for example, live in rural locations may find that their options are rather limited.
However, if you do have a choice of schools, then deciding which educational establishment your children will attend will undoubtedly be a matter of great concern. If you are currently facing this choice, then here are a few helpful tips that should help to ensure you can make the right choice for your child…
1) Think about geographical proximity
The school run is a fixture of modern life for those with younger children, so looking for schools with a close geographical proximity to your home will always be an important factor. Set a maximum distance from your home that you think will be manageable, then focus your search within these parameters. If your children are older, then distance is not necessarily as much of a factor, but it’s still helpful to set a maximum distance before you begin your search.
2) Look for recent inspection reports and reviews
School inspections are a great way to assess how a school has performed in the past, so check the ratings for the school you are considering. Ofsted ratings are available online and, if you are considering an independent school, check the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) also. As well as these reports, check The Good Schools Guide to see if any school you are considering is listed; not all are, but if there is a review, you’ll definitely want to read it and keep the contents in mind when making your decision.
3) Explore beyond educational standards
What a school can offer in terms of academic standards is just one part of the picture. Many well-regarded schools such as Leicester High go beyond the standard curriculum and focus on pastoral care and extra-curricular activities; learn more here if you wish to see what is on offer. Many parents find schools that seek to look beyond academic accomplishments alone are a preferable choice, as they offer life lessons and opportunities that their child will find useful throughout their life.
4) Check online reviews from parents
Checking online reviews is a standard part of most people’s habits when shopping for goods and services, but you can also find online reviews for schools – and a “parent’s eye view” can be hugely beneficial when it comes to making your final choice. You can usually find reviews directly from Google, or via the school’s own Facebook page. However, if you can’t find any reviews through these sources, then just Google the school’s name and add the word “forum” (so search “School Name forum”) – this can allow you to find any discussion of the school on parenting forums, which can be very helpful if no full reviews exist.
In conclusion
With the tips above, you should be able to narrow down your options and ensure that you can find a school that proves to be the perfect choice for your child.
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