Choosing Independent Schools

Things to take into consideration

The most important way you will find out about schools, however, is by visiting them. Most schools have open days for prospective parents, but try also to make an appointment to visit on a normal working day. We can help you with this.

Pastoral care: Do the arrangements for looking after your child's personal needs satisfy you?

Discipline: Is discipline stricter or more relaxed than you would expect?

Curriculum: Is it broad and balanced? Will your child have an adequate range of options?

The information you get on Independent Schools from this site is only the start. Once you have identified a Independent School or Independent Schools which interest you, you should contact them for a prospectus (you can do this by e-mail) or use a system like Emetis.com

The most important way you will find out about Independent Schools, however, is by visiting them. Most Independent Schools have open days for prospective parents, but try also to make an appointment to visit on a normal working day.

Amongst the important things you should look out for are:

• The pupils: How do they look and behave? Do you have a chance to speak to them yourself?

• The head: How does the head deal with your questions? Does he or she show an interest in YOUR child?

• The staff: How well are they qualified? Is there reasonable staff stability?

• Pastoral care: Do the arrangements for looking after your child's personal needs satisfy you?

• Discipline: Is discipline stricter or more relaxed than you would expect?

• Curriculum: Is it broad and balanced? Will your child have an adequate range of options?

• Exam results? Don't be tempted to go just for Independent Schools which are high in the "league tables".
• Exam performance reflects Independent Schools' academic policies and a high-flying Independent School might not suit your child's
• needs. Many Independent Schools admit pupils with a wide range of abilities.

• If you are expecting more individual attention for your child, make sure the classes are small. Independent Schools vary: in most prep Independent Schools, classes will be between 15-20, but in some senior day Independent Schools they may be as big as 30.

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