Navigating the School System: How to Choose the Best School for Your Child

Choosing the right school for your child can be one of the most important decisions you can make as a parent.

The decision will decide everything from the type of education your child receives to the opportunities they have access to. It can also influence the friends they have and the lifestyle they'll lead.

However, in today's world, there are various options available, including;

• State schools

• Selective or Grammar schools

• Independent schools

Each school is, of course, different, and with so many choices available, the process can be overwhelming.

Based on years of advising parents through the process of selecting a school for their child, I’d like to share with you the differences between these types of schools and offer tips to

help you decide which one is best for you and your child.

Differences Between Types of Schools

First, we must discuss the different school types available and what you can expect from each of them. We’ll then delve deeper into what to consider when choosing a school for your child.

State Schools

With there being over 380 state schools in the UK, these are the most commonly available options. They are funded by the government and are sometimes referred to as public schools. These schools are open to all children and do not require an entrance exam.

They have a reputation for being more inclusive, with a diverse range of students from different backgrounds, usually all living within a certain catchment of their local area.

However, the quality of education at state schools can vary dramatically depending on location and funding, which is why it's so important to do your research and visit the school in person if possible.

Selective or Grammar Schools

Selective or grammar schools are highly competitive and selective. Admission into these schools is based on academic ability, as determined by an entrance exam. As such, students must meet specific requirements to be offered a place.

These schools are known for their strong academic focus and high standards, and they often have a reputation for producing high-achieving students.

Independent Schools

Independent schools, also known as private schools, are not funded by the government and require tuition fees to be paid by each of their students. The majority of these schools will require your child to sit an entrance exam and on admission, parents can expect to pay an average of over £5,200 per term, with the highest of these charging upwards of £15,000 per term.

These schools often have a reputation for providing a more individualised and tailored education, with smaller class sizes and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

However, the financial implications of attending an independent school may mean that they are not an option for some parents.

How to Choose the Right School for Your Children

When deciding which type of school to apply to, there are several factors to consider. Using the factors below, I would advise you to make a list of ‘pros and cons’ when deciding which option to pursue.

Start with Your Child

First consider your child's academic abilities and interests. If they draw an interest in certain subjects, show creativity, or have a wide range of interests, a school with a broader curriculum may be more appropriate.

Budget

The costs of attending an independent school are not to be taken lightly. You must consider that if your child is to stay at this school from year 7-13 (7 years), the total cost can be immense. If this is not an option for you, a selective or grammar school may be a more suitable option.

However, it's important to understand that by not attending an independent school, it does not mean that you will receive a lower-quality education.

You need to think about what you want from the schooling experience and match yourself with a school that can provide that experience for a more appropriate cost, if any. There are many grammar and state schools that provide an exceptionally high quality of education. Likewise, there are independent schools that won't provide a supportive learning environment for some children.

Every child is different, and so you must consider your child's needs and learning styles and then make a decision. A price tag does not always correlate with better quality.

Location

Consider how your child will travel to/from the school. How far is it? How long is the commute? Will there be any logistical issues?

If you choose a school that requires your child to travel a further distance, you must ask yourself if the commute is sustainable for a minimum of 5 years, 7 if your child stays on for A-levels.

Another factor to consider is that many selective/grammar schools have a particular catchment area that they favour. Some applicants are often rejected because they live outside of these boundaries, whereas others move to be within an appropriate distance of their desired schools.

On the other hand, independent schools are likely to offer places irrespective of your distance from the school.

Extracurricular Activities

It is also important to consider the extracurricular activities offered by the schools you have a preference for. Extracurricular activities play an important role in a child's overall development, and it's important to find a school that caters to your child's interests. For example, if your child is interested in sports, look for a school with a strong athletic program. If your child is artistic, consider a school with a strong arts program.

It's also important to consider the balance between academics and extracurricular activities, as both are important for a well-rounded education and personal well-being.

Personal Factors

A hardworking child, passionate about learning, will succeed in any type of school, whereas a less enthusiastic child may struggle in the same environment.

While the quality of the school is important, it is also important to remember that the child themselves must be motivated to work hard.

Encouraging your child to take responsibility for their own education and to develop a strong work ethic will pave the way for success, no matter which school they attend.

Next Steps

Bearing all these points in mind, try to narrow down the schools you deem appropriate for your child.

You may wish to consider reading reviews and consulting parents of children who already attend the schools. However, you must be aware that each child’s experience will differ and their anecdotes may not be the same in your child’s case, regardless of whether they are positive or not.

Once you have your list, you must be proactive in the next step!

Visit the Schools

Visiting a school before applying is a vital and essential step in the decision-making process. Without seeing the school first-hand, it is difficult to accurately observe and judge the school, its atmosphere and experience, and its facilities.

By visiting the school, you can gain a deeper understanding of the school's culture, academic programs and extracurricular activities. This information is crucial in helping you make an informed decision about whether the school will suit your child.

Allocating time to visit a school can build your confidence and assurance that you are making the best decision for your child's education and future success.

Some of the benefits of visiting a school include the following:

Observing the school culture

Experience the school's atmosphere and culture. Will your child be comfortable, nurtured and empowered?

Meeting the teachers

Ask questions about their teaching style, curriculum, and expectations. Is the school's philosophy aligned with your own?

Seeing the facilities

Observe the facilities and resources available to students, including the library and athletic facilities, amongst others. Are the facilities what your child needs to succeed?

Observe the students

Interacting with the students at the school provides you with a sense of the school's community and the demeanour of students who attend. Will your child’s experience be positive and will they mould into a character that they’d be proud of?

Gathering information

There are often talks held at open evenings which allows parents to gather information about the school's ethos, academic and non-academic programmes and admission process. You may find out information which you couldn’t otherwise access.

Be sure to ask questions on your visit, whether you're attending an official open day or booking a private appointment. I’d advise making a list beforehand.

Summary

Deciding which school your child attends doesn't have to be a daunting or overwhelming experience.

Take your time to consider all the important criteria, both in terms of what the school is offering and what your child needs to succeed. Be proactive in making an informed decision that allows the best chance for success.

Above all, remember that regardless of which school your child attends, the most important thing is to support your child and encourage them to reach their full potential.

As we said, the quality of the school is only one part of the equation - the child themself must also be motivated in wanting to succeed.