1. Academic excellence
Of course, you want your child to do well academically so one of the main things to look for is how the school does academically. Check the last Ofsted report and look to see what the school has done since the visit. However, If the school has strengths and weaknesses highlighted look at how they have improved on these. If your child has specific educational or special needs check how these will be addressed and the specific curriculum for their needs.
2. Visit the school
It's important for parents or guardians and the child visit the school they are considering to get a general feel for the place. Look at how the kids behave, do they treat others with respect? Check out the quality of resources and equipment. Speak to the teachers and the kids to get a feel for the environment. It is a happy place where children enjoy learning?
3. Preparation for work
Look at how the school prepare the child for the world of work. Do they have connections with local businesses, how do they organise work experience? How do they build self-confidence and soft skills like working with others that are valuable in the work environment?
4. Pastoral care
Are all faiths respected and is tolerance practised? If a child is not religious are those views respected as well? Respect is an important word and an equally important ethos in a school environment. Ask if there is an anti-bullying policy and what the measures are in place to address bullying. Does the school inspire the children to be the best they can be and have a clear moral code?
5. Extra-curricular activities
What extra-curricular activities do the school run? This can be a range of sports and fitness sessions, public speaking groups, I.T. sessions, Eco-clubs, day trips and field trips abroad for example. All these can help create a feeling of belonging, help raise confidence and self-esteem and are also fun! Many schools support schemes such as The Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme to give back to the community, raise awareness of charities and the environment and engage volunteers in learning life skills.
For more information, check out these tips by teachers on picking a school.
Let me know, what do you think is important when choosing a school?
*Collaborative post
Good points but the other swaying factor in our experience is where are the majority of your child's friends going. I think moving up with your peer group is a much less stressful experience when changing school - hopefully!
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