Choosing the right school for your children can be a nightmare. It goes without saying that we want them to have a good education, make friends and above all go somewhere where they enjoy learning – but what makes a good school? There’s more to picking a good school than simply choosing the one with the best grades and there are lots to take into consideration.

Here are some pointers to help parents currently searching for a school to send their children to.

Stay local

Unless you’re sending your children to a boarding school, the building needs to be close so that the school run isn’t a mission. You may have to physically drive them to school if it’s too far away, which could make getting to work difficult. Alternatively, you may have to pay for public transport. Some schools will have free bus services, however, this will still require living near a bus route. There’s always the option of moving closer to a school if you are dead set on your child going to a particular school, however, be aware that costs of housing near popular schools can often be more due to their location.

Do your online research

You can find out a lot of important information online such as exam performance tables and Ofsted reports. Visiting school websites can also give you an idea of what is on offer – many of the top schools will make it a priority to let you know their accolades on their web page. You should also consider the online press that a school may have. If it is largely positive, you know that it is an esteemed and popular school. If a lot of the press negative, it may be worth keeping a wide berth.

Cater to their needs

A school with good grades may not always be catered to your child’s needs. If your kid has a disability or has learning difficulties, you may want to look into the services that each school provides in this area. Some specialist schools may cater to one group such as the blind or deaf – these may provide more focused teaching methods. There are also schools that may specialise in a certain subject such as science or music or languages. If your child has a desire to follow a career in one of these areas, sending them to such a school could be beneficial.

Take a visit

Before choosing any school, you should always take advantage of the open days that are available. This may allow you to better understand how the school operates and what the atmosphere is like. Teachers and kids will generally be on their best behaviour, although by asking questions you may be able to get beneath the façade.

Ask questions

Anything that you are unsure about is worth asking about. The headteacher will generally be around to answer questions on visits, but you should try to quiz members of staff and students too as they won’t have such rehearsed answers. Don’t be afraid to ask the gritty questions: How long have you been here (to teachers)? What do you want to do after school (to students)?

*Collaborative post

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