What Parents Look For When Choosing A School

Choosing a school Academic achievement, proximity.... but forget religion.

A survey of parents by The Good Schools Guide has revealed that parents’ top criteria in choosing a school for their child is its academic performance, followed by how close the school is to their home.

But that's not all...

Choosing A School - Thoughts For Parents

St Trinian's or St Paul's - how do you decide? What is your child really like? This is your starting point for finding a school to suit him/her rather than you. Having decided...

From Embryo To Eighteen - How To Survive The Education Highway

A lively look at education planning for children of all ages and their parents!Forethought to five 'Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; now I have six...

My Ideal School – Where Is It?

State school, faith school, grammar school, independent, London or country school...whatever your choice: Prior preparation and planning are essential if you are to find the ideal...

Free Schools - How Do You Choose?

Is someone near you putting together a Free School? It's a very tempting prospect: a school that is created by its community, that you can play a part in shaping,...

Independent V State School Education Subscribers Only

All those scary newspaper statistics about the long-term costs of keeping your child in nappies and birthday presents pale into insignificance when set beside the £100,000+ you’ll...

Sussing Out Independent Schools and Horses For Courses Subscribers Only

You've identified possible schools, now what? Every single reference book on schools indulges in advice on how to find and choose the perfect school. Lists of questions tend...

SEN Survey Response - Are Good SEN Schools Great For All?

We asked: ‘Is a school that does well for children with SEN likely to be good for other children too?’ The Great British Public said... Yes: 'Such a school will be...

Do Girls Do Better In Girls' Schools?

A study of Value Added scores by the Good Schools Guide shows girls really do learn better in girls’ schools than in co-ed ones. Yet co-ed schools thrive in areas where...

Questions To Ask When Visiting A School - Academic Matters

Will they enthuse, inspire, encourage? Don't rely on league tables - look beyond the headlines. Check-out our detailed analysis of results to uncover how well a school...

Questions To Ask When Visiting A School - Beyond the Classroom Subscribers Only

Will the extra activities hit the right note? Will you find a welcome on the mat, team-talk and an abundance of activities? Will the school give your child a sporting...

Questions To Ask The Staff When Visiting A School Subscribers Only

What matters is what is important to you. Avoid disaster by asking the right questions before you sign-up but... ask even half these questions and you will probably never be invited...

Visiting A School - Questions For Pupils Subscribers Only

If you get the chance, do chat to pupils; after-all they are the ones who really know what's happening both inside and outside of the classroom. Try not to ask leading questions...

Questions To Ask When Visiting A School - Financial Factors Subscribers Only

Money matters Increasingly it does... Most schools openly advertise their fees and are increasingly candid about added extras. Many schools offer bursaries to needy families and...